What is the capital of New Zealand?

Wellington (Māori: Te Whanganui-a-Tara) is the capital of New Zealand since 1865 & is in the geographic centre of the country. Although considerably smaller than Auckland it holds both the political & cultural power of the country.

It is called " The Windy City " and many stories are told about the high winds & terrible storms that have rocked this city on the Cook Strait, however the true origin of this title refers to the bombastic nature of it's politicians and not the weather.

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57 Comments

William Laughlin

Wellington is consistently listed among the top 5 windiest cities in the world; some say it's number one. I believe it is Chicago that is called The Windy City because of its bombastic politicians, not Wellington. I found no sources confirming that reason for Wellington's nickname.

Ed Taber

williamrlaughlin, In the 1890's New York City and Chicago were vying for the Coming World Exposition and Chicago was really beating the drum, to the extent that newspapers in New York labeled Chicago 'the Windy City.' Having spent many a night on the south side of Chi I can believe the only thing between the north Pole and Chicago is a barbed wire fence.

George Edmund Bradfield

Just like Chicago!

earlepg

It seems that Wellington is not the windiest city in the world, but it has been windy because of the position of Wellington in relation to the Cook Strait. It lies on the only major gap between the mountains running the lenght of the two main islands with the wind being funnelled between the two islands.

ragsdalej

Your last question is worded wrong people. It says WHAT is the capitol not where is the capitol???

robert karel

Cindy Young-Johnson, caused by beans! 🤣

robert karel

Cindy Young-Johnson, your on the wrong page!

robert karel

Andrew King, cow dung!

Julia Watkins

Kenney Devey, Auckland was never the capital

Sheree Marthinuisen Opperman

I am a New Zealander, and believe me it is windy. Maybe not the windiest, but it’s bad. Pilots are even specially trained to land there due to the conditions.