Wellington - A most Capital City!

 

The compact city of Wellington is only two kilometres in diameter, but not only is it the arts and culture capital of New Zealand, so many companies have their headquarters here that it also lays claim to being the 'Headquarters' and 'Education' capital! The political centre of New Zealand, housing Parliament and the head offices of most government departments, it is also famous for its picturesque natural harbour and green hillsides, along with the 500 square kilometres of regional parks and forests that lie within easy reach. The city was also the main filming and production location for the 'Lord of the Rings' film trilogy. 

 

Louisa Jepsen, who has lived in Wellington for most of her life, really enjoys the eclectic lifestyle that it has to offer, and sometimes finds it difficult to believe that the capital city of New Zealand has such a lovely setting. As she says. "Down on the waterfront there are hills surrounding you and the city is just behind and you can look out at magnificent views over the water. For a really memorable experience take a short drive to Mount Victoria, sit on the grass and watch the sun go down behind the hills - its magical."

 

Colloquially known as 'Windy Wellington' because of its situation on the south-western tip of the North Island on the top of the Cook Strait, the capital of New Zealand gets more than its fair share of the blustery southerlies. At the same time it gets more sunshine than Auckland - and less rain. Louisa warns: "You have to be prepared for any type of weather. Sometimes the forecast is not quite right, so be prepared for change. Carry a jersey in case the wind picks up. There's lots of shelter so you won't need a coat "

 

Wellington is divided into four distinct areas known as Courtenay Quarter; Cuba Quarter; The Waterfront Quarter and Lambton Quarter. As Louisa explains: "Everything is so close that it's really easy to get around. It only takes half an hour to walk from one end of the city to the other - except you are bound to make lots of stops on the way as there is so much to see!" If you prefer to travel in comfort the circular city buses run every ten minutes, stopping at many of the major landmarks. 

 

The main strip of the Courtenay Quarter is Courtenay Place, which is popular with locals and tourists alike for its fashion, arts, accommodation, shopping, entertainment, food and arts. Here you will find numerous buskers and street entertainers and the colourful atmosphere inspires numerous artists and photographers. Every two years Courtenay Place is home to the New Zealand International Arts Festival - New Zealand's largest cultural event (the next one takes place in 2008). 

 

Courtenay Place is well known for its theatres and is also the place to go if you want to visit the opera - a favourite with Louisa who goes as often as possible. She also enjoys going to the Russian ballet when it is visiting Wellington.

 

 

The atmosphere changes when you reach the colourful Cuba Quarter, which is full of market stalls, antiques and collectables, arts and crafts, alternative boutiques, bustling cafes and lively bars. Another place popular with buskers and street entertainers, in February it is host to the spectacular Cuba Street Carnival.

 

Lambton Quarter, meanwhile, is a shopper’s paradise for those seeking serious retail therapy. Reputed to be one of New Zealand's best shopping areas, 'the golden mile' is famous for its high fashion stores. Here you will also find Wellington's historic department store, Kirkcaldie & Stains, whilst the 'Old Bank Shopping Arcade' is one of the city's well-known landmarks.   There are also plenty of bars and cafes should you need to stop off for a 'thirst quencher'!   

 

From Lambton Quay a popular thing to do is to take the cable car to the Wellington Botanic Garden with its 25 hectares of protected native forest, conifers, specialist plants and colourful flowers. Entrance is free - and you will also get to enjoy stunning views over the city. In the summer you can also enjoy a number of shows at the outside 'Sound Shell' theatre in the Botanic Gardens - a lovely way to pass a balmy summer's evening!

 

The Waterfront Quarter is particularly well known for its lovely restaurants, many of which specialise in seafood delicacies and fine wine. This area is particularly popular with people who work in Wellington, as they can come here during their lunch break and feel like they have really got away from the office.

 

The waterfront is the location for New Zealand's national museum: The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa – an attraction not to be missed. In 2008 it will be celebrating its 10th anniversary, and it has built up a worldwide reputation for its innovative approach to presenting New Zealand's national treasures and stories.    Described as 'a waharoa - a gateway to an encounter with the essence of New Zealand's land and people', Maori cultural treasures, art, stimulating exhibitions, interactive displays, an animated theatre and motion simulator rides allow you to explore all aspects of New Zealand. Admission is free although charges are made for some exhibitions.

