<h5><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-80229" src="https://static.travelgay.com/media/68075/wellington-guide-main-1.jpg" alt="" width="100%" />view of Wellington from Mt Victoria</h5>&nbsp;<h2>Wellington</h2>Known as the windy city, due to its location at the very Southern tip of the North Island, Wellington is very much the cultural capital as well as the official capital city of New Zealand.A compact city, the CBD is spread around the wide Wellington harbour area, with the main residential areas set in steep wooded hills all around, making for a very attractive city scape. Further into the hills is a network of walking and biking trails linking the city to the surrounding countryside.Wellington is home to the national Parliament and the country’s leading cultural resource, the Te Papa museum.&nbsp;<h2>Gay Scene</h2>Wellington, as the cultural centre of New Zealand, has a uniquely integrated mixed gay and straight bar culture, in particular around the Courtenay Place and Cuba Street quarters. There is therefore no distinctly gay scene as such.The few specific gay venues that there are, we have listed here, together with a mention of the most mixed of the ‘straight’ venues in town, which you will no doubt feel very at home in.As for accommodation, Wellington has a good range of hotels, and our shortlist picks out six of these. As is common throughout New Zealand, there are also several gay homestays in the area.One in Wellington to note in particular is Koromiko Homestay – an architect designed home of three lovely guys, high up in the wooded hills above the city centre, which makes for a great and fun place to stay in the city.&nbsp;<h2>Getting to Wellington</h2>Wellington International airport is a major transit point for domestic travelers, with many daily flights to Auckland and Christchurch in particular. International flights link Wellington directly to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with seasonal flights to Fiji.The Flyer local bus service connects the short 5km distance from the airport to the city centre. A train service runs the length of the North Island, connecting Wellington directly to Auckland.InterCity Coachlines provides regular bus services to Wellington from throughout the North Island. The InterIslander ferry connection connects Wellington to Picton at the top of the South Island.&nbsp;<h2>Getting around Wellington</h2>The CBD (Central Business District) of Wellington is very compact and easy to cover on foot, with the Golden Mile being the main commercial area linear grid, and the Waterfront walk providing a scenic walking route around the central harbour area.A good network of buses, trains and ferries provides good connections to the  wider suburban areas. Wellington is also very proud of its cable car – an iconic symbol of the city, which connects Lambton Quay to Kelburn, for easy access to the Botanical Gardens.<h5><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-80232" src="https://static.travelgay.com/media/68077/wellington-guide-main-2.jpg" alt="" width="100%" />Oriental Bay</h5>&nbsp;<h2>Things to See &amp; Do</h2>Visit Te Papa -  located on the harbour front right in the heart of the city, this world renowned and much loved national museum features well laid out contemporary displays providing an easily accessible overview of all aspects of New Zealand’s history.. a must see.Sample the city’s cool café culture around Cuba Street and check out the local designer boutiques.Take a trip on the famous Wellington Cable Car for city views and easy access to the lovely Wellington botanical gardens for an afternoon picnic.Sample some of New Zealand’s best restaurants located around the Courtenay and Cuba quarters.Check out the city’s vibrant arts scene with regular concerts, exhibitions, theatre and film festivals in top venues around the city centre.Climb to the top of nearby Mount Victoria for a truly panoramic view over the whole city and harbour.Take a Parliament tour, made up of Edwardian, Victorian Gothic and the unique 1970’s Beehive building.Visit Zealandia – in the hills above the city centre, this not-for-profit organisation showcases New Zealand’s most rare wildlife in a living ecosystem reservoir location, and features a highly popular night tour. One of the best places to see kiwis in their natural habitat (the flightless birds, not the locals).Book a Flat Earth New Zealand Experience tour – including the ever popular Lord of the Rings Middle Earth film locations.

Gay Wellington · City Guide

First visit to Wellington? Then our gay Wellington city guide is for you.

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is celebrated for its vibrant cultural scene and welcoming atmosphere, making it a fantastic destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. The city's queer community is lively and well-integrated into the overall cultural fabric of Wellington, with events and spots that highlight its inclusive spirit.
The heart of Wellington's LGBTQ+ scene is around Cuba Street, where a variety of bars, cafes, and shops offer a friendly and open environment. Wellington is also famous for its annual Pride Festival, which takes place over two weeks and features an array of activities from parades and parties to film screenings and art exhibitions, celebrating the diversity and creativity of the community.
Moreover, Wellington hosts the Out in the Park fair, a queer fair which has been a part of the city's Pride celebrations for over 30 years. This event brings together people from all walks of life to enjoy performances, art, and cuisine in a festive and inclusive setting.

About Wellington

The ability for same-sex couples to legally adopt a child.

Equal age of consent since homosexual (male-and-male) activity was legalised with the commencement of the Homosexual Law Reform Act on 8 August 1986.

The difference between legal age of consent for homosexual sex and heterosexual sex.

12 month deferral periods were dropped to 3 months across multiple categories of donor, including MSMs.

The ability for MSMs (men who have sex with men) to donate blood or tissue for organ transplants. A deferral period refers to a waiting time before a man can donate after having sex.

After a review, the 5 years deferral was reduced to 12 months deferral.

No specific date in March. NZBS lists March 2009 on the linked page. NZBS performed a review in 2013 and results are expected to be public shortly.

