Wellington
Written: Oct 05 '02 (Updated Apr 02 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: it's picturesque
Cons: the winter wind... brrrr
The Bottom Line: Send yourself to Wellington.....
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| hollynz's Full Review: Wellington |
I love going to Wellington, I find it an appealing city to be in.
Unlike Auckland, which sprawls endlessly mile after mile, Wellington is an extremely compact city and the central city district is all in the one small area. This makes it easy to get around; you can walk from the waterfront to the central shopping area in no time at all.
LOCATION
The city sits snugly in a sheltered harbour at the bottom of the north island. With hills surrounding the harbour the city is restricted to a small central strip in the middle. This gives Wellington it’s intimate feeling as all central city business’s and attractions are in this small area.
Being so compact means it is a breeze to get around without transport. Many Wellingtonians walk to work and after being in the city for a day or two, you will see the merit in this. When visiting, I always try to stay centrally so we don’t have to use the car.
ATTRACTIONS
There are plenty of things to see and do here for the visitor.
Parliament Buildings. ~ ( epinions picture)
If you are interested in visiting the Parliament Buildings you can join one of the free tours that they have every hour or so. When we turned up we had just missed the tour and didn’t feel like waiting around for the next one so sorry, can’t tell you any more about it.
Te Papa ~ Museum of New Zealand
This museum is located on the waterfront and is housed in the ugliest concrete building imaginable. I don’t know why it cost so much to come up with this horrid building but it is a great place to visit.
This Museum is relatively new, having the huge Grand Opening about 5 years ago it is now a major drawcard for visitors to Wellington. It tells the story of New Zealand from its geological beginnings to the modern day.
With a great Natural Science section you can see replica’s of the prehistoric New Zealand with huge Moa’s and a mind blowingly big eagle, which if it were still around today would be a threat to small animals and children, it’s massive.
Upstairs we find the human story starting with the early pre-European days. The display of early Maori life is brilliant with actual buildings and structures set up.You are free to walk inside the buildings and check it all out.
We move on to the early immigration days when thousands of people spent months and months aboard ships heading for a new life in the South Pacific. You can walk through a replica ships cabin and get an idea of how they must have lived.
From here we move on to the story of how the country has fared over the last couple of centuries until today.
The museum is free to all visitors but if you would like to give a donation (koha), feel free to do so.
There are a couple of food courts and a more upscale restaurant on the premises if you feel like some refreshments.
There is a well-placed gift shop to your right as you leave.
Theatre
Wellington is well known in NZ as the cultural capital of the country. There are quite a few different play houses and theatres here to pick and choose from, just check the local paper when you are here to see what is on offer.
Festivals
Wellington also hosts many festivals during the year. We have the Fringe Festival, Arts Festival, Movie festival, Comedy Festival, Jazz festival ~ just to name a few.
Once again, check the local papers to see whats on.
Sports
Wellington has just opened it’s new sports stadium, officially known as Westpac Trust Stadium it has become affectionately dubbed The Cake Tin ( in reference to its round shape)
If you are lucky you might time your visit for a rugby match or cricket game.
I went to see the All Blacks v France test match last year and really enjoyed the stadium.
The great thing about seeing sporting events in Wellington is that everybody arrives and leaves on foot, walking back to the hotel is fun as you can call into the bars and clubs on the way and enjoy the atmosphere … if your team won that is.
Views
Whenever I visit a new city I always try to find the best view. Head to Mount Victoria for the best view in this town. The drive up the hill is part of the fun of getting to the top as ir gives you a sample of life in this city. The narrow road winds it's way around the hill working it's way to the top. Every now and then you might find it's a tight squeeze to get past parked cars or on coming traffic but never fear, everyone is in the same boat and nobody goes too fast around these narrow sections.
If the thought of driving up puts you off, take the Cable Car ride as that view from the top is not too bad either.
Cuba Street
I love to visit Cuba Street when I am in town, especially on the weekends. This is the ' alternative ' side of town, jam packed with all the avant garde folk, musicians, tattoo shops and cheap food joints. The weekends are a great time to head to Cuba Street Mall.
Cook Strait Ferries
If you are only in New Zealand for a few days and are based in Wellington, maybe consider doing a day-trip or an overnight to the south island. The ferries leave Wellington and Picton at regular intervals day and night. There are two ferries to choose from, the Interislander and the Lynx. The Lynx is slightly faster and knocks about a 1/2 hour off the 3 hour crossing.
ACCOMODATION
Wellington is overflowing with hotels and if you are wanting a last minute room, check out www.wotif.com for last minute discounted rooms, always worthwhile doing if you have access to the internet.
There are backpackers for the budget minded or if you prefer motels, there are a selection of city motels and motor inns available also.
TRANSPORT
Wellington is well catered for here with a good bus service for getting around the city and if you want to get a bit further afield, take a day trip on the train. Flying into Wellington is sometimes a challange but no matter how windy it is, rest assured, no plane has ever crashed at this airport. Flying in calls for an iron stomach at times and I have had my fair share of awful Wellington landings and takeoffs.
This is just a sample of what is available for the visitor to Wellington, if you do decide to come here, make sure to stay for a couple of days before carrying on with your travels.
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More reviews
Wellington Bay Plaza Hotel - http://www.epinions.com/content_50040966788
Quality Hotel on Willis - http://www.epinions.com/content_69014621828
Cook Strait Ferry - http://www.epinions.com/content_2947260548
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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Epinions.com ID:
hollynz
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Member: Christine
Location: New Zealand
Reviews written: 144
Trusted by: 191 members
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~ In memory of Barbara ~
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