Wellington

Wellington is New Zealand's capital, built around a harbour with steep hills rising behind the city centre. Ships dock at Aotea Quay, a short shuttle ride or 20-minute walk from town. Te Papa, the national museum on the waterfront, has large-scale exhibits on New Zealand's geology, Māori culture, and natural history. The Wellington Cable Car, painted red, climbs from Lambton Quay to the Botanic Garden at the top of the hill. Cuba Street is the city's main strip for independent cafés, vintage shops, and street performers. Wētā Workshop offers behind-the-scenes tours of the special effects studio that worked on The Lord of the Rings. Wellington claims more cafés per capita than New York, and the flat white coffee culture is strong. The waterfront is good for a walk, with sculpture and a lagoon. Craft beer breweries have multiplied in recent years. The New Zealand dollar is the currency. The city is walkable and compact.