Welcome to the Windy City! They don’t call it that for nothing; Wellington is as renowned for its strong winds as it is for its booming film industry. You’ll find both trademarks on display upon your arrival at Wellington Airport, with the Hobbit’s villainous dragon Smaug awaiting visitors in the arrivals lounge, and Wellington’s city sign perched on the hill above. This quirky attraction is designed to look like a windswept version of the iconic ‘Hollywood’ sign (and a reminder of why you may have just had a slightly bumpy landing). This might just be the world’s coolest little capital.
Whether Wellington is your main destination or just your gateway to New Zealand, be sure to make the most of your stay in this charming capital city. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. From theatres, museums and galleries to world-class restaurants, cafes, and a stunning harbour, Wellington’s buzzing energy guarantees an unforgettable trip.
Hiring a car from Wellington Airport? Make the most of your trip
Once you’ve picked up your car rental from one of Hertz’s three convenient locations, a great place to start your exploration is at Zealandia. Formerly known as the Karori Wildlife Reserve, the much more adorably titled Zealandia is a fully enclosed urban ecosystem; the first of its kind anywhere in the world. Its mission statement is to fully restore Wellington Valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems to as close as possible to their pre-human conditions.
This admirable goal has a huge upside for your New Zealand vacation, because the effect is a stunningly serene 225 hectares of unadulterated wilderness, filled with New Zealand’s natural flora and fauna, located just a 15-minute drive from Wellington’s city centre. Where else in the world can you find that? Nowhere. It’s kind of the point!
Once you’ve eventually seen enough of the unique experience of Zealandia, next up on your agenda needs to be a taste of Wellington’s creative culture – a staple to its personality. And there’s no cultural phenomenon more important to Wellington’s soul than its thriving film industry. Chances are the whole purpose of your journey was to see Peter Jackson’s world-famous Weta Workshop, the production studio responsible for developing sets, costumes, props and physical effects for The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Bladerunner, Cleverman and District 9 – just to name a few. If Weta Workshop wasn’t why you came to begin with, it’s all you’ll be talking about once you leave.
However, if museums are on the top of your to do list, Wellington has you covered on that from as well. Don’t miss the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Museum of City and Sea and the Wellington Cable Car Museum. For fans of the performing arts, be sure to check out shows playing at the St James Theatre, The Opera House and the Circa Theatre.
While exploring the city, hop on the famous Wellington Cable Cars, which transports you to the top of the Wellington Botanic Garden. With 25 hectares of stunning gardens and some of the city’s most spectacular views, there are few better opportunities to enjoy the tranquil outdoors.
Get a taste of Wellington’s best
With so much to see and do, it won’t be too long before you’re craving a unique culinary experience, and Wellington has some of the most diverse and delightful cuisines New Zealand has to offer. For an assorted selection of dishes, check out a few of these restaurants:
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Whitebait – one of the top-rated seafood restaurants in Wellington that focuses on locally sourced produce (enjoy the catch of the day).
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Hannah’s Laneway – a culinary epicentre for the city’s favourite flavours. Housing Shepherds restaurant is known for offering the highest quality produce and livestock, while Leeds St Bakery boasts their famous caramel cookies. Don’t forget to stop by Pomodoro to sink your teeth into the best (and juiciest) pizza around.
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Wellington Chocolate Factory – for organic, ethically sourced and traded chocolate, look no further. Need we say more?
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Logan Brown – highly regarded amongst Wellington’s best restaurants, their modern New Zealand cuisine offers a three-course bistro menu for $45 per head.
Heading further afield
Looking to get out of Wellington and explore the scenic natural wonders New Zealand is known for? Just under a 5-hour drive sits Taupo, where capped mountains, crystal clear waters, rapids and thermal hot springs are just a few of the incredible settings to discover.
Speaking of spectacular views, Tongariro National Park is just a 4-hour drive from Wellington and offers Emerald lakes, alpine meadows and hot springs surrounded by the largest volcanoes in the North Island.
Wellington truly is your gateway to everything that makes New Zealand’s North Island such a uniquely special place in the world. So, what are you waiting for? Make your reservation with Hertz now.
