Wellington

Trip Start Feb 08, 2008
1
15
29
Trip End Mar 10, 2008


Loading Map
Map your own trip!
Map Options
Show trip route
Hide lines
shadow
Where I stayed
Grand Chancellor Hotel
(Wellington hotels)

Flag of New Zealand  ,
Wednesday, February 20, 2008

After such a long day yesterday it is a relief to have a day with little planned.  We sleep in, we don't rush and after getting some sightseeing tips from Kelly we head off to the harbour - destination the Te Papa Museum.  Our travel agent, Dorothy and people that we have met here in NZ have raved about this museum so it is number one on our to do list.  It is only about a 20 minute walk from our hotel but it takes us much longer - we do have to go past the harbour and we are both crazy for boats and harbours so we slowly make our way to the Museum. 

We have been supplied with an overview tour of the museum which we thoroughly enjoy.  After the one hour overview Al and I split up - he is going to work his way down from the top floor and I am going to spend all my time in the Maori exhibit.  I take off my shoes and sit in the meeting house in utter contentment.  Also in this museum is a modern (abstract) meeting house of incredible beauty Koruru
Koruru
 .  I spent much time alternating between the 2 houses.  This  museum also has amazing exhibits on  the creation of NZ, volcanic activity, early settlers, explorers, wildlife and a wonderful children's section. There are many areas that are hands on or interactive, it is a museum goers paradise.  We have agreed to meet again in 2 ½ hours, which soon works it's way into 3 hours.  We have spent too much time here, but still not enough!  We are amazed that it is already 4:00, and we still have to see the Botanical Gardens.  

Finding our way to the Kelburn cable car terminal takes some doing (and lots of walking) but after a few attempts we arrive at the ticket office and up we go.  The cable car is fun, but too short.  Once at the top we admire the view of Wellington and we take a leisurely walk through the botanical gardens back down  into  town and  end up at the parliament buildings.   While taking pictures of the parliament buildings we are lucky enough to run into a lady who stops to answer a few questions for us and she gives us a wonderful understanding of NZ parliament and voting in NZ.  Have I mentioned that everyone in this country is exceedingly polite and helpful, it is a treat to be traveling here. 
Slideshow Print this entry