Capital fun

Wellington goes by many names. Be it the Windy City or New Zealand's home of craft beer or the nation's arts and culture capital, one thing is for sure: this is a seriously cool place.

Wellington became New Zealand's capital in 1865 and has housed parliament ever since. And although it is not the biggest city in the country, it is certainly worth visiting. Renowned for its shopping, nightlife, café culture and many restaurants, Wellington claims to have more places to eat and drink per capita than New York. A ranking of 22nd in the Economic Intelligence Unit's poll for the most liveable cities of 2014 proves that this is a town that the locals love. And there is also heaps to keep tourists happy, ranging from the national museum to the Weta Workshop (which boasts an association with Peter Jackson).

But the cricket fan comes here with only one thing in mind: Westpac Stadium. It is approximately 1km from Wellington's central business district and thus easily accessible.

What to pack: Located on the south-western tip of New Zealand's North Island, Wellington can get very cold in winter. But in February and March, while temperatures can reach above 20 degrees C, it usually hovers between 14 and 18 degrees. And while it can drop to as low as 12 degrees, humidity is high, commonly 75% or above. It might be wise to bring an umbrella and raincoat, besides a good pair of walking shoes.

Walking Wellington is very doable, but for those journeys where transport is required, there are buses. Trains are run by Metlink; timetables and fares are available online. Wellington still has trolley buses, powered by overhead wires. Taxis are available from Wellington Combined Taxis (Tel: (04) 384 4444).

There's a range of ways to get to Westpac Stadium. Regular shuttle buses, which drop you right at the turnstiles, run from the city on a regular basis. There are several city stops, including one at the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum main entrance; or try the Courtenay Place bus terminus. You can also get to the venue by ferry but you will need to walk down the elevated 650m Fran Wilde walkway. Westpac Stadium is also a kilometre-long walk from the CBD. And if you want to get the train, it's right near Wellington railway station.

High-end: InterContinental Wellington offers stunning accommodation for the traveller who wants to stay in style, just 1.5km from the stadium. Adjacent to the waterfront, luxurious rooms are complemented by pools, gym and sauna facilities, restaurants and bars. AtHome Wellington City is 2.3km from the stadium and less expensive than the InterContinental, but is winning rave reviews from locals. Massive rooms and balconies ensure this place is booked out regularly.

Mid-range: For apartment-style accommodation, Quest Wellington represents good value. Walking distance (1.6km) from the Westpac Stadium, Quest's apartments offer kitchen and laundry facilities, and cable TV. There's also the Distinction Wellington Century City Hotel 2.8km from the stadium, which combines a great location with value-for-money accommodation. The James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington is a good option as well, with two restaurants, a bar, and proximity to the Lambton Quay shopping area. It is just short of 2km from the stadium.

Budget: The Dwellington, 1.5km from the stadium, offers hostel accommodation (read, beds in a dorm) in the heart of Wellington. There's free breakfast and Wi-Fi, and you can use the adjacent tennis and squash courts free of charge. If a change of pace is what you're after, Moana Lodge (+64 4 233 2010) could be the answer. If you phone ahead, staff at the lodge are happy to pick you up from Plimmerton station; otherwise the hostel is a flat 1.2km walk along the beachfront. What Moana Lodge has going for it is its outstanding location:lLess than 20 steps from the water's edge, it overlooks Plimmerton Bay.

High-end: Stunning interior and an excellent atmosphere make the Bangalore Polo Club a must visit in Wellington. While the food is highly rated, this place comes into its own of an evening. Whether you're in the luxurious private booths or on the dance floor, you'll have a good time here. The 1920s-themed Hawthorn Lounge will catch your attention, be it with the big band or the swanky staff costumes. And the iconic Matterhorn is a cocktail bar the locals just love. They are all about 2.5-3km away from the stadium.

Mid-range: If craft beer is your thing, you'll love The Malthouse. Situated in thriving Courtenay Place, 2.6km from the stadium, which has a clutch of pubs, bars and clubs, this place offers more than 20 taps and over 150 beers. They have six temperature-controlled fridges and the bartenders are armed with suggestions. Situated on the Wellington waterfront, slightly closer to the stadium, St John's Bar and Restaurant is set in an old ambulance building. Locals love sitting outside in the sun, on bean bags or rugs, and enjoying a few drinks. Based in a New York-style loft apartment, The Apartment is also popular.

Budget: Four Kings has a plethora of screens that will be showing cricket, and offers a relaxed atmosphere for a drink or two. The Chicago Sports Café is another great spot to watch sport - and it's on the waterfront. Irish bar Molly Malones is always popular with the locals. All of them are located within 2.5km of the stadium.

Visiting the New Zealand Cricket Museum at the iconic Wellington cricket ground, Basin Reserve. Open every day during the tournament, the museum charts the game's development in the country and contains some of the world's oldest bats.

Walking through Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum of New Zealand, which highlights the nation's Maori culture, history, wildlife, art and visual culture.

Experiencing first-hand the Weta Workshop, co-founded by Peter Jackson of The Lord of the Rings and King Kong fame. The museum is a movie-based visitor experience and will excite any film fan.