The first thing I noticed about Wellington are the ubiquitous roundabouts! Lots and lots of them; and just when you thought that you had past the last one, there's yet another! I guess this is a perfect way to save money, as traffic lights can be complicated and outrageously costly. Of course roundabouts are the invention of the "Brits" from the UK, who ultimately settled in New Zealand. Wellington, as the capital of New Zealand, is a very compact city situated right on the water's edge and surrounded by hills; making the city likened to a giant amphitheater.
Although the winters here are mild, and the summers cool; Wellington's weather is often gray, windy and cold - much like the weather in the Northwest USA.
Due to it's geographical topography, Wellington is the windiest city in the world by average wind speed. A living testament to this are the number of wind farms erected on the western slopes at the top and around the surrounding hills above the city.
The city faces the harbor that opens up to the Cook Straits, where the seas are often rough from being battered by waves and ocean winds from the north and from the south.
Juxtapose to Auckland CBD, it is about one tenth that of Auckland's population density. Ranked 15th by Mercer's Quality of Living Ranking 2019, Wellington is second to Auckland as the best city to live and work in New Zealand. Further comparing it to Auckland, it is the cultural and administrative seat of New Zealand; with the government employing more than a third of its workforce across the country. Wellington's main businesses are in the services sector; primarily finance, business services and government.
It is also the center of New Zealand's film industry with many special effects businesses in the area.
A particularly "Hollywood" copy can be found in the Wellington sign along the hills of Miramar near the airport. Of course it sports the expected look of Windy Welly (as the locals so dearly call their beloved city)!
It is also a very cosmopolitan city, evidently from it's diversity in people and in it's cuisine. Of course, if that doesn't appeal to your appetite, there's always the local staple of fish and chips which one can find in almost every block in town. Within the city, one can find foods of all kinds.
Due to is compactness, walking or taking the public transport might be the best way to see and experience the city. The roads are narrow and mostly built on the side of the surrounding hills. It is somewhat similar to the streets of San Francisco, except it's not fashioned in a grid-like format. So typically British - only to confuse you with curvy streets with roundabouts that are at times just painted circles on the ground!
Many of the city attractions are free to the public. A perfect place to burn off the calories after a hearty meal is by walking up to the top of Kelburn via the Wellington Botanical Garden instead of taking the funicular train. The garden hosts an incredible amount of plants, interspersed with interesting art sculptures. The views at the top are worth every step.
Another point of interest with extensive views of the city and the surrounding harbor is at Mt. Victoria. Like for most public spaces, it can get very crowded especially during the holidays. There are many ways to the get to the top via an extensive web of pathways, bicycle trails and concrete steps.
Another area in Wellington that is famous for its upscale homes and waterfront views is called Oriental Bay. It was so named by the first resident in the area, George Duppa; since he first arrived in New Zealand on a ship called the Oriental. This esplanade was not considered upscale in the past, especially since it used to stink from the smell of boiling whale blubber from the old whaler days. It has since come a long way, with its homes of the rich and famous, bath houses and scenic ocean side views. During Christmas the Norfolk trees that line the esplanade are lighted up to create a festive mood. It is one of the only areas in Wellington that is adorned with holiday festivity.
In all, Windy Welly is an interesting city to visit. Don't forget to visit Te Papa Tongarewa (The Museum of New Zealand) and its neighboring Art Gallery. It is also the place to catch an inter-islander ferry to the South Island. Although, at times overshadowed by Auckland, Welly is a great place to visit.
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