The worst thing about Welly (even worse than the weather), as that there is nowhere near/driveable that is semi decent/interesting to visit for a weekend escape.
I can say that as someone who grew up in the rapa, and lived in the Capital a couple of times. It's like residing in a little pretty prison, encaved in hills.
Auckland for all it's vices has lots of cool nearby places to check out over the Sabbath. Same for the Garden City.
Wellington is definitely the best place to have a pro NZ football team though.