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Wellington

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand.

Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand

It sits on the southwestern tip of the North Island. The city is between the Cook Strait and the Remutaka Range.

Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington is a very windy place. In fact, it is the windiest city in the world.

Wellington (261409365)
Wellington (261409365)

This happens because it is near the narrow Cook Strait. Many people call it "Windy Wellington."

Long ago, Māori people explored this area. Stories say a chief named Kupe visited the harbour.

Wellington.- Statue de Kupe Raiatea avec son épouse Te Aparangi (focus)
Wellington.- Statue de Kupe Raiatea avec son épouse Te Aparangi (focus)

Māori names for the area include Te Whanganui-a-Tara. This means "the great harbour of Tara."

Wellington has been the capital since 1865. This is where the government and Parliament work.

Parliament Buildings and The Beehive
Parliament Buildings and The Beehive

Many people also work in the film industry there. The city is also a major seaport.

Lambton Harbour, Wellington, New Zealand c 1840
Lambton Harbour, Wellington, New Zealand c 1840

You can travel by train, bus, or ferry. Ferries can even take you to the South Island.

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🖼️ Images & Media (36)
File:Wellington.- Statue de Kupe Raiatea avec son épouse Te Aparangi (focus).jpg
Wellington.- Statue de Kupe Raiatea avec...
File:Lambton Harbour, Wellington, New Zealand c 1840.jpg
Lambton Harbour, Wellington, New Zealand...
File:Early Map of Wellington - Wellington County District (23530307892).jpg
Early Map of Wellington - Wellington...
File:Corner of Bowen Street and Lambton Quay, circa 1929.jpg
Corner of Bowen Street and Lambton Quay,...
File:Wellington, New Zealand.JPG
Wellington, New Zealand.JPG
File:View of Wellington from Mt Victoria (10).jpg
View of Wellington from Mt Victoria (10).jpg
File:Departure (33950426345).jpg
Departure (33950426345).jpg
File:ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Wellington Cenotaph - Flickr - NZ Defence Force (2).jpg
ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Wellington...
File:2023 NZ Census Population Density - Wellington City.png
2023 NZ Census Population Density -...
File:WELLINGTON, BOTANICAL GARDENS (44448999).jpg
WELLINGTON, BOTANICAL GARDENS (44448999).jpg
File:Government House front.jpg
Government House front.jpg
File:NZ WL St Mary of the Angels (3).jpg
NZ WL St Mary of the Angels (3).jpg

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