Surrounded by beautiful green hills and a sparkly blue harbour, Wellington is a compact city with a big heart. Aotearoa’s coolest little capital is fuelled by creative energy with a powerful mix of culture, history, nature, and cuisine.

It’s not hard to see how Wellington got the title of New Zealand’s culinary capital. Home to it’s fair share of award-winning eateries and bars, colourful markets and food trucks, there is no shortage of food options available. The capital is also home to the biggest food festival, Visa Wellington On a Plate.

To compliment your meal, why not try one of the many craft beer options available or visit Upper Hutt’s Brewtown, a must-try for all craft beer lovers.

If you’re in need of a coffee after all the food, Wellingtonians are fuelled by a love of strong coffee, and in a city with the most café’s and roasteries per capita, you won’t have a hard time finding a good flat white.

Make sure you find some time to check out the some of the art that has turned Wellington into the cultural location that it is. Wander through the hidden laneways to discover unique street art and follow the sculpture walks along Wellington Harbour. Experience world-class museums and galleries at Te Papa, City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi, and the Wellington Museum.

Be transported out of your every day by incredible live events and performing arts. Wellington hosts the annual World of WearableArt Show, bringing in entries from all over the world.

For the musically minded, Wellington’s Jazz Festival fills the capital’s venues and bars with live music each winter, and Jim Beam Homegrown showcases New Zealand’s musical talent on the waterfront each summer. The Royal New Zealand Ballet and New Zealand Symphony Orchestra call the capital home too.

If movies are what you’re into, make time to get behind the scenes and learn the secrets of moviemaking on a Wētā Workshop Experience Tour.

Make time to travel just out of the city centre to experience what else is on offer.

With nature quite literally on Wellington’s doorstep, it’s easy to have a nature experience that you’ll never forget, take a visit to the Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne ecosanctuary - named one of the 100 greatest places on earth by Time Magazine in 2019.

Get out on a walk or run, or cycle along one of Wellington’s regional trails, the Remutaka Cycle Trail is one for your bucket list.

On the other side of the Remutaka’s you’ll find Martinborough, a boutique-wine making village that is easy to explore by bike or foot, and famous for its Pinot Noir.

On Wellington’s other coast, experience Kapiti Island, a world-renowned nature reserve full of Māori history, where you may be lucky enough to spot a Kiwi.