Wellington: The cosmopolitan capital

An orderly city, Wellington is New Zealand’s political, cultural and shopping capital, set on a hillside in the south of the North Island. Attractions include heritage buildings, fine cultural institutions and museums, extensive public gardens and a vibrant city centre with trendy alfresco dining and excellent shopping. Outside the city is the East Harbour Regional Park, with its sheltered bays, views over Wellington Harbour and access to historic Pencarrow lighthouse. If you stay at the Mercure Hotel Wellington at the upper end of Willis Street, close to the city centre, you’ll be close to the Museum of New Zealand Te papa, Wellington Botanic Gardens, Museum of Wellington City and Sea, and Wellington Waterfront. Attractions outside the city include the East City Regional Park, and Karori Wildlife Park.