Travel to Wellington with essential travel insurance from Essential Travel

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Information on Wellington with annaul travel insurance from Essential Travel

Travel to Wellington

Wellington is New Zealands capital city and has a charming location around a broad bay on the southern tip of the North Island. It is smaller than and not as busy as Auckland, but is a good place to relax and take in the culture and entertainment on offer.

Getting there

Wellington International Airport is eight kilometres southeast of the city and the quickest route into the city goes through Mount Victoria via a two-lane tunnel. The Super Shuttle operates between the airport, the city, and the railway station on weekdays, while the Stagecoach Flyer goes to the city centre and then on to Waterloo Interchange in Lower Hutt.

By road, Wellington is reached via highways 1 and 2. Its 195kms (two hours) from Wanganui; 460kms (four to five hours) from Rotorua; and 655kms (seven to eight hours) from Auckland. There are also many daily ferries from Picton on the South Island, just across the cook straight.

Key attractions

The highlight of Wellington is Te Papa Tongarewa (The Museum of New Zealand), which is one of the largest national museums in the world and will provide hours of education and entertainment. It mixes interactive technology with stunning world-class displays that tell the story of New Zealand. Simulators take visitors back in time to the formation of New Zealand and the prehistoric landscape, and you can even try virtual-reality bungee jumping, shear a sheep, or ride on the back of a whale.

The City Gallery Wellington has excellent displays of painting, sculpture, film and video, as well as industrial and graphic design and architecture. Alternatively, the Dowse Art Museum has a fine collection of New Zealand craft art, including ceramics, jewellery, glass, textiles and much more.

Mount Victoria sits behind the CBD, and can be ascended by way of antique funicular. A botanical garden covers most of this hill and the modest summit affords visitors excellent views of the bay. Oriental bay, on the far side of the city is the best place for an ocean side stroll or cycle/rollerblade.

Out and about

Wanganui is 193kms north of Wellington and has a scenic location on the Whanganui River, the longest navigable waterway in the country. The river flows through beautiful Whanganui National Park, most of which is accessible only by boat or on foot. A highlight of the town is Whanganui Regional Museum, which is touted as New Zealands finest provincial museum, housing rare collections of Maori canoes, artefacts and moa bones.

Leisure options

the Courtenay Place neighbourhood has one of the best bar, café, and restaurant scenes in New Zealand. Galleries, theatres and shops abound in Wellington, leaving you with plenty to do in your spare time. Additionally, Wellington hosts the largest performing-arts festival in the country, and is home to the National Orchestra and Opera, the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and four professional theatre companies.

Safety

be alert for pickpockets when visiting Wellington, especially at night around the busy bar areas. Tourists are always more susceptible when in an unfamiliar environment. Driving is also a potential hazard and travellers should remain vigilant. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for you and your family.

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