Wellington is nestled between green sloping hills and a stunning harbour. New Zealand’s capital city is renown for its cultural activites, art galleries and excellent restaurants and bars. Rich with the scenic beauty of picturesque walks and pristine inner-city beach with golden sands, there is an abundance of things to do in Wellington. 

The soaring Mount Victoria lies to the east of the city centre in a suburb  of the same name offering a blend of commercial and residential activities. Used twice as a location for filming Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, Mount Victoria is within walking distance of the city; therefore it is said to be the most accessible filming location. The Hobbiton Woods of the film, where the Hobbits sought safety from the black riders, were depicted by the forested areas of the Mount Victoria.

The city’s panoramic vistas can be viewed from the Mt Victoria Lookout. One of the best spots to get your bearings of Wellington, the lookout is at the top of Mount Victoria, which has a rise of 196 metres. Topped by a triangular memorial dedicated to an Antarctic explorer named Admiral Byrd, Mt Victoria Lookout offers charming views, stretching from the stunning harbour islands all the way to the airport at the south-east of the city centre, providing views of the planes going in and out of the airport and Cook Strait ferries sailing in to the harbour.  The lookout is also the ideal spot for enjoying a captivating sunset. The Mt Victoria lookout can be reached by car taking a drive following the signs at the northern end of Oriental Bay.