Wellington & Lower North Island

Te Papa is a new state of the art museum that brings together both the Maori & the European history of New Zealand - it is New Zealand's national museum, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the country's treasures and stories. Te Papa is the largest cultural project in New Zealand's history and constructed at a cost of $317 million to tell the stories of New Zealand's history, explain its landforms, unique wildlife and distinctive cultures. You will encounter Maori, New Zealand's indigenous people, through authentic portrayals of their traditions and living culture including an opportunity to visit a unique Marae (communal meeting place) The best introduction to Te Papa is this 90 minute guided tour that includes highlights from the natural environment, Maori culture and treasures, art and colonial history.

From $11 USD per person

New Zealand has a unique natural wildlife history because for centuries no natural predators existed so there was a thriving wildlife community, especially of birds. But the introduction of foreign predators quickly changed all that and the native birdlife, not used to defending themselves was decimated. Now the fight has begun to restore the land to how it once was and Karori Wildlife Sanctuary is a shining example of what is being achieved. Most New Zealand restoration efforts have been on coastal islands but Karori is particularly interesting because it's located almost in the heart of the capital city. Uplanit.com recommends this 2 hour guided evening tour. It provides the opportunity to hear the dusk chorus before the nocturnal animals come to life and if you're lucky you may see little spotted kiwi - there are over 100 in the sanctuary!

From $34 USD per person

A tour with a difference - a unique opportunity for visitors to Wellington to savour boutiuqe beer from some of the small local breweries located throughout the central city. You will be guided by a professional beer expert and along the way you will also enjoy great local food, learn about the city, the production of various beer types and have lots of fun as well.

From $99 USD per person

This is a 2 to 3 hour walk in the Aorangi Forest Park which lies to the south of the North Island, less than an hour by car from Wellington. Before the Ice Age this area was completely under water but starting over 125,000 years ago the sea retreated and the sorrounding land started eroding away to leave these spectacular pinnacles reaching for the sky. Average fitness, some climbing and a sense of adventure is all that's required to experience this natural wonder with the walking track clearly signposted. The 'Paths of the Dead' sequence in the film 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' was partly filmed here.

Wellington is home to several of New Zealand's leading cultural organizations, including the internationally acclaimed New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and The Royal New Zealand Ballet.

A full listing of upcoming events throughout New Zealand, sporting and cultural can be found at eventfinder (see link below) and tickets purchased in advance at ticketek (see link below)

When in New Zealand you can also experience the thrills of rugby, the national sport and passion. Wellington is one of the stronger teams in the country, but wherever you are, you can usually find a match to attend - check for a summary of upcoming fixtures on the 'Rugby News' link below.