The capital of New Zealand (the world's most southerly capital), located at the southern tip of the North Island, enjoys a beautiful natural setting, nestled as it is between a beautiful harbour and rolling green hills.

The Polynesian explorer Kupe is credited with the initial discovery of Wellington Harbour, which he named Te Whanganui a Tara (the Great Harbour of Tara) after his son. From Maori tradition, it is estimated he arrived with his followers around the 10th century, and people have lived here since Kupe's discovery.

This dynamic city is not only the political capital of the country, but also (as most Wellingtonians will proudly tell you) its arts and culture capital, and here you will discover the country's heritage, which is present everywhere, from the many historic buildings downtown to the Parliament Buildings themselves to Te Papa, the national museum, one of the jewels in New Zealand's crown and one that dominates the city's skyline on the waterfront.

Add to this good shopping, plenty of cafes and restaurants (Wellington is fast becoming a gourmet Mecca), plenty of festivals and events throughout the year, and you have a city that's a destination in its own right.

Small in size, but bursting with attractions, Wellington, is an ideal destination any time of year. The city has a reputation for being windy (it is after all the only capital in the ‘Roaring Forties' latitudes), but it enjoys more than 2,060 hours of sunshine per year. The warmest months are in summer (January to March).