Skål Wellington: The First Club in the South Pacific, Constituted in 1957
Wellington (Te Whanganui-a-Tara or Pōneke) is the vibrant capital of New Zealand. Surrounded by rolling hills and a sparkling harbour, this little city with a big heart is a hub of creative energy, offering a powerful mix of culture, history, nature, and cuisine. As of June 2022, Wellington’s population stood at 212,000.
Renowned as the culinary capital, Wellington boasts an impressive array of award-winning eateries, colourful markets, and food trucks. The city is home to New Zealand’s biggest food festival, Visa Wellington On a Plate, which includes the ever-popular Burger Wellington competition, as well as Beervana, an annual celebration of craft beer. With its strong coffee culture, you'll find cafés and local roasteries on every corner. Petone’s Jackson Street is a culinary hotspot where you can savour dishes from around the globe. Upper Hutt’s Brewtown is a must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts, while nearby Wairarapa offers a charming wine-making village perfect for exploring on foot or by bike, especially its famous Pinot Noir vineyards. Just up the coast, the Kāpiti region invites you to discover its stunning beaches, boutique wineries, and rich local produce.
Wellington’s hidden laneways, adorned with street art, and sculpture walks along the waterfront are perfect for discovery. Experience world-class museums like Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, The Dowse Art Museum, and Space Place at Carter Observatory. Dive into the secrets of movie-making in "Wellywood" with a Studio Tour at Wētā Workshop.
The city is also home to World of WearableArt | WOW, the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. CubaDupa is a lively street party celebrating Wellington's most iconic street, Cuba Street. Every two years, the New Zealand Festival of the Arts brings a compelling mix of international performing arts, music, and literary events to the city. The Wellington Jazz Festival fills the city’s venues and craft beer bars with soulful live music, while Homegrown is a beloved music festival held on Wellington’s waterfront at the end of summer.
Recognized by Time magazine in their 2019 list of the 100 greatest places on earth, Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne ecosanctuary is must-see. And to truly appreciate Wellington’s sparkling harbour, hop aboard the East by West Ferries flagship Ika Rere (Flying Fish), the southern hemisphere’s first fully electric ferry built by Wellington Electric Boat Building Company.
Join Skål International Wellington, the pioneering club of the South Pacific, constituted in 1957, and connect with a dynamic community of professionals in the travel and tourism industry. Grow your business, share experiences, and make lasting friendships in the heart of New Zealand's capital.
Click here to learn how to become a member today! Join Skål International Wellington
Connect with Skål Wellington
Committee Members
President
Leigh Frame (General Manager | Novotel Wellington and iBIS Wellington)
Vice President
Jade Bolstad (Tourism Manager Wellington | Weta Workshop)
Vice President
Iain Craw (General Manager | Petone Club)
Secretary / Treasurer
Joseph Lane
Committee member | Membership
Charmine Hawke (Director | Fraser Travel)
Committee member | Website and Social Media
Graham Mann (Director | GuestTraction)
Committee member | Communications and PR
Suresh Subramaniam (CEO / Founder | U Hotel Group)
Past President
Graham Mann (Director | GuestTraction)