Wednesday, March 9, 2011
If the South Island is the canoe, the North Island is a very large fish and Wellington's harbor is the fish's mouth. This vibrant compact city is the NZ capital and its people are purposeful and energetic. The city is confined by the steep hills which surround the downtown area. With only one day here, after a long day on the train from Auckland, we intend to walk as far as we can.
Early in the morning after an unremarkable breakfast at the hotel, we head to the Cable Car only a block away. The Car chugs up the steep incline, carrying us tourists to the Botanic Garden and families to upper neighborhoods. Once atop the hill on the high point of the city, we enjoy the panorama and begin our walk northward toward Bowen Street along pathways through native trees, flowers, and shrubs. We pause often along the way, taking photos, watching butterflies, birds, and children. Finally we reach Bowen street with its historic clapboard houses. Then it's on through an old cemetary with names from the British Isles, over a viaduct, and into the government district with large old wooden buildings and the iconic "Beehive," the offices of government officials. We complete the circle and stop by the hotel to drop off our jackets.
Heading south on Featherston Street, we find the Civic Square where metal Nikau palms surround and support the structure of the Central Library. There also is an art gallery and a theater for film festivals. Eventually we find Cuba Street, with its quirky shops and eccentric young people. At Ernesto's delightful light lunch fare is reasonably priced. I'm tempted to stick around just to watch people and activities in this district. But we continue our circuitous walk along waterfront parks and past store windows. Soon it is dark so it's back to the hotel. Later in the evening we have shepherd's pie at a crowded local pub where we listen to live local Celtic music.
One day in Wellington is not enough. The famous Te Papa museum is a reason to return. Tomorrow we leave the North Island "fish," cross Cook Strait and enter the South Island "canoe."
Heading south on Featherston Street, we find the Civic Square where metal Nikau palms surround and support the structure of the Central Library. There also is an art gallery and a theater for film festivals. Eventually we find Cuba Street, with its quirky shops and eccentric young people. At Ernesto's delightful light lunch fare is reasonably priced. I'm tempted to stick around just to watch people and activities in this district. But we continue our circuitous walk along waterfront parks and past store windows. Soon it is dark so it's back to the hotel. Later in the evening we have shepherd's pie at a crowded local pub where we listen to live local Celtic music.
One day in Wellington is not enough. The famous Te Papa museum is a reason to return. Tomorrow we leave the North Island "fish," cross Cook Strait and enter the South Island "canoe."
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