World City Guide

Mini Guide of Wellington

City Overview

The capital of New Zealand (the world's most southern capital), located at the southern tip of the North Island, enjoys a beautiful natural setting, nestled as it is between a beautiful harbour and rolling green hills.

The Polynesian explorer Kupe is credited with the initial discovery of Wellington Harbour, which he named Te Whanganui a Tara (the Great Harbour of Tara) after his son. From Maori tradition, it is estimated he arrived with his followers around the 10th century& and people have lived here since Kupe's discovery.

This dynamic city is not only the political capital of the country, but also (as most Wellingtonians will proudly tell you) its arts and culture capital, and here you will discover the country’s heritage, which is present everywhere, from the many historic buildings downtown to the Parliament Buildings themselves to Te Papa, the national museum, one of the jewels in New Zealand’s crown and one that dominates the city’s skyline on the waterfront.

Add to this good shopping, plenty of cafes and restaurants (Wellington has established an excellent reputation as the gourmet capital of the country), plenty of festivals and events throughout the year, and you have a city that’s a destination in its own right.

Small in size, but bursting with attractions, Wellington is an ideal destination any time of year. The city has a reputation for being windy (it is after all the only capital in the ‘Roaring Forties’ latitudes), but it enjoys more than 2,035 hours of sunshine per year. The warmest months are in summer (January to March).

Getting There By Air

Wellington International Airport
Tel: (04) 385 5100 or 388 9900 for arrivals and departures.
Website: www.wellington-airport.co.nz

The airport is located 8km (5 miles) southeast of Wellington, a 10-15 minute drive from the city centre. It is a busy airport (the busiest in New Zealand for domestic scheduled flights in fact) with regular trans-Tasman flights.

Major airlines: Air New Zealand (tel: 0800 737 000; website: www.airnz.co.nz) is the national carrier. Qantas (tel: 0800 808 767; website: www.qantas.com), Freedom Air (website: www.freedomair.com) and Pacific Blue (website: www.virginblue.com.au) also uses the airport.

Airport facilities: ATMs, bureau de change, mobile phone hire, information desk, several restaurants and cafes, duty free, shops and left luggage service. Car hire is available from Avis, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty.

Business facilities: The Wellington Airport Conference Centre (tel: (04) 385 5199) consists of seven rooms, which may be hired and can accommodate up to 120 delegates. Audiovisual equipment, technical support, videoconferencing and catering are available, as well as office equipment, including photocopying and fax facilities. Booking is available online, via the airport’s website. There are a number of airline lounges for business-class passengers and club members.

Transport to the city: Stagecoach Flyer runs a bus service between the airport, Wellington and Hutt Valley. Details are available from Ridewell Service Centre (tel: (0)4 801 7000). A door-to-door shuttle service is also available from AP Shuttles (tel: (04) 477 5059), Safeway Taxis (tel: (04) 802 5111), Shuttle Express (tel: (04) 477 5700) and Super Shuttle (tel: 0800 727 747). Taxis are also available. A taxi fare should cost around NZ$20.

Getting There By Water

Getting There By Road

New Zealand is an ideal country to explore in a car. Traffic is not heavy and the scenery is spectacular. Driving in New Zealand is easy, inexpensive and although Wellington is one of the busiest areas, in terms of traffic, by European standards, it is still relatively quiet. Nearly all roads are State Highways, designated by ‘SH’ and a number. Small numbers refer to the major routes between destinations (such as SH1 from Auckland to Wellington) while larger numbers indicate smaller roads linking smaller destinations (such as SH94 from Te Anau to Milford Sound). All other roads, of which there are a few, are known, although not officially, as ‘B’ roads. These are often little more than ribbons of tarmac or, on some occasions, ‘metalled’ roads, where the surface is made of loose chippings.

A valid national driving licence is all that is required for driving in New Zealand, for up to 12 months. The legal driving age is 18 years. Insurance is not mandatory but is recommended. Traffic drives on the left and most roads are quiet. The maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio for driving is 0.08% (0.03% for drivers under 20 years). Speed limits are 100kph (62mph) on open roads, 50kph (31mph) in urban areas and 20kph (12mph) in the vicinity of schools and stopped school buses. There are ‘Limited Speed Zones’ where the speed limit is often reduced from 100kph (62mph) to 50kph (31mph) in adverse conditions.

