What are the major events and festivals held in Wellington?
Summer City
Kicking off on New Year’s Eve, Wellington’s Summer City festival is an annual three month-long celebration that features a diverse program of events and activities. From an outdoor concert series to cultural celebrations, including the Wellington Pasifika Festival, there’s plenty to do across the city throughout the Summer City period. If your Palmerston North to Wellington flights arrive in Wellington in time for Summer City, be sure to check which events are set to coincide with your stay in the city.
A Very Welly Christmas
Held in the leadup to Christmas, A Very Welly Christmas is a celebration of all things festive. It all happens on a weekend, and this free community event sees Santa stop by Lambton Quay, as well a variety of family-friendly activities including live entertainment, kids crafts and more. Be sure to stop by Midland Park for Christmas carols on Saturday night and don’t forget to get a photo with Santa.
When is the best time to visit Wellington?
The best time to visit Wellington for sightseeing is between March and May. At this time, the city experiences fair weather, and fewer tourists typically visit during this period so you may be able to enjoy better deals on flights from Palmerston North to Wellington and accommodation at this time.
If you’re wanting to experience the city’s best weather, plan your visit to Wellington for between December and February. Daytime temperatures peak at this time, and a larger number of visitors from across New Zealand and the globe to the city too.
If you’re hoping to travel on cheap flights from Palmerston North to Wellington, the best time to visit the city is during the winter months. From June to August, demand for flights is typically lower than during summer and autumn, meaning that you may find some great deals on hotel rooms and Palmerston North to Wellington flights that are due to touch down at this time.
What are the top things to do and see in Wellington?
Weta Workshop
If you’ve ever wondered how they bring the magic of the movies to life, plan a visit to the Weta Workshop once you touch down on your cheap flights from Palmerston North to Wellington. Located just outside the city centre, the design studio is best seen on a guided tour, although the on-site museum offers a fantastic introduction to the costumes, props and creatures developed by the creative minds behind the Weta Workshop. While the studio may be best known for its work on The Lord of the Rings, bringing the Hobbits and other creatures of Middle Earth to life, it has also developed special effects for many other films, including The Chronicles of Narnia, Thor: Ragnarok and Mad Max: Fury Road.
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
If you’re wanting to learn more about New Zealand and its heritage during your stay in the city, stop by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Featuring interactive exhibits and an incredible collection of artefacts, you’ll have the chance to discover the rich Maori culture, see a fantastic collection of art by New Zealand artists, and learn about the stories behind the people and events that have helped to shape the nation. There are a range of temporary and permanent exhibitions to explore inside the six-storey building, and free general entry available throughout the year.
Zealandia Sanctuary
If you’re wanting to see some of New Zealand’s native animals up close, plan a visit to the Zealandia Sanctuary. Set across 225 hectares, the sprawling ecosanctuary was created with the goal of restoring part of the local ecosystem to a state similar to before humans began living in the area. To date, the project has reintroduced 18 native species to the sanctuary. To discover more about the sanctuary and the creatures that call it home, be sure to join a tour led by an experienced guide. The guided tours happen twice a day - before dusk and then after dark - and provide a great opportunity to not only explore the sanctuary, but to also learn more about its important mission.
Mount Victoria
Once your flights from Palmerston North to Wellington arrive in the city, you’ll quickly find that there’s nowhere quite like Mount Victoria for soaking up the beauty of the country’s capital. Accessible on foot or by car, the summit offers spectacular panoramic views across the city, Wellington Harbour and the surrounding region. Consider packing a picnic and watching the sun set behind the city. You may even be able to catch a glimpse of the South Island in the distance if you make the trip up on a clear day.
FAQs
Which airlines fly direct from Palmerston North to Wellington?
Air New Zealand operates direct flights from Palmerston North to Wellington.
How long is the flight time from Palmerston North to Wellington?
Direct flights between Palmerston North and Wellington average 40 minutes.
How far is Palmerston North to Wellington?
Wellington is approximately 125 kilometres from Palmerston North.
