Sad to leave the South Island we had become so fond of, we got on the early ferry from Picton to Wellington and enjoyed the ride from the top deck through Queen Charlotte Sound.
As we reached the Cook Strait and headed into open water the wind picked up and got stronger. Prevailing winds accelerate through the strait giving Wellington 173 days a year of wind over 60kph and it felt we'd arrived on one of those days!
With its high rise buildings, crazy one-way systems, renovated waterfront and artistic installations it was the first major city we'd come across and we were excited to explore.
As the capital of NZ, we decided to visit the iconic "Bee-hive" parliament buildings. It was fascinating to learn how they had adopted so many of the British traditions like the opening of parliament ceremony. Yet they have been more willing to modernise over the years; being the first country in the world to give women the vote, allowing the Maori a fair say, providing an opportunity for public to input on new laws and abolishing the upper house.
The museums of Te Papa and Wellington City & Sea, also felt steps ahead from those in the UK. Through short and 'easy to digest' sections giving an insight into areas of NZ's history through to modern day, it was presented with interactive displays (video, projections, games) which made the experience most enjoyable...so much so with Te Papa we went back the second day!
Our favourite things about Wellington:
1. Giant Squid in Te Papa Museum
2. View of the city from Mt Victoria
3. Public art including the fern orb and bucket fountain
4. Exhibitions about European and Maori settlement in Te Papa
5. The Insiders Guide to Wellington (which told us about the great little Malaysian restaurant we went to for dinner)
6. Free wifi in the CBD
As we reached the Cook Strait and headed into open water the wind picked up and got stronger. Prevailing winds accelerate through the strait giving Wellington 173 days a year of wind over 60kph and it felt we'd arrived on one of those days!
Wellington's windy sign (9th Nov 2013)
With its high rise buildings, crazy one-way systems, renovated waterfront and artistic installations it was the first major city we'd come across and we were excited to explore.
Iconic fern globe by the civic centre (8th Nov 2013)
Giant umbrella (9th Nov 2013)
As the capital of NZ, we decided to visit the iconic "Bee-hive" parliament buildings. It was fascinating to learn how they had adopted so many of the British traditions like the opening of parliament ceremony. Yet they have been more willing to modernise over the years; being the first country in the world to give women the vote, allowing the Maori a fair say, providing an opportunity for public to input on new laws and abolishing the upper house.
The bee hive that looks good but is completely impractical inside (9th Nov 2013)
The museums of Te Papa and Wellington City & Sea, also felt steps ahead from those in the UK. Through short and 'easy to digest' sections giving an insight into areas of NZ's history through to modern day, it was presented with interactive displays (video, projections, games) which made the experience most enjoyable...so much so with Te Papa we went back the second day!
Maori calvings at The Papa (8th Nov 2013)
Our favourite things about Wellington:
1. Giant Squid in Te Papa Museum
2. View of the city from Mt Victoria
3. Public art including the fern orb and bucket fountain
4. Exhibitions about European and Maori settlement in Te Papa
5. The Insiders Guide to Wellington (which told us about the great little Malaysian restaurant we went to for dinner)
6. Free wifi in the CBD
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