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Wellington is the capital, and second largest city of New Zealand, with approximately 400,000 residents. In 2011, it was named 'the coolest little capital in the world' by Lonely Planet.
The city's economy is largely service-based, with an emphasis on finance, business services and government. It is home to New Zealand's film and special effects industries and is a growing hub for information technology and innovation.
Wellington is located near the geographic centre of the country, on the southern tip of the North Island. It has excellent transport links, including Wellington International Airport, a train and bus network that extends as far as the Kapiti Coast and Wairarapa, and ferries that connect the city to the South Island.
Wellington is also regarded as New Zealand's cultural capital, featuring a number of museums and cultural institutions, including the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and the National Library of New Zealand.
It hosts a number of high profile events and cultural celebrations, including the World of Wearable Art, the Cuba St Carnival, and the New Zealand International Arts Festival.
Wellington features numerous theatres, and plays host to many artistic and cultural organisations, including the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Royal New Zealand Ballet .
Wellington is famous for its café culture, characterised by the large number of cafés and small dining establishments that punctuate the city. There are a wide range of restaurants that offer cuisine from around the world, and of course, a distinctly New Zealand style.
There are a number of universities and tertiary education providers with a presence in Wellington, most notably, Victoria University of Wellington. Massey University, The University of Otago, Whitirea New Zealand, the National Drama School - Toi Whakaari, and Wellington Institute of Technology all have campuses in the area.
Wellington is home to a number of top sports teams, including the Hurricanes/Lions (rugby), Phoenix (football), Firebirds (cricket), Saints (basketball) and Pulse (netball). Westpac Stadium is a feature of the city, and plays host to a range of sporting fixtures, including the All Blacks.
'Windy Wellington' has a generally moderate, temperate marine climate. But as the saying goes, 'You can't beat Wellington on a good day.'
