Windy indeed
Trip Start
Nov 05, 2002
1
53
69
Trip End
Aug 13, 2003
Wellington,
New Zealand
Thursday, June 19, 2003
Well we made it across the Cook Strait in one piece and have spent the past 3 days here in Wellington. We're based in a van park on the northern outskirts of the city and commuting in and out on the bus. It's a nice city, small by European standards but large by New Zealand standards. Although not the biggest of New Zealand's cities (that honour goes to Auckland where we will end our time in New Zealand in about a weeks time) it is the capital as it houses all the administrative buildings, including the cool beehive shaped parliament. Things we did during our couple of days hanging around included getting the Wellington cable car to the botanic gardens, drove up mount Victoria for great views of the city and visited the amazing Ta Papa museum.
The Cable Car provides a unique form of transport from Lambton Quay in the heart of Wellington's central business district to the suburb of Kelburn and the top of the Botanic Garden. It is one of Wellingtons oldest and most popular tourist attractions. The cable car journeys up under the motorway, through the three tunnels, past Kelburn Park and Victoria University and on to the city's Botanic Garden where various walks begin. The Cable Car Museum housing an original cable car and trailer as well as the old winding equipment is located at the top of the ride and it provides a look at some of Wellington's early history and shows the role the cable car has had on the development of this part of the city. I found it very interesting and the views from the outside of the museum of the city were great. We walked back down to the city proper through the gorgeous botanic gardens.
Mount Victoria is a prominent feature of the Wellington landscape, providing a forested backdrop to the central city. The views of the city are great. I actually dragged B up here because, again referencing my Lord of the Rings location guidebook, it was in the woods of Mount Victoria that filming for the Lord of The Rings started in October 1999. With the aid of said book I manage to find the location for the 'Get off the Road!' scene in the Fellowship of the Ring, something B seemed none to interested in. I think she thought I was a bit mad/sad looking for a narrow enclosed lane that looked like the scene on screen. Bless her for putting up with me!
Another highlight of Wellington was Te Papa, the national museum. Centrally located on the Wellington waterfront this new museum tells great stories of New Zealand's land and its people. It's all very new and modern, using modern technology to bring the stories of New Zealand's history, culture, art and Mäori people to life. Seeing how the building was built, with it's foundations sitting on earthquake resistant rubber mounts, really hits home about how much of a earthquake risk zone Wellington resides in, something we weren't really aware of until visiting the museum today. Seemingly the area is well overdue for the next 'Big One', which was comforting to know! The museum is a great place to spend a day should you ever find yourself in the area!
So tomorrow we plan on leaving Wellington and heading north through the Hutt area where believe there a a few more Lord of The Rings location sites! I bet you can't wait to hear about that. Ha....
Dave & B
