Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. It is a city of professionals and politicians and diplomats. It is also home to Victoria University. So too, it is a city of professors and writers and artists. Wellington struck us as a sophisticated city filled with cosmopolitan bon vivants! We saw people with their briefcases rushing to and fro; we saw students lounging in parks with their books open in their laps; we saw friendly people stopping to assist the lost tourists in finding their destinations; we saw all of them congregating in the bars and restaurants later in the day with laughter and gaiety. Wellington is known as New Zealand’s arts and cultural capital because of this fine blend of culture, heritage, fine food and lively arts and entertainment. Do I sound like a travel advertisement? I guess so! Rog and I like this city. It’s relatively small and compact. Not only is there an abundance of boutique shopping, art galleries, trendy cafes and pubs, there is the beauty of the New Zealand scenery: the hills, the harbor; the waterfront. Let me show you the photos:
We docked in Wellington right next to the Westpac Stadium. This is deceptive. We thought we were close to the city–not so. It turned out to be a 15 minute shuttle ride to the government center.This is timber country–look at all that lumber! We had lived in Northern California for a while, so we’re familiar with the lumber business. But we’d never seen storage like this–not even at the mills!!The shuttle dropped us off in front of The Old Government Building. Completed in 1876, it was the second largest wooden building in the world until 1998. Today it houses Victoria University.This is the hanging staircase in the Old Government Building.. After time and several earthquakes, it needed major repair which was recently completed. Lovely, isn’t it?The vault where all official documents were stored.Today it is merely for display. The Old Government Building is a fully functioning office building but the attention to the past is evident in the fact it remains open to the public–much like a museum!We stopped for coffee & WiFi at the University bookstore/cafe. Have we mentioned, I’m a paper magnet? Bought several books here–love the one abut the Cuba district here in Wellington. It is a gastronomical mecca! Next time we’ll be sure to tour it!The Thistle Inn was built in 1840. It is the Oldest Hotel in NZ still trading from its original site.The second liquor license in New Zealand was issued to the Thistle Inn in 1840. It appears it has been renewed continually!!!!Old St. Paul’s Church was designed by Frederick Thatcher, an English ecclesiastical architect in 1866. Retired from its ecclesiastic functions in 1964, it is no longer a parish church but remains consecrated. Many rites may still be performed here.This church was constructed of the finest New Zealand timbers: rimu, totara, matai and kauri. It is known for the beautiful woodwork and expert workmanship.The flags are a WWII Marine Tribute. On the right, NZ Merchant Navy and Royal Navy; on the left, US Stars & Stripes and 2nd Division of the US Marines. An expression of thanks for the friendship formed between our countries during the horrors of WWII.The Wellington Cathedral of St. Paul replaced the Old St. Paul’s in 1964.The altar is beautiful.The cathedral is huge.The Wellington Cathedral of St. Paul received a piece of wall from Turkey to symbolize the goodwill or the Turkish people for the fallen Anzac soldiers of Gallipoli. Because the land and rocks of Turkey are considered sacred, this is a great honor.The Beehive (executive branch) and Parliament Building sit within the park-like grounds of the government complex.Our goal for this day was to ride the Cable Car (a funicular railway) up to the village of Kelburn. We walked along Lambton Quay to get there.The Cable Car was constructed in 1899 as a commuter service for the residents of the newly created suburb of Kelburn. This mural depicts an early version of the cars.The two cars pass each other at the 1/2 way point. There is a station here to service more homes on the terraced hillside.The Wellington Cable Car to Kelburn runs through two tunnels.The tunnels have a light display!!!lThe view from the top of the cable car route is lovely. You can walk back down to the city through the Botanical Gardens.We walked into Kelburn for lunch before returning to the cable car station for the descent into town.There she is–the MS Amsterdam docked in Wellington Harbor and awaiting our return. It’s been a lovely visit in Wellington.
We look forward to coming back and seeing more of the Wellington. A visit to the Cuba district (named after a ship, not the island) is definitely in order!
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