Kia ora and welcome to Aotearoa, "The Land of the Long White Cloud",
as the native Māori people call New Zealand.
The country's North and South Island are divided by the Cook Strait.
Overlooking the Strait is Wellington: the world's southernmost capital.
Trendy Wellington is dubbed the Capital of Cool.
It's as if the fresh ocean winds bring in waves of creativity.
Home to less than half a million people,
Wellington isn't New Zealand's most populous city
but it is the country's political, cultural and culinary capital.
Clinging to the forested mountain slopes that spill out into the harbor
is the compact city center.
Imaginative street art, vintage shops, a hip café culture
incredible scenery, splendid museums, and a touch of tradition
make Wellington a breath of fresh air
The locals are just as passionate about rugby union
as about drinking coffee or locally brewed beer on the waterfront.
Vital to the unique flavor of this eclectic urban mix
is the cultural heritage of the Māori people
Te Papa, the beloved National Museum, shows how these brave seafarers
made their mark in this precious land between the mountains and the sea.
Telling the story of New Zealand
is like turning the pages of a mystical book about a faraway land
It's a tale about discovery, ocean currents and starry heavens
and wooden boats navigating along the Ring of Fire...
First came the fearless Māori people, who cultivated the country,
then the Dutch who gave it its current name,
and eventually the British, who laid claim to the land.
Learn more about their navigational techniques in the Carter Observatory
See and hear how the rest of the story of the capital unfolded
in the Museum of Wellington City and Sea.
Continue your journey back in time in the historical city center:
a jumble of architectural styles.
Tour the neo-classical Parliament House
and admire the city's landmark Beehive building.
From Lambton Quay, ride the historic Wellington Cable Car
to the top to visit its original Winding House
Take in the panoramic views from outside and then slowly make your way
back down again along the scenic paths of the Botanic Garden.
When the Wellington Winds subside,
the locals flock to the waterfront to warm up in the sun.
Join the crowds for a wine or a beer on the wharf
or stroll along the boulevard of Oriental Bay
Take the kids down to the beach or go fishing or kayaking in the harbor.
In central Cuba Street, poke your nose in a book shop or coffee shop
Make your way around the elegant Town Hall,
which is now a concert hall and visitor center
The building is part of Civic Square,
which is full of surprising artworks that appeal to the imagination.
Thanks to their ability for storytelling,
the creative locals have given their city global fame
when it comes to music, literature and film.
"Wellywood" has been the set for blockbuster movies,
such as Avatar and Sir Peter Jackson's King Kong and Lord of the Rings
Come face to face with some of the local villains
in the mini museum of the Weta Workshop on the Miramar peninsula.
From the city, hop on a bus to Zealandia, a conservation park.
See if you can spot the endangered Takahē and Kākā birds
and learn more about the area's special flora
End your day with fine dining
followed by a night out in a cozy downtown bar or theater.
Journey south to experience Wellington's legendary hospitality,
clean air and quality of life.
Whichever page you turn in New Zealand's distant capital,
you'll discover that magic and adventure is just around the corner.