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    Tourist Attractions in Wellington

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Wellington. Photos and a brief description.

    Wellington
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    About Wellington

    The capital of New Zealand is located on the slopes of mountains descending to the sea, along the shores of picturesque bays. The most beautiful panorama opens from Mount Victoria and the hills of the suburb of Kelburn, which can be reached by funicular. There is a wonderful Botanical Garden on the top. Also, exotic flora and fauna of the region can be observed on the territory of several nature reserves and about a hundred parks in the city and its surroundings.

    Among the interesting architectural structures of Wellington are the ancient Church of St. Paul, the memorial complex in honor of the polar explorer Byrd, the parliamentary building “Beehive”, the world’s largest wooden building resembling an Italian palace. The city museums introduce the culture and life of the indigenous Maori people. Moviegoers will like a tour of the filming locations of the famous film “The Lord of the Rings”.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Wellington

    Hive

    The original form of the building in the style of modernism really resembles an English straw bee hive. The building has 4 underground and 10 aboveground floors, the height is 72 meters. The official opening took place in 1977. Currently, the "Beehive" is part of the parliamentary complex of buildings, it houses the ministries of the country, the office of the Prime Minister. It is considered one of the most iconic structures in the capital, its image can be seen on the New Zealand 20-dollar banknote.

    Hive
    Wellington Cable Car

    Wellington Cable Car

    The date of foundation is 1902. Connects the embankment of the capital with the central suburb of Kelburn, located on a hill. The length of the route is 612 meters. The maximum height is 120 meters. Travel time is about 5 minutes. In the 70s, the old booths were replaced. Currently, there are two red trailers with large windows and wooden seats. The maximum capacity of each is 100 people. The museum of the history of the cable car is open at the top stop.

    Mount Victoria

    It is located to the east of the center of the capital, has a height of 196 meters. The best observation deck in the city with a 360° view. Just below is a memorial to the American pilot R. Byrd, who made the first flight across the South Pole from a base in New Zealand. The mountain can be reached by several hiking trails or by bus. Benches are installed everywhere. It is always very windy at the top, even on warm days, so it is recommended to take warm clothes.

    Mount Victoria
    Cuba Street

    Cuba Street

    The most famous street in Wellington. After the tram rails were removed from it in 1969, it turned into the main pedestrian artery of the capital. Since 1995, it has been recognized as an object of historical value. Today the street is filled with boutiques, bars, cafes, art galleries. The northern part of it is given to commercial organizations. It is considered an art center, street artists, musicians, photographers demonstrate their talents here. The venue of the annual carnival.

    Te Ngakau Town Square

    The Wellington Cultural Center is centered around this square. There is a magnificent town hall building, where not only government meetings are held, but also concerts, charity evenings, etc., the city library, the art gallery, the National Museum, the M. Fowler Concert hall. The square was created in 1991 and was called the Civic Square. It was renamed Te Ngakau in 2018, in the Maori language it means "heart".

    Te Ngakau Town Square
    Te Papa-Tongareva

    Te Papa-Tongareva

    The museum, whose name translates as "the collection of the riches of this land", was created in the 90s in order to preserve the heritage of New Zealand. The thematic variety of expositions located on 6 floors is impressive. There is an archaeological collection of fossils, a collection of marine and terrestrial fauna, a herbarium of 250 thousand dried plants. As well as exhibitions dedicated to the life and culture of Maori, the history of the development of the country, the filming of the Lord of the Rings.

    The Weta Cave

    An entertaining museum of the Weta Workshop company, which has been creating makeup and costumes since 1987, and special effects for various films and television since 1993. The company gained worldwide fame after the release of The Lord of the Rings by P. Jackson. Costumes, armor, weapons, creatures, special effects are the result of the work of Weta Workshop. Other famous films include "Avatar", "The Adventures of Tintin", "The Hobbit", "Van Helsing", "I, Robot" and others.

    The Weta Cave
    Wellington City Gallery

    Wellington City Gallery

    It was established in 1980. Since 1993, it has been located in an Art Deco building on the territory of the Civic Soir Park. It does not have its own permanent exhibition. There are exhibitions of paintings united by one theme, as well as solo exhibitions of New Zealand and foreign artists. After reconstruction in 2009, a new hall was opened in the museum building to showcase the works of art of the indigenous Maori people, as well as an auditorium for lectures and seminars.

    Wellington Museum

    It was founded in 1972 as a maritime museum. Over time, the theme has expanded, and today part of the expositions is devoted to maritime history, and the other part is devoted to the history and culture of the city and the country. Thematic exhibitions are decorated in multimedia galleries. They tell about the inhabitants of Maori and the first European settlers, the Anglo-Boer War, the life of Wellington 100 years ago, seafarers and their discoveries, the wreck of the Wahine ferry at the entrance to the city harbor in 1968, etc.

