New Zealand

Wellington is New Zealand’s vibrant capital city. Nestled between a stunning natural harbour and the forested hills of the Rimutaka and Tararua Ranges, Wellington is renowned for its arts and culture, proximity to nature and varied culinary experiences, perfectly complemented by the world class wines of the Wairarapa vineyards.

A fascinating and friendly city, Wellington is packed with cafes, bars, restaurants, galleries and museums, including Te Papa, the interactive and innovative National Museum, which vividly brings to life the story of the nation. This is an easy city to navigate on foot from the chic waterfront to the country’s iconic beehive parliament building, the bohemian quarter to the charming botanic gardens, best accessed via the historic cable car. Cheerful wooden homes are spread over hilly surrounds, which offer superb views over a sheltered harbour and provide an easily accessible venue for a whole host of outdoor leisure activities. There is also Zealandia: The Karori Sanctuary Experience less than 10 minutes from the city - a 225 hectare reserve which is home to some of New Zealand's rarest and most endangered wildlife including hihi - a beautiful bird the size of a sparrow, the little spotted kiwi, native forest parrots, the kaka as well as tuataras, lizard-like pre-historic reptiles. 

An hour’s drive north of the capital sits the Wairarapa, producing world-class Pinot Noir in its Martinborough vineyards as well as being home to the acclaimed Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre. Bounded by picturesque mountains to the west and a spectacular coastline to the east, visitors can enjoy outdoor pursuits, browse for antiques, taste some of the finest food and wine available anywhere in the country or simply soak up the rural landscape.

The Kapiti Coast, also dubbed the Nature Coast, is less than an hour from Wellington and is blessed with superb natural assets. Offshore, Kapiti Island provides one of the most easily accessible nature reserves in the country – a haven for rare and endangered birdlife.

Wellington

Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city and proud of it. The population is considerably smaller than that of Auckland, but it certainly matches the larger city for amenities. The city’s cheerful wooden homes are spread over its hilly surrounds, providing some of its residents with superb views over the sheltered harbour and an easily accessible venue for a whole host of outdoor leisure activities.

Good views of the city and harbour are available from the lookout at the top of Mt Victoria, or from the top cable car terminal. Very much part of the character of the city, the cable car is a must do attraction and links nicely with the Botanic Gardens and the Carter Observatory.

As you would expect from a modern city, Wellington is great for shopping and there is a strong café culture here as well as many bars and restaurants. The new, interactive museum, Te Papa is a major feature of the city and is located on the waterfront – itself pleasant to stroll along whilst pondering any number of dining experiences. The museum is testament to the country’s very proud heritage, both Maori and European.

Wellington is home to the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Royal New Zealand Ballet and the National Opera, as well as theatres, ensuring that there is no shortage of culture available at any given time.

Wairarapa

From its main town of Masterton, the Wairarapa region is bounded by the picturesque Rimutaka and Tararua ranges to the south and west and a spectacular Pacific Ocean coastline to the east.

Wairarapa is a mecca for visitors with varied interests - whether it be outdoor pursuits, browsing for antiques, enjoying some of the finest food and wine available anywhere in the country or simply soaking up the spectacular landscape. Its smaller settlements have unique individual charm and feature many shops selling distinctly local products. The vineyards of the South Wairarapa are world-renowned yet still offer top-range wines at affordable prices to the discerning visitor.

Centrally situated, Greytown manages to distil the very best of the region into a delightful compact package with beautiful boutique shops featuring fantastic art and craft items and quaint cafes.

We offer a variety of itineraries which take in this region. Find out more »