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If it had nothing else going for it, Wellington’s thriving film industry, home to Peter Jackson’s Miramar filmmaking empire, would be a major drawcard. For this fact alone New Zealand’s capital city is fondly known as Wellywood, but in reality the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Set on a harbour above which rise green hillsides dotted with colonial villas, reminiscent of San Francsisco, Wellington has a stylish, funky vibe and is celebrated for its culture and vibrant food scene. Its then you get the drift why it has such an attraction for the film industry. For the conference market it has much to recommend it, not the least is Jackson’s Weta Cave, which showcases the creativity of his Weta workshop and is available for tours and for private bookings for up to 60 people standing – after 6pm. Nearby, in the movie-making town of Miramar, is the Roxy Cinema. This re-created, modern day marvel, has a theatre, Grand Lobby and Grand Lobby cocktail bar, ideal venues for special events, conferences and seminars. The city itself hugs the waterfront so hotels like the 5-star InterContinental and the quirky Museum Art Hotel, have sweeping harbour outlooks. As the country’s political and art’s capital its not short on fabulous event spaces such as the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, considered one of the best interactive museums in the world and the waterfront’s newest venue, Shed 6, one of six iconic and award winning venues managed by Positively Wellington Venues (PWV). The others include the Michael Fowler Centre, TSB Bank Arena, Academy Galleries, St James Theatre and the Opera House. All add unrivalled ambiance to a variety of events ranging from conferences to tradeshows, and performances to gala dinners. Beyond the city proper is Zealandia, a natural safe haven for over 30 species of native birds and reptiles and a stunning location for a cocktail function or team building exercises. 30 minutes out is Boomrock Lodge perched on 250m cliffs with breathtaking views over the South Island. Here extreme golf, clay target shooting, archery, skirting the cliffs in a rally car, and scenic helicopter flights are on offer. Two things to put on the itinerary– The Sunday City Market and breakfast at Floriditas in Cuba Street. |
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