In New Zealand, there are no laws restricting the discussion or promotion of LGBTQ+ topics.

Censorship or prohibition of discussing, promoting, or teaching LGBTQ+ topics in media, schools, and in the general public.

Law was changed under the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021 which comes into effect on 15 June 2023. This will allow gender self-identification and mean that you will not need to go through the Family Court to change your nominated sex/gender, and you will not require evidence of medical treatment to do so either.

Legal recognition of sex reassignment by permitting a change of legal gender on an individual's birth certificate.

Law was changed to allow trans people to apply through the Family Court under section 28 of the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationship Registration Act 1995. Currently through the Family Court, you are required to provide 'supporting evidence' of some form of medical treatment, which does not have to be surgery but may be. 

With 112 affirmative votes and 8 opposed votes, the Parliament of New Zealand passed the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Act, banning conversion therapy on February 15, 2022, which took partial effect on February 19, 2022, with the remaining protections for those over 18 with "decision-making" capacity where "serious harm" has not been caused will take effect on July 19, 2022.

Legal status of conducting sexual orientation changing therapy ("ex-gay" therapy)

Under section 21 of the Human Rights Act 1993, discrimination against "heterosexual, homosexual, lesbian, or bisexual orientations" is prohibited, with no other sexual orientations being protected. Discrimination protections relating to gender identity and transgender persons are ambiguous but regarded as being protected under the ground of "sex". 
 
Under the Human Rights Act 1993, there are a variety of specific exceptions from discrimination law relating to working in private areas (such as a person's home) and accessing special counselling services (such as counselling dealing with sexual abuse or family violence), among others.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

The Human Rights Act 1993 prohibits discrimination in relation to employment and religious grounds, affirmed by section 19 of the NZ Bill of Rights Act 1990, which apply everywhere. However, protections only apply to those of heterosexual, homosexual, lesbian, or bisexual orientations, and currently gender identity is ambiguously regarded as being protected under the ground of sex. That has not been tested yet, and is prone to being interpreted otherwise.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity in employment, including hiring, promotion, termination, harassment, etc.

Medical and psychological support designed to help individuals transition to the gender they identify with, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and surgeries.

Legalised with the commencement of the Homosexual Law Reform Act 1986, introduced as a bill by former member of Parliament Fran Wilde.

Consensual sexual activity between individuals of the same sex.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity when applying for housing or discrimination by landlords / property owners.

Medical interventions performed on intersex infants to alter their genital appearance to conform to typical male or female standards, often without the informed consent of the child who is too young to participate in the decision-making process.

Law was changed upon the passing of the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act in 2013, which included the amendment under section 5 clarifying the meaning of marriage to "the union of 2 people, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity". New Zealand was the fifteenth country in the world, and the first in Oceania, to enact marriage equality.

Marriage and marriage recognition between two people of the same biological sex and/or gender identity.

The Civil Union Act 2004 received Royal assent on 13 December 2004, allowing for same-sex couples to enter civil unions when it commenced on 13 April 2005.

No form of civil unions or same-sex marriage were legal prior to 13 April 2005.

The ability for homosexuals to serve in the military and be open about their sexuality.

New Zealand allows an "X" marker on birth certificates and passports.

Legal recognition of non-binary, genderqueer, or third gender identities.

New Zealand

Wellington gay Bars

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Wellington Gay Bars

Wellington Hotel Guide

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Gay Wellington · Hotels

Wellington gay saunas & cruise clubs

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Wellington Gay Saunas

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QT Wellington

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Ohtel Wellington

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Gay Wellington

Gay Wellington Guide [YEAR] for gay travelers. Find the best gay bars & clubs, gay saunas, gay-rated hotels in Wellington, New Zealand. Exclusive reviews, photos, discounts, maps.

Gay Wellington Guide 2024 - gay bars, clubs, saunas & more

Wellington

Wellington, capital of New Zealand, has a distinctive charm that goes way beyond its shopping, cafÃ© and nightlife scene.

Large underground lounge bar &amp; club and a focal point of the Wellington gay scene. Ivy Bar hosts regular cabaret-themed events and serves delicious cocktails and tapas. 
 
Note that the former Club Ivy moved from its old Dixon St location to become Ivy Bar on Lower Cuba St, in the basement of the former James Smith building. 
 
The Ivy also hosts comedy acts on a regular basis from some of NZ's best comedians. Check their website for further details. Closed on Mondays and Sundays.

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Ivy Bar

Large underground lounge bar &amp; club and a foca...

S&amp;M's (Scotty &amp; Mal's) is an intimate bar &amp; cocktail lounge with various themed nights. The stylish d&eacute;cor, chandeliers and high walls make this a popular spot for LGBT locals and tourists. Regular events include karaoke on&nbsp;Thursdays, with Fridays and Saturdays&nbsp;being full-on party nights. The downstairs bar at S&amp;M's hosts private functions.

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S&M’s Cocktail Bar & Lounge

Wellington's LGBT-popular cocktail lounge bar with various themed nights.

Gay-friendly bar and entertainment venue in downtown Wellington. The Fringe hosts live music, comedy shows, cabaret, to poetry recitals, etc. 
 
Karaoke is popular here. Fun and friendly atmosphere. Food is also available.

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The Fringe Bar

Inner city venue with karaoke, live shows and comedy.

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