Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city and the third most populated area in the country. The city is on the south west of the North Island and settlement began in 1839. In 1841 it became the capital of New Zealand, replacing Auckland.
The city is famous for its Central Business District where over 62,000 people work. The city’s cultural and nightlife venues are concentrated in the Courtenay Place, which is in the south of the Central Business District.
Wellington has huge art, nightlife and café cultures and is also the hub for film and theatre in the country. Te Papa Tongarewa (the Museum of New Zealand), the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Royal New Zealand Ballet and the New Zealand International Arts Festival are all based in Wellington.
The transport network is extensive and includes bus and railway networks. Ferries operate from Cook Strait to Picton, Eastbourne, Seatoun and Petone. Wellington International Airport is 6 kilometres south east of Wellington.
