Wellington - New Zealand’s capital city

Alyona Bychuk

capital.
 Although not the largest city in New Zealand, Wellington is

famed for its lively down town cafés, shopping, nightlife and entertainment venues, and a dramatic harbour setting.

and steep surrounding hills, is New Zealand's 'creative capital'. The

city is home to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and national treasures such as the original Treaty of Waitangi - New Zealand’s founding document. 

Te Papa Tongarewa

is an internationally-famed nature reserve where visitors can mingle with

rare native birds.

Ika a Maui or ‘the head of Maui's fish’ which refers

to the story of how Aotearoa New Zealand was created.
During the next thousand years, different iwi (tribes) settled in the area including Ngai Tara who gave their name to Wellington harbour - Te Whanganui a Tara means ‘great harbour of Tara’.
In 1865 Wellington became the capital of New Zealand, and has been the centre of New Zealand government since then.

 Te Whanganui a Tara means ‘great harbour of Tara’.

including more than 300 cafés, bars and restaurants, and claims

more places to eat and drink per capita than New York.  For a sample of Wellington’s many flavours, guided food tours introduce visitors to gourmet food stores, coffee roasters, cafés and restaurants and hard-to-find destinations.
New Zealand makes all styles of wines. The wines attract a premium, and most consumers are happy to pay £6 and to enjoy it.

museums and art galleries, as well as a thriving theatre

and film scene. Annual large scale international events include the International Arts Festival, Wellington Sevens Rugby tournament, and World of WearableArt awards.
Wellington is the centre of New Zealand’s film industry. Often referred to as 'Wellywood', Wellington is the home of film director Peter Jackson and his production facility, and was a location for the Lord of the Rings trilogy and King Kong. 

a unique eco-attraction and haven for some of New Zealand’s

rarest native animals. It is also a shining example of Wellington's commitment to sustainability. 
In the early 1990s, Zealandia was a 250-hectare area of mixed vegetation, populated by introduced pests.