Established in 1897, Victoria University of Wellington is one of New Zealand’s thriving universities, consistently ranking among the world's best.
The university has nine faculties, seven of which conduct teaching and research, including Law, Science, Education, Architecture and Design, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, and the Victoria Business School. It is a popular university for other reasons too, as Wellington is a fashionable, cosmopolitan city with an amazing backdrop of verdant hills and a spectacular natural harbour.
Parking spaces are a little sparse in the Kelburn area, but there are many other forms of transport available. There is a cable car running regularly from the city up to Kelburn, stopping close to the University. Cycling is another popular form of transport with bicycle stands supplied all around the Campus. Bus links are also very good, with numerous bus routes stopping at the Kelburn Campus and serving most points in the city. It is less than a 15-minute walk from the city centre to the University.
Initially, there was a dispute as to where to build the University, but the decision was influenced by the Cable Car’s company donation on the proviso in Kelburn where it would be located. The University’s motto is “Sapientia magis auro desideranda,” which means “Wisdom is more to be desired than gold.” The University’s first foundation stone, placed in the Hunter Buildings, was laid in 1904.