 

With the majority of Wellington residents living within 3 kms of the sea, it is not surprising that the beaches and harbour are popular with locals. Louisa says: "Many of the people who live here have access to a boat of some sort, and kayaking, scuba diving and windsurfing are also popular." The majority of Wellington's beaches are easily accessible, with regular buses linking them with the city centre. When swimming at the beach it is important to swim between lifeguard flags in case of strong waves and rip tides. The Seal Coast Safari is popular with visitors, which takes in a 20 km drive along the rugged coast along the beach, over rocks and around the bays and headlines, and includes a visit to a seal colony in their native habitat.

Walking (or tramping) is a favourite free pursuit for most Wellingtonians. Louisa says: "I really enjoy tramping in the bush with my dogs and I quite often head out to Belmont Reserve which is a 20 minute drive north of the city. One of the things I enjoy is the waterfall walk where you zig-zag across a stream - but you can get quite wet! The walk takes about an hour. Make sure that you wear sneakers as a minimum - don't wear jandels (flip-flops/thongs) or you'll slip on the rocks."

 

She continues: "We really know how to have a good time here, and if there are any big events coming up you will find that the Wellingtonians are up for them! One of my favourites is The Rugby Sevens World Series, which takes place at the Westpac Stadium for two days every February. This has gained a reputation for being New Zealand's biggest fancy dress party with thousands of people getting dressed up, with extreme costumes being the order of the day. The tournament attracts more than 25,000 visitors from all over the world." Obviously people do watch the rugby but everyone is out to have a good time and it's a mad, mad couple of days."  

 

"If you are visiting Wellington between January and mid-March and you want to enjoy some free entertainment then check out the open air movies at the Velodrome (locally known as Hataitai Park, which is just a few minutes from the city centre. A wide variety of films are shown on a huge screen - so take a blanket, sit down on the grass and enjoy!"

 

For those who appreciate their food and drink, if you happen to be visiting Wellington in the third week of November, then make sure you don't miss the 'Toast Martinborough Wine, Food & Music Festival' which is around an hour's drive north of the city.    Demand for tickets is such that all 10,000 regularly sell out within hours of release - so make sure you apply early (tickets released for sale in early October). All the key wineries (around 26) participate and, as Wellington locals, Danielle Genty-Nott and Bridget MacDonald points out: "Most are within walking distance or the town square - or alternatively you can travel around by shuttle bus." Danielle advises: "Start the day at Palliser Estate Winery with a glass of fine bubbles and a kiwi-style whitebait and asparagus fritter slammed between two pieces of soft white bread - or kick off with a simple baguette with brie and quince paste - sublime!"

 

With so much to offer, it is little wonder that Wellington attracts many thousands of visitors every year. So make sure that next time you're visiting New Zealand you allow plenty of time to explore this most capital of cities!

For further information on Wellington visit www.wellingtonnz.com or talk to your local Kirra Holidays office.

 

Sleep:     For the budget conscious traveller, Bay Plaza Hotel is situated right in the heart of the buzzing café, bar, club and theatre district. The hotel is walking distance to Te Papa and the waterfront.

 

Eat:         Deluxe Café at 10 Kent Terrace. Anything you choose to buy will taste great; all food is cooked daily on site and where possible is made using organic ingredients. Meals are just a fiver.

 

Do:      Only one place to go if you’re on a budget and that’s Te Papa. New Zealand’s National Museum is huge, will take you all day to see it all and best of all its free!

 

 

Sleep:     Museum Apartments located right in the heart of the CBD are great value for families. With Studios, One Bedroom & Two Bedroom apartments are available. All rooms come with fully equipped kitchens, in room laundry and Sky TV. There is also an on site lap pool and gymnasium.

 

Eat:         The Fisherman's Table Restaurant in the Old Band Rotunda, Oriental Bay, has magnificent views of Wellington Harbour, wheelchair access and an extensive a la carte menu where you can enjoy a classic Kiwi meal for only NZ$13.95 with an 'all you can eat' salad bar. The atmosphere is comfortable and casual.

 

Do:          Karori Wildlife Sanctuary is a “must-do” for anyone visiting Wellington. This award-winning conservation attraction is an oasis of tranquility just minutes from downtown Wellington. The Sanctuary is home to some of New Zealand's rarest wildlife, protected by a world-first predator-proof fence. Take a 2-hour Sanctuary by Night tour, with the chance of encountering little spotted kiwi and tuatara, New Zealand's unique living fossil, or a Sanctuary Escape tour. 

 

Sleep:    The Duxton Hotel is situated in the centre of Wellington, opposite Te Papa - the Museum of New Zealand, and the Wellington Convention Centre. