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Experience the vibrant spirit of New Zealand's capital city on Wellington Anniversary Day this January 22! This local holiday dates back to 1841 when New Zealand was still a fledgling British colony. On this day, we celebrate the founding of the Wellington province by Captain William Hobson, the first governor of New Zealand. Whether a resident or a visitor, this holiday is a perfect time to immerse oneself in the city's rich history, unique culture, impressive landmarks, and mouth-watering cuisines. So gear up and join the fun on this special day as the city comes alive with activities, parades, and much more. Wellington Anniversary Day – That's when every bit of Wellington sparkles a little brighter!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1840</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Treaty of Waitangi</div><div class='timeline-text'>The signing of the Treaty of Waitangi marked the beginning of British rule over New Zealand.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1841</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Founding of Wellington Province</div><div class='timeline-text'>Captain William Hobson declared Wellington a province on 22 January, 1841.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1865</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Wellington becomes Capital</div><div class='timeline-text'>Wellington replaced Auckland as the capital of New Zealand in 1865 due to its central geographical location.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1920</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Anniversary Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>Wellingtonians officially began celebrating the anniversary as a public holiday in the 1920s.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Wellington Anniversary Races</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Wellington Anniversary races became a significant event in the city's anniversary celebrations from the 1980s onwards.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2022</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Modern Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Today, Wellington Anniversary Day is marked with various festivals, events and parades showcasing the city's history, culture, and vibrant spirit. </div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Tour historic sites</h3><p class='facts-text'>This is a perfect day to stroll through the streets of Wellington and take in the many historical buildings and landmarks. Visit the iconic Parliament Buildings or the Old St Paul's Cathedral, which are symbols of the city's rich past.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Attend a local parade</h3><p class='facts-text'>Many communities in Wellington hold special parades on Anniversary Day. Check out your local community's schedule and join in the revelry that often includes music, dancing, and traditional Maori performances.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Engage in outdoor activities</h3><p class='facts-text'>Wellington is known for its stunning natural beauty. Celebrate the day by exploring the great outdoors. Go biking, hiking, or picnic at one of the city's many parks or beaches.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Indulge in local cuisine</h3><p class='facts-text'>Wellington is a foodie's paradise. Use this day to treat yourself to some New Zealand delicacies at local eateries. Don't miss out on the fresh seafood, lamb, or the traditional Hangi if you get the chance!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Visit a cultural exhibition</h3><p class='facts-text'>On this day, many museums or art galleries organize special exhibitions showcasing Wellington's history and culture. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the city's past and its vibrant arts scene.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Appreciating History and Culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Wellington Anniversary Day allows us to appreciate and experience the rich history and unique culture of New Zealand's capital. It's a day of remembrance for the founding of the province, and a tribute to the people and events that shaped the city. The historical sites, parades, and cultural exhibitions offer everyone a taste of Wellington's heritage.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Outdoor Fun</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This holiday encourages us to engage with Wellington's stunning natural beauty. Whether it's a picnic in a park, a hike along beautiful trails, or a cycling tour around the city, we can enjoy the great outdoors in Wellington's refreshing atmosphere - perfect for nature and adventure lovers alike!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>A Foodie's Delight</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>For food enthusiasts, Wellington Anniversary Day provides a wonderful opportunity to indulge in local cuisines. From fresh seafood, succulent lamb, to the traditional Hangi, it's a culinary journey through New Zealand that promises to tantalize our taste buds!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Wellington Anniversary Day is a Region-specific Holiday</h3><p class='facts-content'>Wellington Anniversary Day isn't celebrated nationwide on the same day. The holiday is observed on the Monday closest to January 22 and specifically commemorates the arrival of the first European settlers to Wellington.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Actual Settlement Date is in September</h3><p class='facts-content'>While Wellington Anniversary Day is observed in January, the settlers from the ship called Aurora actually landed in Petone, a suburb of Lower Hutt near Wellington, on 20 September 1839.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The land of Wellington was Purchased in a Controversial Deal</h3><p class='facts-content'>Wellington was purchased from Maori chiefs in what became known as the 'Kemp's Deed' in exchange for goods amounting to just around £200. It is seen as a highly controversial deal which resulted in subsequent conflict and land disputes.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Vibrant multi-cultural Celebrations</h3><p class='facts-content'>Wellington Anniversary day sees a mix of multi-cultural celebrations, including performances from Pacific Islander communities, Southeast Asian dance performances, and Maori Haka dances.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Wellington Harbour is the Center of Celebrations</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Wellington Harbour takes on a festive look on Anniversary Day, with various water-sports competitions and sailing contests held to entertain locals and visitors alike.</p></div></div>
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