Wellington

As cities go, it’s really rather small but the compact nature of the downtown area gives it a bigger-city buzz and, being the capital, it’s endowed with museums, theaters, galleries and arts organisations completely disproportionate to its size. Wellingtonians are rightly proud of their kickin’ caffeine and craft-beer scene, and there’s no shortage of beard-wearing, skateboard-lugging, artsy types doing interesting things in old warehouses across town.