Wellington: The Windy Capital of Culture and Cuisine

• HelloKia ora
  [key-ah or-ah]
• GoodbyeHaere rā
  [high-ree rah]
• YesĀe
  [eye]
• NoKāore
  [kah-or-eh]
• Please/You're welcomeWhakawhetai
  [fah-kah-feh-tie]
• Thank youNgā mihi
  [nah mee-hee]
• Excuse me/SorryAroha mai
  [ah-roh-hah my]
• How are you?Kei te pēhea koe?
  [key teh pay-hah ko-eh]
• Fine. And you?Māmā. Ā koe?
  [mah-mah. eye ko-eh]
• Do you speak English?Kōrero koe i te reo Pākehā?
  [core-eh-roe ko-eh ee teh reh-oh pah-keh-ha]
• I don't understandKaore au e mohio
  [kah-or-eh ow eh moh-hee-oh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe tirohia te wharangi kai, ki te pai
  [meh tee-raw-hee-ah teh fah-rung-ee kye, kee teh pie]
• I don't eat meatKaore au e kai mīti
  [kah-or-eh ow eh kye mee-tee]
• Cheers!Ki a koe!
  [kee ah kyo-eh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe utu, ki te pai
  [meh oo-too, kee teh pie]

• Help!Āwhina!
  [eye-fee-nah]
• Go away!Haere atu!
  [high-ree ah-too]
• Call the Police!Waea atu ki te Pirihimana!
  [wah-eh-ah ah-too kee teh pee-ree-hee-mah-nah]
• Call a doctor!Waea atu ki te Tohunga!
  [wah-eh-ah ah-too kee teh toe-hung-ah]
• I'm lostI wareware ahau
  [ee wah-reh-wah-reh ah-how]
• I'm illKei te māuiui au
  [key teh mah-oo-ee-oo-ee ow]

• I'd like to buy...Me hoko...
  [meh haw-kaw]
• I'm just lookingKei te titiro anō au
  [key teh tee-tee-raw ah-noh ow]
• How much is it?He aha te utu?
  [heh ah-ha teh oo-too]
• That's too expensiveHe rawa teitei rawa
  [heh rah-wah teh-ee-teh-ee rah-wah]
• Can you lower the price?Taea e koe te whakaiti i te utu?
  [tie-yah eh ko-eh teh fah-ky-tee ee teh oo-too]

• What time is it?He aha te wā?
  [heh ah-ha teh wah]
• It's one o'clockKotahi karaka
  [kaw-tah-hee kah-rah-kah]
• Half past (10)Tekau mā rima
  [teh-kaw mah ree-mah]
• MorningAhiahi
  [ah-hee-ah-hee]
• AfternoonAhiahi
  [ah-hee-ah-hee]
• EveningPō
  [paw]
• YesterdayInānei
  [ee-nah-nay]
• TodayĀpōpō
  [ah-paw-paw]
• TomorrowĀpōpō
  [ah-paw-paw]
• 1Tahi
  [tah-hee]
• 2Rua
  [roo-ah]
• 3Toru
  [toh-roo]
• 4Whā
  [fah]
• 5Rima
  [ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [aw-noh]
• 7Whitu
  [fee-too]
• 8Waru
  [wah-roo]
• 9Iwa
  [ee-wah]
• 10Tekau
  [teh-kaw]

• Where's a/the...?Kei hea te...?
  [key hey-ah teh]
• What's the address?He aha te wāhitau?
  [heh ah-ha teh wah-hee-tow]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Taea e koe te whakaatu mai i ahau (i runga i te mahere)?
  [tie-yah eh ko-eh teh fah-kah-ah-too my ee ah-how (ee roong-ah ee teh mah-heh-reh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Āhea te āhua (pahi) e tū mai?
  [eye-heh teh ah-hoo-ah (pah-hee) eh too my]
• A ticket (to ....)He tika (ki ....)
  [heh tee-kah (kee ....)]

Wellington, named after the first Duke of Wellington, was officially founded in 1839 by the New Zealand Company. The city was initially settled by British colonists and quickly became an important port and commercial center. The city's founding marked the beginning of its transformation from a sparsely populated area to the vibrant capital of New Zealand.

