International Visitors Discover New Zealand’s Stories in Wellington

While New Zealand’s breathtaking scenery is still a major drawcard for international visitors, many also want to match this with experiences that teach them about the country’s distinctive history, culture and stories.

Positively Wellington Tourism CEO Tim Cossar says that New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, is the perfect place for them to gain these experiences. 

“Wellington has it all. It is located on the edge of a stunning harbour, with natural attractions just a stone’s through from the centre city. But it is also home to the country’s innovative national museum Te Papa Tongarewa, which tells the story of our nation’s history, Parliament Buildings and a diverse range of cultural and heritage attractions,” Tim said.

Recent figures show that international visitors are flocking to Wellington. Over the past three years the city has seen a 28% increase in international visitors. In the past ten years international visitor nights in the city have more than doubled, now sitting at more than 4.2 million.

Tim said that this growth in international visitors reflects a growth in Wellington tour operators and attractions that are telling New Zealand’s stories. “We are seeing a number of Wellington tourism products emerging which give their own distinctive angle on New Zealand’s history, culture and identity.”

Wellington’s tourism offering is reflected in the products present at TRENZ:

Te Papa

Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s bold and innovative national museum, provides a unique insight into New Zealand, with exhibitions that embrace Maori and European perspectives on our land, people and environment.

Zest Food Tours

Zest Food Tours has been operating in Wellington for two years and offer travellers a range of tours which explore Wellington’s lively food scene and give a ‘behind the scenes’ insight into the city and region’s culinary delights.

Wellington Rover Tours

‘Wellington’s little sightseeing company with a difference’ offers day tours to all the highlights of Wellington. Founded on 10 years of guiding experience, it provides innovative tours including its famous Lord of the Rings locations tour.

Museum Hotel

Museum Hotel is a luxurious, sophisticated boutique style hotel ideally situated across from Te Papa and opposite Wellington’s harbour. The hotel has recently undergone an expansion and upgrade, more than doubling its room capacity and featuring a lap pool, gymnasium and stylish lobby.

Karori Wildlife Sanctuary

A world first conservation attraction just minutes from central Wellington, Karori Wildlife Sanctuary offers a unique nature experience. Visitors can stroll through 18 kilometres of scenic walking trails and learn about New Zealand’s distinctive flora and fauna.

Bolton Hotel

The Bolton Hotel opened in February 2005 and is Wellington’s highest Qualmark rated hotel. Centrally located, it features contemporary luxury guest rooms and suits, a swimming pool, spa pool, sauna and gymnasium as well as a fine dining restaurant, café/lounge bar and private dining rooms.

Kapiti Island Alive

Kapiti Island Alive is a small, family owned operation offering a unique, high quality nature tourism experience. Kapiti Island is a nature reserve located off the Kapiti Coast, about an hour’s drive from central Wellington. This product offers a unique mix of nature and Maori and European history and conservation.

Classic New Zealand Wine Trail

The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail encompasses the premier wine growing areas of New Zealand: Wellington, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, Tararua and Marlborough. It is a self-driving trail that takes in a range of quality accommodation, restaurants, sights and activities and of course, top vineyards.

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