The New Zealand Automobile Association (website: www.aa.co.nz) provides information on road conditions (tel: (0900) 33222) and general information (tel: (0800) 500 222) and have a reciprocal agreement with the British AA, whereby visiting drivers can get maps for free.

Emergency breakdown service:
NZ AA (0800) 500 222 (or just 222 if calling from a mobile)

Routes to the city: The two main roads into the city are Highway 1 down the Kapiti coast from the north, and Highway 2 through the Hutt Valley to the east.

Parking can be a problem in Wellington and traffic can be heavy during the week.

Coach services: Intercity Coachline Service (tel: (04) 385 0520 or 0800 468 372; website: www.intercitycoach.co.nz) runs throughout New Zealand. Discounts are available for Youth Hostel members and VIP cardholders. Backpackers also use the Kiwi Experience (website: www.kiwiexperience.com) and the Magic Bus (website: www.magicbus.co.nz) which sell a variety of passes including accommodation in hostels.

Average driving time to Wellington: from Auckland - 9 hours, 15 minutes; from Rotorua - 6 hours, 30 minutes; from Napier – 5 hours; from Hamilton - 7 hours, 30 minutes; from Taupo - 5 hours, 10 minutes; from Palmerston North - 2 hours, 10 minutes.

Getting There By Rail

New Zealand’s rail service is operated by the Tranz Scenic rail company (tel: (0800) 872 467 or (04) 495 0775; website: www.tranzscenic.co.nz). Trains are efficient and reasonably priced but rare, operating more as a tourist service than a business or commuter network.

Rail services: There is a range of Tranz Scenic rail routes from all major New Zealand cities, including the daily service to Auckland, as well as an overnight service from Sunday to Friday (journey time – approximately 11 hours).

Transport to the city: Wellington Railway Station is a two-minute walk from Downtown Wellington. It is the departure point for coaches, shuttles and taxis.

Getting Around

Public Transport
The Greater Wellington Regional Council's operates a good network of buses, running roughly 0700-2300. Ridewell (tel: (04) 801 7000 or 0800 801 700; website: http://busandtrainnetwork.gw.govt.nz/section10.php) can provide information on routes and timetables. The City Circular (website: www.stagecoach.co.nz/citycircular) is a bright yellow bus taking in the top 10 stops of the city every 15 minutes from 1000-1645. Ideal for visitors, it operates daily. Stagecoach Wellington (website www.stagecoach.co.nz) operates most bus services to suburban areas. Several passes are available, including the Daytripper Pass, the Star Pass and the Capital Explorer Pass. A cable car runs operates from Lambton Quay up to the Botanic Garden. It runs daily (see Key Attractions for further information).

Taxis
There are several taxi stands throughout the city. Black & Gold Taxis (tel: (04) 388 8888), Taxi Cab (tel: (04) 388 8900; website: www.taxicab.co.nz), and Wellington Combined Taxis (tel: (04) 384 4444; website: www.taxis.co.nz) are all reputable companies.

Car Hire
Car rental companies in Wellington include: Avis (tel: (04) 801 8108; website: www.avis.com) Budget (tel: (04) 802 4548 or 388 0987; website: www.budget.co.nz), Hertz (tel: (04) 384 3809; website: www.hertz.co.nz) and Thrifty (tel: (04) 388 9494 or 0800 73 70 70; website: www.thrifty.com). All have desks at the airport and at the ferry terminal.

Bicycle & Scooter Hire
Penny Farthing Cycle Shop, 89 Courtenay Place (tel: (04) 385 2279; website: www.pennyfarthing.co.nz) hires out bikes (including mountain bikes) for the day or longer. So do Pins Cycles on the corner of Willis and Boulcott streets (tel: (04) 472 4591) and Mud Cycles, 338 Karori Road (tel: (04) 476 4961).

Exploring hilly Wellington by scooter is less taxing, however, than by bike. Scootour, 70 Abel Smith Street Te Aro (tel: (04) 384 7679; website: www.scootour.co.nz) hire scooters and mopeds, and all you need is a car driving licence.

Business

Business Etiquette
Conducting business in Wellington is no different from the procedure in any other major Western city. There are no cultural pitfalls to watch out for, unless dealing directly with Maori (who will outline any protocols before any meetings), and the only noticeable difference lies with the nature of the country’s people. They are notably friendlier, more informal and more relaxed. Although ties and jackets are worn, jackets may soon be discarded and shirtsleeves rolled up. A more informal dress code also exists in most restaurants and bars, although the smartest restaurants may still prefer a jacket and tie to be worn. Business hours are generally Monday to Friday 0900-1700 and punctuality is appreciated, although no one will be offended if the visitor is a little late, especially at times when the traffic is busy.

