ATTRACTIONS

Wellington Attractions

Te Papa Museum

Wellington's leading attraction and one of the world's largest national museums, Te Papa is a tribute to all that is New Zealand; its people and history, natural environment, arts and culture. Interactive technology and superb displays bring the story to life. Motion simulators allow visitors to witness the explosive creation of pre-historic New Zealand, or to experience a virtual reality bungee jump. There is also an interactive section on volcanoes and earthquakes where the effects of an earthquake can be felt from inside a house and a volcanic eruption viewed on screen. Other attractions include a range of magnificent exhibitions featuring some of the country's most important Maori treasures, a modern 'marae' or Maori meeting house, and an informative display on the Treaty of Waitangi, between the Maori chiefs and European settlers in 1840. The natural world is also explored, featuring all the natural inhabitants of the country.

Address: Cable Street, Waterfront; E-mail: mail@tepapa.govt.nz; Website: www.tepapa.govt.nz; Telephone: (0)4 381 7000; Transport: Museum is within easy walking distance of railway station and bus district; Opening time: Daily from 10am to 6pm, Thursdays until 9pm; Admission: Free

Wellington Attractions

Cable Car

One of the most popular tourist attractions, the cable car takes people to the lookout at Kelburn, where there is a beautiful view over the city and across the harbour. Visitors can either take a return journey or walk back down through the beautifully landscaped Botanic Gardens. At the top terminus there is the small Cable Car Museum explaining its history.

Address: Cable Car Lane, 280 Lambton Quay; E-mail: info@Wellingtoncablecar.co.nz; Website: www.WellingtonNZ.com/cablecar; Telephone: (0)4 472 2199; Opening time: Monday to Friday from 7am to 10pm, Saturday 8.30am to 10pm, Sunday and Public Holidays from 9am to 10pm; Admission: NZ$2.50, or NZ$4.50 return (adults), NZ$1 or NZ$2 return (children). Other concessions available.