Travel Guide Wellington
It is the capital of New Zealand, although Auckland is the most populous city in the country. Located in the extreme south of the North Island, on the Pacific coast, Wellington is situated on the shores of the Cook Strait, which is subject to strong winds, hence its nickname of Windy Wellington. The political center of the country, Wellington is also characterized by an intense cultural life, particularly in terms of film production and theatrical creation, in addition to the two flagship events that are the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the National Ballet. Known for its lively nightlife and cultural cafes, Wellington is home to a famous waterfront promenade, sandy beaches and a busy harbor. The wooden houses with colorful facades on the surrounding hills add to the scenery and charm of this city with its steep streets. Wellington's famous tramway leaves from Lambton Quay to the Botanical Gardens. Wellington's must-see attractions include the Old Government Building, the National Film Library and Archives, the New Zealand Opera House, the National Library, the Katherine Mansfield Memorial, the Beehive, a stunning parliament building, the harbor and marina, and the vibrant Te Papa National Museum.
What to visit Wellington?
When to go to Wellington?
You should know that in New Zealand, and therefore in Wellington, the seasons are reversed. Summer is from November to January, while winter is from July to August. The peak tourist season in Wellington is between mid-December and the end of January. Hotels are overbooked and tourist spots are overrun. But Wellington is somewhat spared as tourists only stay one or two nights in the capital before exploring its two islands. In summer, tourists concentrate in the ski resorts of the South Island. The periods to be advised are however the pivotal months, i.e. February-March or October-November, which have a little less rainfall than the others, pleasant temperatures and as it is not the school vacations, less crowds on the sites of interest. And if you plan to do the Great Walk, a long hike that starts in Wellington, make arrangements in advance and register, the number of visitors is limited and the lodgings must be booked in advance. If you feel like it, in January you can enjoy the music festival at the botanical garden with concerts and light shows. In February and March there is the Fringe Festival, an open stage where everyone is invited to create a performance. The Wellington Jazz Festival takes place in June. The World of Wearable Arts Awards, an art and designer festival, showcases the latest and greatest New Zealand fashion design trends during the first 15 days of October. And, of course, the ITC Cup, the former Air New Zealand Cup, a rugby championship where the country's provincial teams compete.
Weather at the moment
Wellington has a tropical oceanic climate with mild winters and cool summers. Rainfall is abundant and distributed throughout the year and winds are frequent and violent. In Wellington, temperatures average between 30°C in summer and 10-15°C in winter.
The currency is the New Zealand Dollar. Wellington is an attractive capital city that remains affordable. Of course, you have to count with a plane ticket to the other side of the world, so at least 2 weeks of stay. But on the spot, you can manage to get by at a low price. You can stay for two for less than 300 € a week and have a meal for a dozen euros. A pint of beer in a bar is however more expensive than in France.
To travel to New Zealand, and therefore to Wellington, for a stay of up to three months, you must have a passport valid for three months after your return, an international credit card, a return air ticket, and a financial guarantee of at least NZD 1,000 (about € 570) for the duration of your stay. No visa is required for French nationals, but each traveler to Wellington must have an authorization that can be obtained online (€49.95) including the electronic travel authorization (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority or NZeTA) and the tourist and environmental protection tax.
It is recommended that you have a current diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccination (DTP), as well as a rubella-mumps-measles (MMR) vaccination for children. There is no particular health concern if you live in Wellington and the city has a good medical and hospital infrastructure. However, the usual hygiene and precautions for a traveler should be respected.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
Media
How to go to Wellington? Our advice & tips
There are many travel agencies offering trips to New Zealand. All of them include the discovery of Wellington. A stay in Wellington can be completed with excursions to the two islands thanks to the strategic position of the city and to the small surrounding islands. The trips are often culture-oriented. For film festivals, it is better to understand English, as the films will not be subtitled in French! Also tours around the Maori culture.
You arrive by numerous flights at Wellington International Airport located 5km from the city center. The capital of New Zealand is a very easy country to live in. You can organize your stay by booking online before your departure or on the spot at the last minute. Note however that very few sites are translated into French. On site, the New Zealanders are very helpful and will always find a way to help you.
Getting around Wellington is easy using public transportation. With a well-developed municipal bus network complemented by streetcars, a train that connects the main neighborhoods, a cable car that connects Victoria University to the Wellington Botanic Garden and a ferry that links Wellington to the surrounding islands.
There is also a network of suburban trains, consisting of five lines. If you want to get around the city on foot, you'd better be in shape!
