WELLINGTON
The country's capital and home of one of the windiest airports in the world. Also home of our National Museum, Te Papa where we can get clients behind the scenes, Weta Workshop (ditto) and not far from the vineyards of Martinborough. A fun place for a day or two.
Despite the wind, the city is fun. The atmosphere is upbeat, cool. And so are the restaurants and cafes. Te Papa and Weta Workshop (behind the scenes) are both well worth the visit. Personally we love the Maori artefacts in the airtight strongroom - very special indeed.
There’s an energy to Wellington that feels both creative and effortless, the kind of place where you can happily lose an afternoon wandering from gallery to waterfront. It’s compact, walkable and full of little surprises if you pause long enough to notice them.
Two hours away by car, or just 10 minutes by helicopter, is the Wairarapa. Lovely remote rugged farming region with some excellent vineyards (Martinborough) and a heavyweight lodge (Wharekauhau). Another day or two well spent.
It feels wonderfully unhurried out here, a place where wide landscapes and good wine set the pace for you, and it’s no surprise that many luxury New Zealand tours make this region a highlight.