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Is Wellington a good city to live in?
Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand and is known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cultural scene and buzzing art, music, and food scenes. With a population of around 420,000 people, Wellington offers plenty of opportunity for people to find a home and settle in.
When it comes to cost of living, Wellington is often seen as one of the most expensive cities in New Zealand and one of the most expensive cities in the world. However, this does not necessarily mean Wellington is not a good city to live in – it all depends on your budget and economic circumstances.
As with any city, there are pros and cons to living in Wellington. On the plus side, Wellington is home to some of the best educational institutions in New Zealand, including three universities, Victoria University of Wellington, Massey University and AUT University, as well as numerous private tertiary education institutions such as WelTec and Whitireia Polytechnic. The job market is also strong with many large companies based in the city and an economy that is increasingly becoming tech-driven.
The social scene in Wellington is also attractive; it’s renowned for its food culture, excellent restaurants, pubs and bars as well as numerous arts, music and culture venues. There is always something to do or somewhere new to explore. The nightlife is vibrant and often centred around Courtenay Place or Cuba Street. Plus, with its cute coffee shops, cafes and markets that are filled with delicious food from all around the world, it’s easy to feel part of the Wellington way of life.
Wellington is also very walkable city with plenty of great green spaces to enjoy, such as Wellington Botanic Garden. From here, you can easily get to other spots like Mount Victoria which offers stunning views over the city. Wellington is known for its strong wind – an attribute that gives the city its quirky “Windy City’ nickname – but this can also make it an appealing destination to enjoy adventure activities like windsurfing, sailing and kitesurfing.
When it comes to cons, one of the biggest drawbacks when living in Wellington is the lack of diversity. The city has a large Maori population, but generally speaking there is not much diversity in comparison to other larger cities throughout New Zealand or the rest of the world.
Thanks to its great job market, culture, entertainment and educational opportunities, Wellington can be a great place to live or visit for anyone who seeks to escape from busy city life or wants to experience authentic New Zealand culture. But it also can be expensive so you should carefully plan your budget and make sure you know what to expect before making any long-term plans for living there.
No matter how you look at it, Wellington is a fantastic place with an amazing culture and plenty of great things to see and do; from its beautiful landscape and walkways to its unique nightlife scene that makes it an exciting city for young adults and visiters alike. If you’re looking for a place to call home where you can make friends and build your own vibrant lifestyle then Wellington could be the city for you! To find out more information about living in Wellington, check out this website.
An Insider’s Guide to a Vibrant City – Wellington
Wellington, the picturesque capital city of New Zealand, is renowned for its vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and rich history. In this insider’s guide, we will delve into some of the city’s hidden gems that are often overlooked by tourists.
Local Attractions
Of course, you must visit the famous Te Papa Museum and take a stroll along the waterfront, but did you know about the beautiful stained glass windows at Old St. Paul’s Cathedral or the quirky Wrights Hill Fortress? For a secret sunset spot, take a short hike up Hawkins Hill to see the last rays dipping into the ocean.
For a more adventurous experience, explore the extensive network of tunnels at the Wellington South Coast Seal Colony or catch a ferry to nearby Somes Island to discover its fascinating history as a quarantine station and prisoner-of-war camp.
Dining Spots
Wellington boasts a diverse culinary environment, and its coffee is equally lauded. Some hidden gems include Olive, a refined gastropub, and Ortega Fish Shack, famed for its seafood. The Night Market, held every Friday and Saturday night, is a local favorite for delectable street food.
In terms of local cuisine, don’t miss out on the iconic meat pie or a hearty serving of fish and chips. Did you know that Wellington has more cafes and restaurants per capita than New York City? And that it is considered the craft beer capital of New Zealand?
Cultural Experiences
Wellington’s cultural scene is as exciting and varied as its food scene. The city is famed for events such as the World of Wearable Art and the New Zealand Festival. Head down to Cuba Street, where you can take in some street performances, explore the many vintage stores, and catch a film at the famous independent movie theatre, The Embassy.
For art lovers, the City Gallery showcases contemporary art pieces, while the New Zealand Portrait Gallery houses an impressive collection of portraits of significant people in New Zealand history. You can also visit the National War Memorial and learn about New Zealand’s military history.
Local History
Wellington has a rich history, from being the birthplace of famous author, Katherine Mansfield to being the first city in the world to have a woman elected to parliament. Visit the Wellington Museum to learn about the city’s maritime history and the infamous 1968 Wahine storm.
The oldest building in Wellington is the Katherine Mansfield House and Garden, where you can take a guided tour and learn about the author’s life and legacy. Take a stroll through the Bolton Street Cemetery, where many prominent New Zealanders are buried.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions
For a unique experience, consider taking a tour of some of the city’s street art or booking a tour to visit the Lord of the Rings filming locations nearby. For a dose of nature, visit Zealandia, a 225-hectare ecosanctuary, where you can get up close with some of the country’s rarest wildlife.
Lastly, we recommend taking a train ride on the historic Rimutaka Incline railway, which offers stunning views of the countryside.
In Conclusion, Wellington is a city that has much to offer, and more than what meets the eye. With a vibrant cultural scene, delicious food, and a rich history, Wellington is undoubtedly a great city to live in and visit. We hope this insider’s guide will inspire you to explore some of the hidden gems of the city and create unforgettable memories.
