Last time we we were in Wellington we were underwhelmed, possibly because the weather wasn’t so good, and possibly because the previous days had been in wonderful Napier. We wake up to cloudy skies but hopeful of a better view of the city.
Our first obstacle is getting off the port, which because it’s a working port, won’t allow independent travellers to just walk off. Instead we are required to take the shuttle to the parliament building, which is no problem but annoying to us difficult buggers, and it’s right next to our first stop, the Botanical Gardens.
The parliament is known as the BeeHive for a very good reason, although the adjacent older buildings look beautiful. We pass these on our way to the BGs, reminding ourselves how every direction in Wellington has a hill one way or the other. The BGs are beautiful, starting with a rose garden, then a sculpture trail, and on to themed gardens as we climb right up to the top, where the funicular / cable-car arrives and check out the small museum.
Next it’s Kelburn, a smart little suburb with trendy shops and beautiful houses hanging off the hills all around. We drop down winding streets and tiny paths until we hit the city’s grid system, and head towards the Pukeahu National War Memorial. Outside are separate monuments for countries heavily involved such as NZ, Australia, UK, Belgium and the US. We didn’t have time to go inside.
We’re aiming for Mount Victoria which is the other huge land-mass in Wellington, the top is a wonderful lookout over the city. Climbing through the park isn’t the clearest as quite a few signs seem to be interfered with but we muddle through and before long are enjoying the views back towards the city.
Our return route requires a journey through the Southern suburbs, up and down the mountain-side until we finally reach the water’s edge, then it’s just a matter of following the coast around the peninsula for about three miles until we return to the town centre.
We pass Te Papa, the amazing national museum we’ve previously enjoyed, and note how the landscape has changed in the surrounding area, but 17 years is a long time so it’s hardly surprising! We thoroughly enjoyed Wellington today, the weather improves and they city shines!
Soon we’re back at our pickup point near to the BeeHive and it’s only minutes before we’re back on Noordam.
A rapid change and we’re on deck nine for an hour before we set sail. By this time mojitos have mysteriously arrived and sailaway is a pleasant experience watching the harbour and Oceana’s Regatta fade into the distance.
Dinner is non-standard tonight, we’re dressed by 17:30 and at Cellar Master Fernando’s reception in the bar adjacent to Pinnacle Grill.
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