Which island contains Wellington, New Zealand's capital?

Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, is located on the North Island.

The city sits at the island’s southwestern tip, beside Cook Strait and near the southern end of the North Island. Cook Strait separates New Zealand’s two main islands, so Wellington is geographically close to the South Island even though it is firmly on the North Island. Ferries connect Wellington with Picton in the South Island.

Wellington became New Zealand’s capital in 1865, replacing Auckland. Its central position and excellent harbour helped make it a practical political centre. The capital’s location is sometimes confused with the South Island because Wellington faces across the strait toward the Kaikōura ranges and serves as the South Island’s main ferry gateway. Chatham Island and Stewart Island are separate outlying islands, not the island containing the capital.