Travel Guide Wellington

As the country's political headquarters and cultural and artistic hub, Wellington has lived up to its title of "coolest little capital in the world". The city is bubbling with creativity and festive cheerfulness, which can be felt in the (very) many cafés, bars and restaurants that populate its streets and delight its inhabitants. Nestled at the head of a spectacular bay often visited by dolphins, whales or orcas, at the foot of rolling hills with a charm beyond compare, from which you can catch glimpses of the South Island or nearby mountain ranges, it's hard to imagine a more ideal setting. It's often said: "You can't beat Wellington on a good day", and it's true! Only problem: it's not the norm! The weather here is very capricious, and spring, summer, autumn and winter are vague concepts that depend largely on the direction of the wind. Wellington, or "Windy Welly" as it's known, is the windiest city in the world, with gusts of over 60 km/h on 173 days of the year. And what makes it so cool sometimes is that, with the South Island actually to the south-west of the North Island, Wellington faces directly... antarctica. The mercury never drops very low in Welly, but when the winds come from the south, brrrrrr, winter even invites itself into summer.In its little (friendly) rivalry with Auckland, the weather is Wellington's main weak point. But with its free and renowned museums, its countless green spaces, its relaxed and slightly wacky atmosphere, its lively nightlife, its restaurants, bars, brasseries and cafés to die for, its cosmopolitan and international character, it's not unusual to prefer it in spite of everything.The parks to the north of the city (Zealandia, Otari-Wilton bush, Trelissick park...) will delight nature lovers, original Cuba Street and late-night Courtney Place will attract night owls, and the waterfront is sure to seduce strollers and romantics alike. On the other side of town, surfing enthusiasts and those with an interest in the sport can learn or improve their skills at Lyall Bay, while film fans can't fail to make a detour to Miramar, the heart of "Wellywood", where a number of blockbusters have been and are being made since the international renown earned by The Lord of the Rings.