Skål Wellington was the first club in the South Pacific constituted in 1957

Wellington Te Whanganui-a-Tara or Pōneke is the capital of New Zealand. Surrounded by hills and sparkling harbour it is a little city with a big heart, fuelled by creative energy with a powerful mix of culture, history, nature and cuisine. Wellington’s population was 212,000 in June 2022.

Known as the culinary capital, Wellington has more than its fair share of award-winning eateries, plus colourful markets and food trucks. It is home to New Zealand’s biggest food festival Visa Wellington On a Plate and Beervana, an annual celebration of craft beer. Fuelled by strong coffee you’ll find cafés and local roasteries everywhere. Petone’s Jackson Street is a culinary destination where you can eat your way around the world. Upper Hutt’s Brewtown is a must-visit for all craft beer lovers.Up the road, Martinborough is a wine-making village easily explored by bike or walk between the famous pinot noir vineyards.

Discover hidden laneways with street art and follow the sculpture walks along the waterfront. Experience world-class museums – Te Papa is a must-visit, but also include The Dowse and Wellington Museum. Learn the secrets of movie-making in ’‘Wellywood’ on a Studio Tour at Wētā Workshop.

Wellington is home to the annual World of WearableArt (WOW) Award Show, plus the Royal New Zealand Ballet and New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. CubaDupa is a street party in honour of Wellington’s best-known and most colourful street, Cuba Street. Every second year, the New Zealand Festival of the Arts brings a unique and compelling international mix of performing arts, music and literary events to the city. Wellington Jazz Festival fills capital venues and craft beer bars with live soulful music. Homegrown is a music festival held on Wellington’s waterfront at the end of summer.

Named by Time magazine in their 2019 list of the 100 greatest places on earth, Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne ecosanctuary is a must-visit. Finally jump on board the Ika Rere (Flying Fish), the southern hemisphere’s first fully electric ferry to really appreciate that sparkling harbour that is our home.