Not only the political capital, Wellington is also New Zealand’s art and culture capital. It is a unique city located between a beautiful harbour and lovely green hills. Wellington is the world's most southern capital and the only one in the "Roaring Forties" latitudes.
According to the Maori legend, Wellington’s first name was Te Upoko o te Ika a Maui which in Maori language means ‘the head of Maui's fish’. Another Maori name for Wellington is te Whanganui-a-Tara (the great harbour of Tara).
The Polynesian explorer Kupe is probably the first one who settled together with his followers in the Wellington Harbour around the 10th century.
However, Wellington was officially founded in 1840 by Edward Gibbon Wakefield as the first settlement of the New Zealand Company. It was originally known as Britannia, but was renamed after British soldier and politician Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington.
Since 1865 it has been the seat of government, when it replaced Auckland.
Wellington is a small capital (is only two kilometres wide so it can be easily explored on foot), but is really full with interesting attractions, good shops, exciting galleries and great restaurants.
Many festivals and events are held in the city throughout the year. A real must is the biennial New Zealand International Arts Festival – a month long arts festival.
Wellington it’s the right place to visit either if you love nature or culture, so what are you waiting for?

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