Timing & Weather

Timing & Weather

November to mid-April is the best time weather-wise in the Wellington area. Most establishments are open (apart from Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Good Friday). Book well ahead if you're traveling in summer school holidays from mid-December to the end of January. From February to April, you can expect fewer crowds and many brilliant, warm days. Winters bring more rain, but they're rarely bitterly cold. Be prepared for unpredictable weather; rain and southerly gales are possible even during the summer.

Top Reasons to Go

Arts & Culture. Even before the blockbuster Lord of the Rings trilogy infused serious money into the local film industry—earning Wellington the moniker "Wellywood"—the city offered culture vultures plenty of pickings. The national symphony, ballet, and opera are headquartered here. And the biennial New Zealand International Arts Festival celebrates an extensive program of drama, music, dance, and other arts events.

A Wealth of Wineries. Spend a day or two (or three) wine tasting your way through the Wairarapa; this lovely area that only a few years ago was predominantly agricultural is now home to more than 30 vineyards.

Eclectic Cuisine. The great variety of Wellington's restaurants allows you to sample foods from dozens of cuisines, while also serving plenty of down-to-earth Kiwi fare. Grabbing a table at an outdoor café and looking out over the beautiful harbor doesn't hurt the taste either.

The Waterfront. Wandering along the Wellington waterfront is one of the most pleasurable ways to spend a day. You can visit (for free!) Te Papa Tongarewa, one of the country's best museums, and the Museum of City and Sea. Or you can walk to Oriental Bay, where you can join the local residents jogging, swimming, riding a bike, or people-watching. In the afternoon, have a seat at one of the many waterfront cafés, order a meal or a glass of local wine, and just quaff the scenery.