Dubbed ‘Wellywood’, New Zealand’s vibrant capital may be a quarter of the size of Auckland but it’s a buzzing place to be and a fashionable and energetic hub with a lively media and film scene that has sprung up in recent years following the success of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films. Explore the looping harbour, fine restaurants and museums such as the excellent Te Papa, the country’s national museum and art gallery. The InterContinental Wellington is adjacent to the harbour so is perfectly placed for access to all the city’s attractions. The accommodation is as you’d expect from the group, modern and flawlessly presented, having just undergone a multi-million-pound update and reopened in September 2016. There are Classic, Executive and Deluxe rooms to pick from, as well as a full range of suites. The city and harbour views improve as you go higher up the building and the Club rooms and suites include access to the luxurious Club Lounge. The hotel’s 3rd floor pool, the largest indoor one in the city, sauna and hot-tub have all been refreshed in the recent refurb and are framed on all sides – including the roof – by glass. There’s also a fully equipped gymnasium and a full-service spa. For wining and dining the hotel has a full complement of restaurants. The sophisticated Lobby Lounge is open all day for light bites and an extensive range of teas and coffees and there’s Chameleon for authentic local flavours while local’s favourite Arizona has been serving American themed food and drinks for over 24 years.
