Top Reasons to Go to Wellington and the Wairarapa

Arts and Culture: The national symphony, ballet, and opera are based here. And the biennial New Zealand International Arts Festival offers a wide program of drama, music, dance, plus other arts events.

A Wealth of Wineries: Spend a day or two wine tasting your way through the Wairarapa, home to more than 30 vineyards.

Eclectic Cuisine: The great variety of Wellington's restaurants allows you to sample foods from dozens of cuisines, while also enjoying plenty of down-to-earth Kiwi fare.

Ferry Tales: Wellington is the North Island terminal for the ferry crossing to the South Island. In good weather, this is undoubtedly one of the world's finest boating experiences.

The Waterfront: Meandering along Wellington's waterfront is a great way to spend a day. You can visit both the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and the Wellington Museum for free.