Wellington is home to two of the greatest places on earth to visit, according to a new list released by the iconic Time magazine.
The Zealandia eco-sanctuary and Hiakai restaurant are both listed in Time's article, Worlds Greatest Places 2019 - 100 Destinations to Explore Right Now.
Zealandia was praised for not just turning the clocks back, but for its efforts to preserve some of Aotearoa's rarest species.
"Before New Zealand was home to humans, chatty birds like the tui and kereru dominated the land's lush green hills and valleys," the review reads.
The 500-acre, predator-proof sanctuary recently celebrated the birth of its 1000th Hihi chick.
Across town, the team at Hiakai restaurant were singled out for their use of native ingredients to produce Māori-inspired cuisine while being named one of the world's must visit restaurants, one on a list of just 19.
The combined work of Zelandia and Hiakai's head chef, Monique Fiso, have seen two completely different aspects of New Zealand culture showcased globally via one of the most trusted brands in the world.
Tourists pump $2.7 billion into the Wellington regional economy every year.
Newshub.
