New Zealand
Wellington
Region
The region at the southern tip of the North Island stretches from the capital through the Hutt Valley and the Kāpiti Coast to the Wairarapa with its wineries. For most travellers, Wellington is the hub between the North and South Islands.
by Felix Gillen
The region at the southern tip of the North Island stretches from the capital through the Hutt Valley and the Kāpiti Coast to the Wairarapa with its wineries. For most travellers, Wellington is the hub between the North and South Islands.
Wellington itself is compact and easily explored in two to three days. Northwest lies the Kāpiti Coast with long beaches and the offshore nature reserve island Kāpiti Island, which you only visit with a permit and boat transfer. Crossing the Remutaka Mountains, you'll reach the Wairarapa, where Pinot Noir is grown around Martinborough. To the very south is Cape Palliser with a lighthouse and seal colony.
More places in Wellington
New Zealand's capital lies tightly squeezed between hills and the natural harbor Te Whanganui-a-Tara at the southern tip of the North Island. The center is compact and you can reach most destinations on foot: Te Papa on the waterfront promenade, the cafés and bars around Cuba Street, Parliament in Thorndon and the Cable Car up to the Botanic Garden.
Culture
The region is politically and culturally marked by the capital, with Parliament, National Museum and film industry. Outside the city, it quickly becomes rural: The Wairarapa thrives on sheep farming and wine, while the Kāpiti Coast is home to many commuters.
Exploring on site
Metlink trains run from Wellington Station to the Hutt Valley, Kāpiti Coast, and Masterton in the Wairarapa. For Martinborough and Cape Palliser, you need a car. The road over Remutaka Hill is winding. Ferries to Picton depart from Wellington.
