Wellington New Zealand, North Island

Found on the most southern bit of the North Island, Wellington is the bustling capital of New Zealand and acts as a gateway into both the North and South Island. Originally called ‘Te Upoko o Te Ika a Maui’ or ‘head of the fish’ in the Māori language, Wellington has a long history within the Māori culture. First visited by the prolific Polynesian explorer Kupe, Wellington has been known to the Polynesian people for centuries - some of New Zealand’s oldest recoded sites can be found on the southern shore of the Wellington area. The Wellington harbor itself has been host to many different tribes over the years.

This colorful history is noted especially in the art galleries and museums that line almost every block – literally. Wellington is a considerably small capital city, however, there are still over 3 dozen different galleries, museums, and theatres spread throughout the city. One of the more notable museums is the Te Papa Museum, a treasure trove of Māori heritage, art, culture, and artifacts. The history stretched far and wide, and the stories take you deeper into the Māori people. It is a definite must on any Wellington itinerary.

To round the trip off, you can also take some time to explore the bumping arts community through different annual events, try the traditional food scene in the many top-rated restaurants, or tour the iconic grounds of the Lord of The Ring Series. Whether you like to hike, shop, explore, or relax, Wellington has you covered in terms of entertainment, accommodations, and eats. Plus, its ideal location between the North and South Island makes it the perfect base for the rest of your exploration of Kiwi land.