The coolest little capital in the world, Wellington

Called the world’s "coolest little capital" Wellington is known for its vibrant arts scene, world-class café and restaurant culture, and active outdoor lifestyle. An easily walkable downtown area is set around a sparkling harbour and waterfront precinct, and the city is neighboured by two of New Zealand’s finest wine regions. Also identified as New Zealand’s cultural hub, Wellington is a city where talented buskers line the streets and barely a night goes by without a performance to attend.

The BBC and Vogue Magazine are big fans of the city, with the BBC naming Wellington one of the "hottest cities" to visit in 2015, and Vogue reporting that Wellington has become "a locavore’s dream" thanks to the coffee, food, and cocktail scenes. A creative, cosmopolitan city, Wellington combines the sophistication of a capital with the warmth and personality of a village.

Wellington is home to a number of world-class tourism attractions. From exploring the world of film making, to walking among New Zealand’s rarest wildlife. Some of the most popular include:

Wellington Cable Car

One of Wellington's most popular tourist attractions, the Wellington Cable Car runs from Lambton Quay in the commercial heart of the city and emerges at the top of the Wellington Botanic Garden for a stunning view of the capital. In 2012 the cable car celebrated 110 years of service to the City of Wellington. During the night, be dazzled by light shows which depict famous Wellington events in the tunnels.

Website: www.wellingtoncablecar.co.nz

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Visit Te Papa and experience New Zealand in one building at this bold and innovative museum. Te Papa is New Zealand's national museum, where you can explore the great stories of this fascinating land and the people who live there. The past, present and future are exhibited in provocative, challenging and entertaining ways.

Website: www.tepapa.govt.nz

Seal Coast Safari

A Seal Coast Safari is an adventure of discovery. Drive for 20 rugged kilometres along the beach, over rocks, around the bays and headlands, with the ocean lapping the ‘seal mobiles’. Visit a colony of New Zealand fur seals and walk amongst them, or just observe them and enjoy their native habitat, the crashing waves and the famous Leaning Lighthouse of Wellington.

Website: www.sealcoast.com

Weta Cave

Gain an exclusive insight into the creativity and imagination that goes into crafting the art of Weta. Come face to face with some of the characters, props and costumes from The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, King Kong and more. Join a guided Weta Cave Workshop Tour for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Weta Workshop, and see Weta artists and technicians at work. Guided by a member of the workshop crew, the movie making magic will be revealed.

Website: www.wetanz.com/cave

Zealandia: The Karori Sanctuary Experience

Just minutes from central Wellington, step into a nature lover's paradise and groundbreaking restoration project at the award-winning Zealandia eco-attraction. See some of New Zealand's rarest birds, reptiles and insects living wild in their natural environment in The Sanctuary Valley. Visitors can also step back 1,000 years to the 'day before humans arrived' in The Exhibition, and discover Zealandia’s story, 80 million years in the making. Take the Zealandia by Night tour for your best chance of seeing the infamous nocturnal Kiwi.

Website: www.visitzealandia.com