Wellington is New Zealand's centre of government and the world's southernmost capital city. It is also New Zealand's cultural capital.
The city is home to many museums, theatres and arts festivals, including Te Papa (the Museum of New Zealand), the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and the biennial Festival of the Arts.
Wellington is also a leading centre for creative industries, such as film and computer technology, and it is the home of the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX).
The city is situated alongside Wellington Harbour and surrounded by natural beauty. From the central business district, it is only a quick drive to find stunning countryside and rugged coastlines.
Area
Wellington city: 28,990 hectares
Wellington region: 813,005 hectares
Nearly all Wellington residents are within 3 kilometres of the coastline, and the city has 109 parks and playgrounds.
As a region Wellington has a diverse range of landscapes including 50,000 hectares of regional parks and forests.
Population
Wellington city: 179,466
Wellington region: 448,959
Wellington city's population accounts for 4.45% of the New Zealand population and is expected to see steady growth over the next decade.
The Wellington region contains 11.1% of New Zealand's population.
Ethnic Groups
European: 70.1%
Asian: 13.2%
Maori: 7.7%
Pacific peoples: 5.2%
Other: 12.7%
Note: These statistics total more than 100% because the New Zealand census allows people to identify more than one ethnicity.
Wellington city is home to a diverse range of ethnic communities. These communities support a variety of events in the city such as Matariki celebrations, the Chinese New Year and the Diwali Festival of Lights.
Climate
Warmest month: February
(17ˇăC average)
Coldest month: July
(8.7ˇăC average)
Average daily maximum
for mid-summer: 20.3ˇăC
Average daily minimum
for mid-winter: 5.9ˇăC
Average annual sunshine: 2025 hours
Average annual rainfall: 1270mm
Wellington has more sunshine hours than London and less rainfall than Auckland.
Economy
(September 06 quarter)
Average Hourly Earnings: $28.45
Average Sale Price for Dwellings: $375,400
Note: This information comes from Statistics New Zealand.
Public Holidays
New Years Day: 1 January
Day after New Years Day: 2 January
Wellington Anniversary Day: Closest Monday to 22 January each year
Waitangi Day: 6 February
Good Friday: Varies
Easter Monday: Varies
ANZAC Day: 25 April
Queens Birthday: 1st Monday in June
Labour Day: 4th Monday in October
Christmas Day: 25 December
Boxing Day: 26 December
