Where should you start your New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?

Although it is the capital of New Zealand, Wellington is often hidden in the shadows of the country’s other major cities. Yet Wellington has a lot to offer. Voted one of the most pleasant cities in the world, Wellington is compact, safe, friendly and vibrant. You’ll have to hold on tight, though, as it’s also the windiest city in the world (hence the nickname ‘Windy Welly’) and experiences many earthquakes (don’t worry, most of them are barely noticeable, unlike the wind).

Accessibility and budget

Wellington airport is international, but is only served from other New Zealand and Australian cities, as well as Fiji and Singapore. There are still plenty of inbound flights, but it can simply be a little more expensive to get there.

Wellington’s central location offers a wealth of opportunities for travel within the country. Domestic flights are affordable and can take you anywhere in the country in just a few hours. You can also take the ferry and explore the South Island that way.

Wellington also has the advantage of having a very compact city centre. Most attractions are within a 2 km diameter. So everything is within walking distance. Put on your most comfortable shoes and explore the city’s prettiest streets. The city also has excellent public transport links. You can also take the Cable Car into the city centre from Kelburn (which offers spectacular views of the city). So owning a car isn’t essential if you’re moving to Wellington. However, a bicycle could be useful if you live on the outskirts.

Work and housing

The Windy City is renowned for its creative side. Whether it’s culinary experiences, crafts or technology, Wellington stands out for its innovation. The city offers a wide range of career opportunities in every field: technology, video games, film, hotels and catering. If you have hidden talents, Wellington could be THE city for you.

However, the city is also home to many students. These students can therefore compete with you in your job search. It can also be quite difficult to find accommodation here. Flats are rather expensive and not always in the best conditions.

Atmosphere and activities

Wellington is a perfect blend of culture, art and food. Despite its small city centre, Wellington has a reputation for being as vibrant as it is welcoming. The locals are particularly friendly and it’s common to strike up a conversation with complete strangers.

Wellington is a vibrant city. For its small size, there’s a lot going on: rugby games, Kiwicon (the hackers’ convention), culinary festivals like Wellington on a Plate, arts festivals like Wearable Arts, exhibitions, big concerts like AC/DC, night markets, CubaDupa (a street festival) and dozens of other smaller events. One thing’s for sure, you’ll always find something to do in Wellington.

Wellington is also popular for its culinary culture. Often referred to as one of the most foodie cities in the world, its flavours will blow your taste buds away. In fact, the city has more cafés, bars and restaurants per capita than New York City (no less!). Like so many of New Zealand’s success stories, its culinary culture is the product of innovation, diversity, the country’s natural resources and the celebration of indigenous culture. It is in Wellington that this identity is most recognisable and exciting.

If you’re more interested in culture and history, you’ll be delighted to know that Wellington is home to New Zealand’s national museum, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (or simply Te Papa, which means treasure box). The museum focuses on the life behind New Zealand’s cultural treasures. It is packed with history and honours the links between culture and the Maori people. Te Papa is also a free museum that will never cease to amaze you on your first, third or tenth visit.

When it comes to nature, Wellington offers superb views and plenty of opportunities to come across wildlife. You’ll find numerous beaches, including Oriental Bay, which is just a stone’s throw from the city, and Lyall Bay, which is very popular with surfers. Wellington’s waters are also often visited by animals of all kinds, including sea lions (especially at Pariwhero), penguins, dolphins, whales and orcas. You’ll also find Zealandia, an eco-sanctuary home to 40 rare endemic species. The sanctuary’s conservation efforts have reintroduced 18 species to the region.

More information about Wellington.