Wellington city, the nation’s capital, is tightly wedged between the sea’s edge and the hills. Locals enjoy its compact layout, quirky charm and panoramic views. But more than half the region’s residents live further afield, from the fertile flats of the Hutt Valley to the long, sandy beaches of the Kāpiti Coast.Sited in the middle of the country, Wellington was well placed for trade. In 1839 it was chosen as the first major planned settlement for British immigrants coming to New Zealand, and a number of ships arrived at Petone in 1840. A business district soon grew around the harbour, which became a busy port.