    Wellington Museum
    Government House

    Government House

    The historic two–storey building is located in the Wellington suburb of Newtown. It was built at the beginning of the last century. Residence of the Governor-General of the country. It occupies an area of 4200 m2. The interior is decorated with marble fireplaces, oak panels, bronze lamps, carpets, parquet floors, a collection of New Zealand art. Some of the rooms are designed for official events and government receptions. The residence is open to tourists.

    National War Memorial

    It is a high obelisk with three-dimensional sculptures, the top of which is crowned by a bronze horseman. His figure with his hand raised symbolizes the readiness of New Zealanders to defend their homeland. The monument is dedicated to the soldiers who died during the two world wars of the XX century and in local military conflicts. It was installed in 1931, and in the late 40s it was supplemented with figures of lions and bas-reliefs on military themes. Every year on April 25, Memorial Day events are held at the memorial.

    National War Memorial
    St. James Theatre

    St. James Theatre

    The theater building is of historical value. It was built in 1912 by the famous architect of his time, G. White. "St. James" was the first theater built of reinforced concrete on a steel frame. The interior decoration was striking in luxury – marble chips, stained glass windows, floors of cypress and eucalyptus, cherubs on the ceiling. In the 90s, a large-scale reconstruction of the building was carried out. Today concerts, exhibitions, performances, and celebrations are held here.

    Old St. Paul's Cathedral

    One of the main historical sites of New Zealand, a vivid example of Neo-Gothic architecture. It was built of wood, without the use of nails, in 1866. Painted white on the outside. The interior is distinguished by solemnity and an interesting play of light thanks to the stained glass windows. The former residence of the bishop of the Church district of Wellington. Since 1964, the diocese moved to a new cathedral, and the old one was bought by the government, restored and turned into a museum.

    Old St. Paul's Cathedral
    Bridge

    Bridge "From the city to the sea"

    He is known for his bizarre sculptures made of wood depicting mythical creatures, whales, dolphins and birds. The decoration of the bridge also features stars, different phases of the moon and other Maori symbols. It was built in 1994 according to the project of the sculptor P. Matchitt. In this way, the artist decided to introduce local residents and tourists to the history and cultural traditions of the Maori people. The bridge is pedestrian, connects the central city square with the harbor.

    Wellington Regional Stadium

    The main sports facility in Wellington that meets international standards. The opening took place in 1999. The area is 48,000 m2. It is designed for 34,500 spectators. Located near the center and the railway station. It is used mainly for sporting events. Rugby, cricket, and football matches, including international level, are regularly held here. It is also a popular venue for concerts, festivals, exhibitions, large-scale cultural events.

    Wellington Regional Stadium
    Carter Observatory

    Carter Observatory

    Located on the territory of the botanical garden. The opening took place in 1941. It was upgraded in 2010. It is small in size, but equipped with the most modern technology. Interactive galleries, multimedia exhibitions, a giant Thomas Cook telescope, a full-dome digital planetarium tell about planets, stars, galaxies and the contribution of New Zealand to the development of space science. Special educational programs for schoolchildren have been developed.

    Wellington Botanical Garden

    It is located on the top of a hill, where a cable car leads from the city center. It was established in 1868. The 25-hectare territory includes a rose garden, a House of tropical plants with the world's largest water lily and a collection of orchids, a begonia house, a stone garden, a luxurious Victorian-style greenhouse, a tea house. An additional decoration is several dozen interesting sculptures. There is a small artificial pond with ducks. There is a play area with swings for children.

    Wellington Botanical Garden
    Wellington Zoo

    Wellington Zoo

    It was founded in 1906. It occupies a small area of 13 hectares, but all animals are kept in ideal conditions close to the wild. The pride of the zoo is representatives of endangered species that feel great in captivity and bring offspring. Among them are the red panda, the Asian otter, and the Malay bear. In the exhibition halls you can admire ostriches, giraffes, lions, tigers, monkeys, reptiles, the kiwi bird of New Zealand.

    Reserve "Zealand"

    On the territory of 225 hectares, the unique wildlife of New Zealand has been restored, which was disturbed with the arrival of man. The ecosystem is isolated from the outside world. A special fence is installed around the perimeter, protecting the park's inhabitants from hares, cats, mice, weasels and other predators. More than 40 bird species, dozens of reptile species, hundreds of plant species and thousands of invertebrate species have been recorded. Many of them are on the verge of extinction or even extinct in other regions.

    Reserve
    Ferry

    Ferry "Interislander"

    The Interislander Steamship Company transports passengers and vehicles across the Cook Strait between the Northern and Southern Islands. The length of the route from Wellington to Port Picton is 92 km, the ferry ride takes 3.5 hours. You can spend this time at the bar, watching movies or reading the press. Or you can just admire the scenery of the strait. Due to strong winds, currents and rocks, it is considered one of the most dangerous in the world, but at the same time one of the most picturesque.