The climate in the city is moderate maritime, without sharp temperature fluctuations. Since New Zealand is located below the equator, the seasons are reversed here. And the most favorable period for a trip falls on the local “summer”, which lasts from October to April. The daytime temperature at this time is +17-21 °C, while at night it is slightly cooler – +12-14 °C. The water near the coast warms up to +20 °C.
New Zealand winter falls in June-August. At this time, the average daily temperature in Wellington is +8 °C. Frost and snow is not a typical phenomenon for the city, minus temperatures occur only in the Hutt River Valley and in the suburbs located on the hills. However, winter rains are not uncommon here, nor are gusty southerly winds. They make the local climate seem somewhat cooler than it really is.
From January to February, the capital hosts a series of fun and colorful festivals under the common name “Summer City Progrem”. And in June, music lovers come here for the Wellington Jazz Festival.
What a tourist should do in Wellington
- Admire the views of Wellington from different points. The first is the Kelburne Heights observation deck on Tinakori Hill. It’s also home to the Botanical Gardens – 25 hectares of New Zealand subtropical and coniferous forest, gorgeous rose and begonia gardens, a pond, playground, observatory and museum. The next point is the peak of Mount Victoria with a great variety of natural lookouts. At the same time here you can look for commemorative plaques, which marked the locations of the filming of the movie “Lord of the Rings”. A ride on the famous Cable-car to Kelburne Hill is a great way to see the capital from a height of 400 meters;
- See that Wellington really is a city of museums and galleries. The Te Papa National Museum is known for its interactive exhibits. The Pataka Museum is dedicated to Maori art. The Wellington Museum tells the story of the capital and seafaring. And its counterpart, dedicated to automobiles, is considered the best themed in the country. Samples of contemporary art are on display at the Dowse. City Gallery Wellington, Kiwi Art House, Adam Art Gallery, Toi Poneke, and The Walrus Gallery exhibit works by New Zealand artists and their international counterparts;
- Find architectural treasures of the capital city by walking its streets. For example, the glass and concrete Parliament building, which has been compared to a beehive. Or in contrast to it – a completely wooden structure of the Old Cathedral of St. Paul. The St. James Theatre fascinates with its luxurious interior decoration. The Parliamentary Library is a fine example of neo-Gothic Victorian architecture. The Government House is a typical representative of the colonial era of the early 20th century. And it is also important not to miss the most unusual bridge City in the Sea. This very atypical structure tells the story of the Maori people. It is decorated with fragments of their traditional architecture, tribal symbols, statues of sea animals and mythical creatures;
- Dedicate time to a beach vacation. Families with children prefer Oriental Bay near the center of Wellington or the small cozy bay Scorching Bay, ideal for picnics and beach cricket. Adepts of extreme pastimes will appreciate Lyall Bay, with its huge waves for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Fishermen love Island Bay beach, while the gathering point for divers, surfers and kayakers is Taputeranga Marine Reserve;
- Take a tour of the city’s significant movie locations. First, it’s worth finding the house where Peter Jackson was born. Then visit the Miramar suburb of Wellywood. It’s home to Oscar-winning special effects companies Weta Workshop and Weta Digital. And Wellington is also home to the New Zealand divisions of Roxy Cinema and Paramount. And it’s important not to forget the memorable Lord of the Rings filming locations;
- Get away for a night out at the many clubs and drinking establishments on Cuba Street, Willis Street and Courtenay Place;
- See unspoiled nature at Zealandia eco-park and watch the nightlife of funny kiwi birds. Or drive to the ocean to see the Red Rocks. From May to October, seals and harbor seals occupy the brick-colored rocks at the water’s edge.