As dinner is seen as a time for socialising and not business, meetings mainly take place over lunch. Invitations to dine out or to visit someone’s home are far more readily issued than in many other countries and are genuine, not merely as a gesture. The native host will expect to pay for a meal or a round of drinks but guests can step in and pay their turn without creating arguments or offence. Friendliness not formality is the watchword in Wellington.

Sightseeing

Sightseeing Overview
Te Papa, the national museum, dominates the city’s skyline on the waterfront, and a visit to this extraordinary place is a must for any visitor to New Zealand. Several other attractions can be found on the waterfront or nearby, including the Parliament Buildings and the Museum of Wellington City & Sea. The hills around the harbour also have their fair share of attractions, most notably the Botanical Gardens and Katherine Mansfield's Birthplace, while further afield are the Wellington Zoo and the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tourist Information
Wellington i-SITE Visitor Centre
Corner of Victoria and Wakefield Streets (Civic Square)
Tel: (04) 802 4860. Fax: (04) 802 4863.
E-mail: bookings@WellingtonNZ.com
Website: www.wellingtonNZ.com

The Wellington Visitor Information Centre offers visitors a comprehensive range of services, from information to travel bookings.

Key Attractions

Wellington Waterfront and Te Papa Museum
Once the centre of Wellington’s bustling port, the Wellington Waterfront is one of the city’s most distinctive and attractive precincts. Separating central city from sea, the Waterfront is home to many bars and restaurants, galleries and museums (including the wonderful Te Papa Tongarewa, see below), and a meeting place of choice for those just wanting to spend a couple of hours in the sun, be it reading a book, people watching or just going for a stroll.

Website: www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz

Te Papa Tongarewa (Museum of New Zealand)
Wellington’s star attraction, Te Papa (affectionately known as ‘Our Place’) has been described by the Washington Post as ‘one of the most ambitiously eclectic museums in the world’. A fascinating museum right on the harbour, there is no better place to learn about the country’s culture, its history and its people. Don’t miss it.

Cable Street, Waterfront
Tel: (04) 381 7000.
Website: www.tepapa.govt.nz
Free admission.

Wellington Botanical Garden and Cable Car
Take the cable car from Lambton Quay and spend half a day exploring over 26 hectares of exotic forests, native bush, colourful floral displays and gorgeous specialist gardens of Wellington Botanical Garden. Great views of the city. Don’t miss the award-winning Lady Norwood Rose Garden and the historic Bolton Street Memorial Park, where many of the city's pioneers are buried. Gardens are open daily sunrise to sunset and entry is free.

Glenmore Street
Tel: (04) 499 1400.
Website: www.wbg.co.nz
Free admission.

Parliament Buildings
A visit to the capital city would not be complete without a visit to New Zealand’s beautifully refurbished Parliament Buildings. Located in the historic suburb of Thorndon, the complex is made up of three architecturally distinctive buildings: the Edwardian neo-classical Parliament House, the Victorian Gothic Parliamentary Library and the striking 1970s style Beehive building. Although much of these buildings are usually closed to the public it is possible to take a free guided tour to discover where New Zealand's politicians work.

Corner Lambton Quay & Molesworth Streets
Tel: (04) 471 9503.
Website: www.ps.parliament.govt.nz
Free admission.

Wellington Zoo
Wellington Zoo is the oldest in the country (it opened in 1906) and is home to over 400 animals, including meerkats and red Pandas. African, Asian and native wildlife (tuatara, kiwi, kea among them) are all well represented.

200 Daniel Street, Newtown
Tel: (04) 381 6750.
Website: www.wellingtonzoo.com
Admission charge.

Museum of Wellington City & Sea
The Museum of Wellington City & Sea is an excellent introduction to New Zealand's capital. The museum is housed in an 1892 warehouse and contains eight galleries over three floors with exhibits on the city's history, including interactive exhibits and short films about Wellington. A new 20th century gallery opened recently.

Queen’s Wharf
Tel: (04) 472 8904.
Website: www.museumofwellington.co.nz
Free admission.

Old St Paul’s
Constructed entirely of native timber in the mid 1850s, this is a fine example of 19th century Gothic Revival architecture adapted to colonial conditions and materials. The stunning wooden arches and stained-glass windows are particularly impressive. Various memorial items and displays tell the early history of Wellington. Tours by arrangement.

