Sunseeker: Wellington, New Zealand

Why go now?

Why go now?

To herald the start of summer when temperatures average a warm 22C. Wellington is not known locally as the Windy City for nothing, so travel now and you will be spared the severe breezes that whip up over the Cook Strait.

Any other reason?

On 1 December, Wellington, or Wellywood as it has been recently dubbed, will play host to the biggest gathering of stars ever seen in the Southern Hemisphere for the premiere of local boy Peter Jackson's final installment of The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, The Return of the King.

Where should I stay?

The Duxton Hotel (00644 473 3900; www.duxton.com) is on the waterfront, with fabulous harbour views. Each of the 192 luxurious rooms (from £103) comes complete with the latest technology. The InterContinental (00644 472 2722; www.intercontinental.com) is in the centre of the city and is where most of the A-list stars of the Rings trilogy will stay. Recently renovated, this 231-room, five-star property provides the last word in luxury and boasts an impressive gym, a fabulous pool and an award-winning restaurant. Rooms from £100.

What shouldn't I miss?

Lunching and dining out is a must. The White House, 232 Oriental Bay (00644 385 8555) serves wonderful freestyle New Zealand cuisine. Liv Tyler was a regular. From £25 per head. Locals often take half a day off in summer and head for the beach, so make for Scorching Bay and soak up the sun.

Who should I call?

Travel Mood (www.travelmood.com/nz; 0870 066 4555) offers seven nights room-only accommodation at the five-star Duxton Hotel from £1,089 per person, including return flights from Heathrow with Air New Zealand.

What if I can't afford that?

Quest Travel (0870 442 3513; www.questtravel.com;) offers seven nights room only accommodation at the three-star Bay Plaza Hotel in June 2004 from £725 per person including return flights from Heathrow.

Where can I find out more?

Contact Tourism New Zealand (0905 060 6060, calls cost 60p/minute; www.newzealand.com).

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