@home NEW ZEALAND

Featured Member		Balaena by the Bay WELLINGTON

Wellington, New Zealand's capital city, is imaginatively positioned between a picturesque harbour and forested green hills. The city is home to memorable arts, cultural and heritage attractions including the national museum, Te Papa. Natural attractions, such as the wild south coast, are within easy reach of the city centre.

Sophisticated yet friendly, Wellington has great shopping and nightlife. The downtown area can match New York with the number of cafes and restaurants per head.

Just north of Wellington is the Hutt Valley, with a winding river connecting the cities of Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt. The area offers its own arts and cultural treasures as well as a variety of outdoor and adventure experiences, including bush walks, fishing and thrilling mountain bike tracks.

Porirua city, on the west coast, has a reputation for energy, creativity and talent. It is a significant centre of Maori and Pacific Island arts and culture, and also boasts a variety of outdoor activities.

To the north again,only 30 minutes from Wellington, is the Kapiti Coast sometimes referred to as Wellington's holiday area. This area is now combined with the Horowhenua and known as the Nature Coast for tourism purposes. It is a place where you should "Take your time" while discovering its many attractions which include beautiful beaches, bush walks, world-class wildlife sanctuaries, adventure activities and fantastic golf and gourmet food experiences.