34 Mulgrave Street, Thorndon
Tel: (04) 473 6422.
Website: www.historic.org.nz/OldStPauls/History.html

Further Distractions

Katherine Mansfield's Birthplace
Katherine Mansfield Beauchamp is undoubtedly New Zealand's most famous author and one of the world's best-known short story writers. Visit her birthplace in Thorndon and step back into Victorian New Zealand in the late 1880s. Nestled on historic Tinakori Road, the exquisitely restored house and the heritage garden provide an excellent background to Mansfield's writing and give a unique opportunity to experience New Zealand society of the time.

25 Tinakori Road, Thorndon
Tel: (04) 473 7268.
Admission charge.

National Tattoo Museum
A look at the rich history of the 'Tattoo' or 'Ta Moko', traditional and contemporary tattoo practices; and the spiritual, political and symbolic dimensions of body art throughout the Pacific, Asia and wider, and more recently, fashionable body adornment practices.

42 Ablesmith Street
Tel: (04) 385 6444.
Website: www.mokomuseum.org.nz
Admission charge.

National Cricket Museum
This small museum houses a wealth of national cricket mementoes and memorabilia, including costumes and textiles, pictures and photographs, ephemera (programmes, postcards and cricket balls), trophies etc. The museum also has a research and lending library with an extensive range of cricket books.

The Old Grandstand, Basin Reserve
Tel: (04) 385 6602.
Admission charge.

Tours of the City

Walking tours
Central Wellington is only 2km (1.25 miles) wide, so it can easily be explored on foot. A number of heritage trails highlight the history of the city. Booklets for the self-guided tours are available from the Visitor Centre (see Sightseeing). Otherwise Walk Wellington (tel: (04) 384 9590) offers excellent guided walks with knowledgeable guides. There are general walks, walks focused on aspects such as art, heritage nature or shopping, as well as personalized walks.

Bus tours
Hammonds Sightseeing (tel: (04) 472 0869; website: www.wellingtonsightseeingtours.com) has a capital city scenic tour departing twice daily.

Boat tours
East by West offers short trips from Queens Wharf to Days Bay, offering great view of the harbour. There are up to eigth sailings daily. Call for more information and timetables (tel: (04) 499 1273; website: www.eastbywest.co.nz). For something a bit swankier, try a dinner cruise on the Wellesley, a restored heritage vessel that currently operates on Wellington Harbour. Dinner cruises most Fridays and Saturdays (tel: (04) 474 1308; website: www.thewellesley.co.nz).

Other tours
Many locations around Wellington were used by local Peter Jackson for his Lord of the Rings trilogy, including Mount Victoria, Seatoun, Hutt Valley, Dry Creek Quarry and Kaitoke. Capital Adventure Tours (tel: (04) 562 8888; website: www.capitaladventuretours.co.nz) offer tours to many of the film’s locations in a 4wd Mercedes Unimog.

Excursions

For a Half Day

Karori Wildlife Sanctuary: A short stroll from downtown Wellington, the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary (tel: (04) 920 9200/2222; website: www.sanctuary.org.nz) on Waiapu Road offers the opportunity to spot some of New Zealand's rarest and most endangered endemic species and native birds, such as the little spotted kiwi, the saddleback, the stitchbird and the kaka, which live peacefully in the natural bush of the sanctuary.

For a Full Day

Kapiti Island: 45 minutes drive north from the city, Kapiti Island is New Zealand’s premier nature and marine reserve protecting some of the world's most endangered bird species and marine life. To access the island, you will need a permit. The Department of Conservation (DOC) issues only 50 visitor permits per day. Call the DOC on (04) 472 7356 at least the day before departure to obtain one (it’s a good idea to book as early as you can to ensure you do get a permit for your chosen day). Kapiti Tours (website: www.kapititours.co.nz) and Kapiti Marine Charter (tel: (04) 297 2585 or 0800 433 779; website: www.kapitimarinecharter.co.nz) arrange ferry transport to the island.

Martinborough: In the Wairarapa region, 79 km (49 miles) east of Wellington (an hour’s drive from the capital) is Martinborough, a unique wine village that is home to over 20 boutique vineyards, most within walking distance of the charming town square. This tiny area produces the renowned Pinot Noir, served in many of the fabulous restaurants in town. There are also a number of upmarket bed and breakfast establishments for those wishing to spend a bit more time in Martinborough. Martinborough i-SITE Visitor Centre, 18 Kitchener Street (tel: (06) 306 9043; website: www.wairarapanz.com) can provide further information.

