Wellington is the political centre of New Zealand , the seat of its Parliament and government departments. It is also the country’s main business and economic centre, in business, financial services, transport, communications, information technology (IT), creative multimedia, education, film and tourism. As the capital city, Wellington is home to embassies and high commissions from around the world.

Wellington ’s steep hills surrounding its beautiful harbour have created a concentrated city centre which runs three to ten blocks deep around the water’s edge. Downtown Wellington is so compact that you can walk from one end of the city to the other in 20 minutes. Wellington ’s many cafes and restaurants and its growing number of inner city apartments create a unique and friendly community atmosphere.

As capital city, Wellington is home to New Zealand ’s great national institutions and resources, including: the National Library, the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Archives, National Film Archives, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa , crown research institutes, Parliament, government departments and the General Assembly Library.

Wellington is the country’s capital in arts and culture – hosting over 35 cultural and arts festivals annually. These include the biennial New Zealand International Festival, the Fringe Festival, the Wellington Film Festival, and the Laugh Festival. The city is home to the Royal NZ Ballet, the NZ School of Dance, the NZ Drama School, the NZ String Quartet, and the NZ Symphony Orchestra.

Dubbed New Zealand ’s cafe capital, Wellington is the place to find good food and relaxed, casual eating. There are more than 300 restaurants in the city – more per head of population than New York ! And if it’s liquid you require there are a further 109 pubs and bars. This is partly due to the boom in inner city living. Why cook when you can eat out almost as cheaply with your friends!

Civic Square is a focal point of the city and its many events. The surrounding buildings include two full concert halls – the Michael Fowler Centre and the Wellington Town Hall – and Wellington Public Library. There are often outdoor concerts held in the Square’s large open spaces. An overbridge joins the Civic Square to Wellington ’s waterfront, a short walk away.

Wellington city has excellent shopping facilities within an easy continuous walk. In Lambton Quay you'll find shops and department stores serving the large population close by. These continue through to Willis St . The Manners/Cuba St areas have a number of malls with local boutiques, design stores and markets. Courtenay Place is the café, restaurant and movie theatre centre of Wellington .

For many, the best thing about Wellington is its nightlife. On most nights the city hums away into the early hours. Courtenay Place at two or three in the morning is a revelation – there are often as many around at this time as there are during a busy day!