Why visit
Wellington is New Zealand's windy harbor capital, known for compact streets, strong coffee, museums, film culture, and hills dropping into the sea. It is small but highly walkable.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Wellington is useful when you want a city-level starting point in New Zealand. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Wellington, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in New Zealand better matches the trip style.
Wellington at a glance
City population
215k
Metro: 420k
Elevation
31 m
102 ft
Time zone
UTC+12 (UTC+13 DST)
Pacific/Auckland
Airport
WLG
Wellington International
Founded
1839
Getting around
Buses + Cable Car + commuter rail; windy but very walkable
Signature dish
Flat white (also claimed here), whitebait fritter, paua, hokey pokey ice cream
Neighborhoods for travelers
Te AroCuba StOriental BayKelburnMount Victoria
New Zealand at a glance
Country center
-41.0°, 174.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
270,467 km²
104,428 mi²
Country population
5.2 million
19/km²
Subregion
Australia and New Zealand
Currency
New Zealand dollar ($)
NZD
Dial
+64
Languages
English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
Demonym
New Zealander
Internet
.nz
UN
Member state
ISO code
NZ / NZL
Where in the world
-41.0° - 174.0°
New Zealand
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Wellington is the windiest major city in the world by measured gale-force days.
- Peter Jackson films much of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies in and around Wellington: "Wellywood" is an actual hilltop sign.
- The Beehive (Executive Wing of Parliament) is an unusual circular building with beehive-like rings, controversial since 1977.
- New Zealand is the only country where the native people (Māori) have a treaty-recognized co-status with the government.
- Sheep outnumber people ~5 to 1 in New Zealand.
Traveler notes
- Te Papa is the country's flagship national museum
- The cable car and Botanic Garden make a classic city loop
- Weta Workshop connects the city to New Zealand film production
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Wellington
What currency is used in Wellington?
Wellington uses the New Zealand dollar ($), ISO code NZD.
What languages are spoken in New Zealand?
The primary languages are English, Māori and New Zealand Sign Language.
What is the international calling code for New Zealand?
The calling code is +64.
When is the best time to visit Wellington?
Dec–Mar. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Wellington?
Wellington International (IATA: WLG).
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