Sport

Shopping

New Zealand’s wines make easy gifts to take home. Visitors should watch out for names such as Coopers Creek, Kumeu River, Nobilo and Matua Valley. As for wineries from further afield, the best are in the Martinborough, Hawkes Bay, Marlborough and Gold Country regions.

Sheepskins, woollen and leather goods are also good options for souvenirs and gifts, as are Maori traditional crafts and items made from pounamu (greenstone). Outdoor gear is also popular (and often significantly cheaper) than in the UK. For quality souvenirs, Great New Zealand Shop, 13 Grey Street, and Te Papa (inside the museum) are your best bets.

The Kiwi fashion industry is at the cutting edge, taking (as the food industry once did) influences from Europe, Polynesia and the Pacific Rim and then, through the process of fusion, coming up with a unique style. This can range from the simple or sophisticated to the avant-garde and from the practical to the high art creations of the World of Wearable Arts (an internationally recognised fashion festival in Nelson). A free Wellington Shopping Guide and The Fashion Map at available at the visitor center.

Lambton Quay is a good place to start a shopping trip, with plenty of boutiques, shoe shops, music shops and bookshops, and Wellington’s most famous department store, Kirkcaldie & Stains. Bohemian Cuba Street is more alternative, and the shops more ‘alternative’. Browse or sit down at one of the many cafes and just watch life go by.

Shops in Wellington are usually open on weekdays from 0900-1730, Saturday from 0900-1630 and Sunday from 1000-1400.

The Wellington Market, on the corner of Taranaki and Cable streets (tel: (04) 801 8991) is open Friday to Sunday and public holidays 1000-1730.

Sales tax is 12.5%. Provided receipts are kept, visitors can claim a tax refund at the airport or through the local New Zealand embassy upon return.

Culture

Wellington is the culture capital of New Zealand. It is the home of the Royal New Zealand Ballet (tel: (04) 381 9000 or 0800 432 623; website: www.nzballet.org.nz), the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (tel: (04) 801 3890 or 0800 479 674; website: www.nzso.co.nz), the National Opera (tel: (04) 384 4434; website: www.nzopera.com) and the National dance and drama schools who all perform regularly. There are more than 300 sporting, arts and cultural events in Wellington throughout the year.

Music and Dance: The Westpac St James Theatre, 77-87 Courtenay Place (tel: 04 802 4060; website: www.stjames.co.nz) is one of New Zealand's finest Edwardian lyric theatres, and it is the venue for opera, dance and major musical shows, and home to the Royal New Zealand Ballet.

Theatre: Downstage Theatre, 12 Cambridge Terrace (tel: 04 801 6946; website: www.downstage.co.nz) has been inspiring audiences for over 40 years and is New Zealand’s longest established theatre company. The theatre presents a fresh and stimulating mix of New Zealand plays, innovative classics and international favourites. For cutting edge stuff and New Zealand productions, check out BATS, 1 Kent Terrace (tel: 04 802 4175; website: www.bats.co.nz), which has an exciting, accessible, and unpredictable live theatre experience almost every night of the year.

Film: Wellington was the main filming and production location for the Oscar winning The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, which was shot in New Zealand between October 1999 and December 2000, directed by Peter Jackson and featuring an array of Hollywood stars, including Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Viggo Mortenson, Sean Bean, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett and Ian McKellen.

The Embassy Theatre, 10 Kent Terrace (tel: (04) 384 7657; website: www.deluxe.co.nz) is New Zealand’s grandest picture palace and was fully refurbished inside and out just in time for the world premiere of The Lord of the Rings – The Return of the King. Rialto Cinemas, on the corner of Cable Street & Jervois Streets (between Te Papa & Civic Square) (tel: (04) 385 1864; website: www.rialto.co.nz) is a multi screen showing all the latest releases, while the Wellington Film Society (tel: (04) 934 4540; website: http://filmsociety.wellington.net.nz/) in the Paramount Theatre, 25 Courtenay Place (tel: 04 384 4080; website: www.paramount.co.nz), screens a range of films unlikely to be seen elsewhere, including international classics, foreign language films, documentaries and kiwi classics.

www.film.wellington.net.nz has a comprehensive listing of all the movies screening at Downtown cinemas, with times and reviews. Updated Thursdays.

