Wellington

It’s known for being New Zealand's political capital and a colourful, artsy city. But don’t let any of that fool you into thinking that this city isn't passionate about sport: its 33,000 capacity stadium is otherwise known as party central. On 21 March it hosts the quarterfinal knockout between Group B's top qualifier and the 4th qualifier from Group A. Prior to that New Zealand’s Black Caps take on England on 20 February, England plays Sri Lanka on 1 March and South Africa meets United Arab Emirates on 12 March. Fill in your spare time with visits to national museum Te Papa Tongarewa (where you can immerse yourself in our culture and history) or the Cricket Museum, set inside a vintage stand at the Basin Reserve. Get a taste of movie magic at Weta Workshop and Stone Street Studios or catch a film at the Embassy Theatre, a personal favourite of homegrown director Peter Jackson. (If you fly into Wellington, keep your eyes peeled for the sculpture of Lord of the Rings character Gollum in the arrivals hall!) You’ll be well fed and watered in between, with lots of top restaurants, bars and cafes to tempt your tastebuds.

Wellington lies between Cook Strait (the great divide between the North and South Islands) and the Rimutaka Range, ringed by hills on one side and an intensely blue harbour on the other. It’s also the gateway to the endless wild beaches of the Kapiti Coast, and other nature experiences. A Red Rocks land safari is an opportunity to see a fur seal colony, or you can go kiwi-spotting on a guided night tour at Zealandia or on Kapiti Island.