What could be more cultured than the combination of a sophisticated city and a picturesque rural wine-growing region? Wellington, New Zealand’s political capital, is a beguiling place, tucked between the folds of a rugged hillscape on the shores of a dramatic harbour. City precincts offer superb shopping and dining, along with a big dose of cultural activities; from the Parliament Buildings to New Zealand’s National Museum as well as galleries, theatres, shows and all manner of entertainment. Beyond the hills to the east, the Wairarapa moves to a much slower pace; the perfect indulgent retreat where you can sample the local Pinot Noir at the vineyard where it was grown, and explore the wild coastline.

REST & RELAX

Sit back on a sunny terrace and sample a selection of the fine Pinot Noir wines that the Wairarapa region is famous for.

LUXURY EXPERIENCE

Board a helicopter for your own thrilling private flight above this remarkable region, stopping for lunch at a luxurious country estate.

NATURAL EXPERIENCE

Come face to face with astonishing and rare New Zealand native wildlife at Kapiti Island, Mt Bruce or Karori.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

Watch the antics of our political leaders and try to follow the action (and the New Zealand accents!) in the Debating Chamber at New Zealand’s Parliament House.

BUDGET TRAVEL

Spend a day exploring Te Papa Tongarewa; New Zealand’s unforgettable national museum is a world leader in interactive museum technology – experience the rush of a bungy jump without leaving the ground or feel an earthquake rumble and shake beneath you.

ADRENALINE-RUSH

Discover an amazing underwater landscape – take a guide and go scuba diving in one of several renowned dive spots around the rugged Wellington coast.