Literary Notes: Katherine Mansfield, possibly New Zealand’s best known author, was born in Wellington. She is noted for her short stories, and her most famous works include Bliss (1920) and The Garden Party (1922). Another famous New Zealand writer is Keri Hulme, of mixed Maori, English and Orkney descent, who won the Booker Prize for The Bone People (1983). The book originated from a short story but it took 12 years before Hulme finished the manuscript. Following rejections by several publishers, it was eventually taken up by Spiral, a Wellington-based feminist collective. This was an experimental work drawing on Maori culture and the best selling book ever by any living New Zealand author.

Nightlife

Bohemian Cuba Street is a good spot for drinking with laid-back and funky bars while the action centres on Courtenay Place for late night bars and clubs. The free listings papers Capital Times and City Voice, are a good place to turn for up-to-date information on nightlife in Wellington.

Bars: Beers aficionados should head for The Courtenay Arms, 26 Allen Street, a pub with good English and Irish beers, or the Malthouse, 47 Willis Street, which has a good selection of Kiwi brews. Molly Malones, Taranaki Street and Courtenay Place, is the biggest and busiest Irish pub in town. CO2 champagne Bar, 28 Blair Street, has a good cocktail list and plays the occasional live music, while the Jet Bar, 36 Courtenay Place, is the hip and trendy locale du jour where trendy crowd goes to be seen.

Casino: There is no big casino in Wellington. Instead, try The Occidental, 101 Lambton Quay, a restaurant and bar with a casino, or the Oxford Inn Pool Casino and Bar, 48 Cuba Street, which has pool tables and a casino.

Clubs: Tatou, 22 Cambridge Terrace, open Thursday through Saturday, is a good bet to dance the night away, and so is the Judder Bar, 7-21 Allen Street, if techno is your kind of music. The latter attracts a younger clientele. Bojangles, 80 Cuba Street is the best gay venue in town.

Live Music: Try the Wellington Sports Café at 45-58 Courtenay Place, or Molly Malone (see Bars above), which have bands most nights. In the Cuba Street district, the Blue Note, 191-195 Cuba Street, is the place to check out for R&B, reggae and funk (and the odd karaoke night too), while Bodega, 101 Ghuznee Street, has loud music and beer on tap and is popular with students.

City Statistics

Location: Wellington Region, North Island, New Zealand.
Country dialing code: 64 (Wellington dialing code is 04).
Time zone: GMT + 12.
Electricity: 240-250 volts AC, 50Hz; flat three-pin plugs are used.
Average January temp: 19.6ºC (67ºF).
Average July temp: 11.8ºC (53ºF).
Annual rainfall: 1,249 mm (49 inches).

Special Events

Wellington Cup Carnival, Jan, horse racing (website: www.trentham.co.nz)
Wellington Anniversary Day, closest Monday to 22nd January each year
Waitangi Day, 6 Feb, national day of thanksgiving in commemoration of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 between Maori and the British Crown
Cuba Street Carnival, Feb, NZ’s largest street festival with a vibrant, global mix of music, dance etc. (website: www.cubacarnival.org.nz),
Fringe NZ Festival, Feb-Mar, shows, cabaret, drama, street theatre and live music, throughout the city (website: www.fringe.org.nz)
ANZAC Day, 25 Apr, national war remembrance day
NZ International Comedy Festival, Apr-May (website: www.comedyfestival.co.nz)
Queen's Birthday, 1st Monday in June
Food Show, May, Westpac Stadium (website: www.foodshow.co.nz),
International Film Festival, Jul (website: www.enzedff.co.nz)
World of Wearable Art Awards Show, Sep-Oct, the Events Centre, Queens Wharf (website: www.worldofwearableart.com)
Labour Day, 4th Monday in October
International Jazz Festival, Oct, various venues (website: www.jazzfestival.co.nz),
Toast Martinborough Wine, Food and Music Festival, third Sunday in Nov, Martinborough (website: www.toastmartinborough.co.nz)

ALSO: New Zealand International Arts Festival, a biennial multi-arts festival, New Zealand's premier and largest cultural event (website: www.nzfestival.telecom.co.nz). Next one will take place in Feb-March 2006

Cost of Living

1 New Zealand Dollar (NZ$1) = £0.39; US$0.69; C$0.80; A$0.91; ¬0.58
Currency conversion rates as of October 2005