"We're the capital of New Zealand for a reason - Welly is the political, cultural and sporting epicentre of the country!"
Yes, Wellington is a political and cultural hub, but it's also one of the world's most picturesque cities, flanked by green hills and set around a majestic harbour.
It has a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.
With such a thriving arts scene, expect to see plenty of poets, musicians, writers and actors hanging out in the city's many cafes and bars.
Because of its position on the edge of the Cook Strait, Wellington is a gusty city. But while you might need to batten down the hatches in 'Windy Welly', the breezy nature of the place means there's virtually no air pollution.
There's a shoal of good fish and chip shops and Malaysian food is also popular. Expect to find superb but reasonably priced restaurants everywhere.
The actor Russell Crowe, the director of the Lord Of The Rings films Peter Jackson, and Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie from The Flight Of The Conchords are some of Wellington's most famous exports.
It has more cafes per head than New York.
"Locked in an age-old struggle for hip supremacy with Auckland, Welly prides itself on its cultural and artistic wealth." - Lonely Planet
Take a trip on the cable car and check out this lovely spot, which lays claim to more than 100 rose species and provides spectacular views of the city.
There's a public car park next to the Lady Norwood Rose Garden through the Centennial Entrance on Tinakori Road. Parking is also available along Glenmore Street.
Malayan sun bears, white-cheeked gibbons, red pandas and many more can be found at Wellington's fabulous zoo.
There's free on-site parking.
This national museum on the waterfront runs excellent exhibitions about local art, nature and history.
There's an on-site car park.
This area of forest and wetland just outside the city is home to more than 30 native bird species and can be explored on guided tours.
Use the on-site car park.
If the Lord Of The Rings films got you interested in kiwi cinema, visit the New Zealand Film Archive, which has a vast treasure trove of movies, videos and TV programmes from 1895 onwards.
There's parking on Taranaki Street.
If you fancy taking a dip in a tranquil river pool, hiking down a bush trail or checking out the setting for the elven outpost of Rivendell in the Lord Of The Rings movies, this is the place to visit.
It's 45 minutes north of Wellington. Head to the Wellington Urban Motorway and after two-and-a-half miles take Hutt Road for three miles.
Two hours from Wellington, this lovely national reserve is home to spectacular natural attractions such as the Putangirua Pinnacles, an ancient and bizarre rock formation.
It's roughly an hour's drive. Head east on the Wellington Urban Motorway for three-and-a-half miles, then take Hutt Road for three miles and Western Hutt Road for nine miles. Follow River Road for six miles, State Highway 2 for 16 miles and State Highway 53 for six miles.
If fishing, hunting or bird-watching are your thing, get yourself to these scenic wetlands on the banks of Lake Wairarapa.
Head east on the Wellington Urban Motorway. It's roughly an hour-and-a-quarter's drive.
This rugged mountain range boasts some of the most dramatic views you'll ever see.
Head east on the Wellington Urban Motorway for two-and-a-half miles, take Hutt Road for three miles and the Esplanade for one mile, then drive in the direction of Wainuiomata and follow Coast Road for five-and-a-half miles.
Take a trip on the cable car and check out this lovely spot, which lays claim to more than 100 rose species and provides spectacular views of the city.
There's a public car park next to the Lady Norwood Rose Garden through the Centennial Entrance on Tinakori Road. Parking is also available along Glenmore Street.
Malayan sun bears, white-cheeked gibbons, red pandas and many more can be found at Wellington's fabulous zoo.
There's free on-site parking.
This national museum on the waterfront runs excellent exhibitions about local art, nature and history.
There's an on-site car park.
This area of forest and wetland just outside the city is home to more than 30 native bird species and can be explored on guided tours.
Use the on-site car park.
If the Lord Of The Rings films got you interested in kiwi cinema, visit the New Zealand Film Archive, which has a vast treasure trove of movies, videos and TV programmes from 1895 onwards.
There's parking on Taranaki Street.