Wellington City

The political and cultural heartbeat of New Zealand

International students are warmly welcomed to New Zealand’s capital city: multi-cultural and well connected, full of bright, open-minded people. It is ideal for students who may have limited English skills and who wish to practise in a supportive environment.

Cultural diversity: Wellington’s cultural diversity is a celebration point and festivals are hosted all year round – with spectacular performances, parades, delicious food and street stalls.

The city’s creative community is especially dynamic, enjoying festivals for food, art,
literature and theatre. Wellington’s strong interest in film also draws one of the biggest annual film festivals in the world. Wellington’s unique scenery continues to attract filmmakers from around the globe.

Recreational opportunities: Your options for recreation and sport are enhanced by the city’s location. Close to sea, hills and forest, it offers plenty of ways to get active. Victoria University Students’ Association organises many clubs which are free, or reasonably priced, to join. Popular choices include kayaking, hiking and mountain biking.

Some clubs arrange trips to other regions of New Zealand, such as the hiking tracks of Mt Tongariro or the ski fields of Mt Ruapehu. Victoria’s Recreation Centre organises plenty of popular team sports, including soccer, basketball and rugby. You can play to win, or just have fun. Either way, you will meet friends and enrich your experience at Victoria.

A beautiful city: Wellington is one of the most beautiful cities in New Zealand. The inner city, central suburbs and harbour are encircled by the Town Belt, a 4,250-hectare natural reserve on the first line of hills, incorporating many parks and walkways.

This dark-green sweep is a vital part of Wellington’s identity. Wellington’s distinctive architecture creates a feeling of accommodation and sanctuary. A small number of factories also means that Wellington is environmentally friendly. Wellington’s air is pure and its water is clean.

Excellent public transport: Wellington’s hilly geography focuses its main amenities and activities on its compact city centre. This means that most international students living in University accommodation or close to campus simply walk to any where they need to be.

Wellington also enjoys excellent public transport. Victoria’s campuses are connected by a very dependable bus service; a large network of buses enables you to travel around the city and to wider suburbs; and taxi services run at all hours.

Kelburn Campus is linked to Lambton Quay – the business and shopping centre of Wellington – by an historic cable car that runs every ten minutes. The cable car is a charming, reliable way to arrive at lectures on time from the city.

A safe place to live: Wellington is one of the safest cities in the world to live. Its urban design favours people and community over cars and traffic. Civic Square, Cuba Street Mall and Queen’s Wharf are popular centres, where people can walk, rest or gather for events in a traffic-free, colourful space. Services are in place to help people get around as safely as possible, such as Walkwise or City Information, who can help if you need directions.

The capital: At the centre of government, Wellington has a network of important national institutions, including ministries, courts, libraries, archives and the Te Papa museum.  Its business and governmental district sets Wellington at the heart of national and international affairs. As the nation’s capital, it is the chosen venue for many international conferences, sporting events and concerts.

Wellington is also the centre of prestigious performers: the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Royal New Zealand Ballet both call Wellington home. Numerous art galleries exhibit contemporary international and New Zealand works and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s bold and innovative national museum, curates the nation’s extensive historic national art collection.

For study, research and life experience, the city is a live wire of information, with a strong awareness of its history and a keen dialogue with current events. Over 55% of Wellington’s working population has a tertiary qualification – the city is motivated and energised by the intelligent vision of its people.

As New Zealand’s vibrant capital city, Wellington is alive with culture. From an exciting range of annual festivals and events to a lively night life, Wellington is a great place to study – and play! Check out the city’s many ethnic restaurants and cafes, which boast fantastic cuisine combined with a great atmosphere. Most can be found within easy walking distance from the Central Business District.