Before European colonization, the area where Wellington now stands was home to several Māori iwi (tribes), including Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Toa, and Ngāti Ruanui. The Te Aro Pā, a fortified village located in what is now central Wellington, was a significant settlement. Māori culture and history are deeply intertwined with the city's identity, and many sites of historical significance remain, including the preserved Kumototo Stream and the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park.

On January 23, 1855, Wellington experienced one of the most significant earthquakes in New Zealand's history. The magnitude 8.2 Wairarapa Earthquake caused extensive damage throughout the region, reshaping the landscape and leading to the uplift of the Wellington coastline. The earthquake highlighted the geological activity of the region and led to advancements in engineering and building practices that continue to influence the city's architecture.

In 1865, Wellington was officially named the capital of New Zealand, replacing Auckland. The decision was influenced by Wellington's central location and its well-established port. The move of the government to Wellington solidified its status as a political and administrative hub, resulting in significant urban development and the construction of iconic buildings such as the Government Buildings, the Beehive, and the Parliament House.

The Wellington Cable Car, opened in 1902, is a historic funicular railway that connects Lambton Quay with the suburb of Kelburn. The cable car quickly became an iconic feature of the city, providing residents and visitors with stunning views of Wellington Harbour and facilitating the growth of suburban areas. Today, the cable car remains a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Wellington's innovative spirit.

Opened in 1998, Te Papa Tongarewa, the Museum of New Zealand, represents a cultural renaissance for Wellington. The museum is a cornerstone of the city's cultural landscape, showcasing New Zealand's natural history, Māori culture, and contemporary art. Te Papa is a testament to Wellington's commitment to preserving and celebrating its diverse heritage, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the country's history and culture.

In recent decades, Wellington has earned the nickname 'Wellywood' thanks to its burgeoning film industry. The city is home to Weta Workshop and Weta Digital, both of which gained international fame for their work on films such as 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy and 'Avatar.' The film industry has brought economic growth and global recognition to Wellington, making it a creative hub and attracting tourists from around the world eager to visit filming locations and studios.

Wellington is well-connected by air, sea, and land. The primary gateway is Wellington International Airport, located approximately 8 kilometers from the city center. Direct flights are available from major cities in New Zealand, Australia, and some Pacific Islands. For those traveling by ferry, the Interislander and Bluebridge ferries provide service between Wellington and Picton, offering scenic journeys through the Cook Strait. Alternatively, you can reach Wellington by car or bus via State Highway 1 or by train on the Northern Explorer route from Auckland.

Wellington boasts a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and ferries. The Metlink network covers the greater Wellington region, with frequent services to most suburbs. The city's compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, and there are also plenty of taxis and rideshare services like Uber. For a more scenic route, take the Wellington Cable Car from Lambton Quay to the Kelburn lookout. Rental cars and bikes are available for those looking to explore further afield.

The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and contactless payments are common. ATMs are readily available throughout Wellington. While most establishments accept cards, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases or in case you visit markets and smaller businesses that may not accept cards.

Wellington is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's important to remain vigilant, especially in crowded places and at night. Areas like Courtenay Place and Cuba Street are popular nightlife spots and can get lively, so keep an eye on your belongings. Avoid poorly lit areas and be cautious in less frequented neighborhoods. Always use licensed taxis or rideshare services for late-night travel.

In case of an emergency, dial 111 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Wellington has several hospitals, including Wellington Regional Hospital and Kenepuru Hospital, which provide emergency medical services. Pharmacies are also widely available for minor health issues. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-urgent assistance, you can visit a local medical clinic.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, as Wellington's weather can be unpredictable. Casual attire is generally acceptable, but dress smartly if you plan to dine at upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect places of worship and cultural sites. Remove your hat and avoid loud conversations when visiting these places. Public Transport: Do use your Snapper card for easy payment on public transport. Don't eat or drink on buses and trains. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'kia ora'. A handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like fish and chips, and the coffee culture is a must-experience. Don't tip, as it is not customary in New Zealand.

To experience Wellington like a local, visit the Sunday Harbourside Market for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Take a stroll along the Wellington waterfront or hike up Mount Victoria for panoramic views of the city. Engage with locals at cafes and bars; Wellingtonians are known for their friendliness and love to share their city's secrets. Don't miss Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum, for an immersive experience in New Zealand's culture and history. For a unique local experience, catch an independent film at the Embassy Theatre or take a tour of the Weta Workshop, the creative powerhouse behind many blockbuster films.