Visitor Information
As you travel around the Wellington region, look for the sign you can trust. i-SITE is New Zealand's official network of visitor centres.
Population
The Wellington region (including Kapiti, Porirua, Hutt Valley and Wairarapa) has the third highest population, containing 11.3% of New Zealand's population.
- Wellington city 163,824
- Wellington region 423,765
Climate
Wellington has more than 2060 sunshine hours per year, & was recorded as the sunniest main centre in 1995, 1997, 2000 and 2002.
Temperature:
- Mean daily maximum in summer (January) 20.3C 69F
- Mean daily minimum in summer 13.4C 56F
- Mean daily maximum in winter (July) 11.3C 52F
- Mean daily minimum in winter 6.2C 43F
Annual rainfall mean 1249mm
Cultural mix
Wellington City has relatively more people aged 20-34 than other areas and relatively fewer elderly people and children.
The population mix consists of:
- 80.9% European
- 12.5% Maori
- 7.9% Pacific Island
- 6.8% Asian
- 0.9% other
Famous for
Lord of the Rings/King Kong
Wellington was the main filming and production location for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Shot in New Zealand between October 1999 and December 2000, you can experience Middle Earth in all its diversity whilst in Wellington. King Kong was also shot in Wellington in 2004 - 2005
The people
Musicians:
- Fat Freddy’s Drop
- Black Seeds
- Rhombus
- Phoenix Foundation
Artists:
- Maurice Bennett
- Peter Jackson (movies)
- Richard Taylor
- Cliff Whiting (Maori sculptor and artist)
Writers:
- Katherine Mansfield
- Robin Hyde
- James K Baxter
- Bill Manhire
- Sam Hunt
Chefs:
- Al Brown
- Steve Logan
- Rex Morgan
- Ruth Pretty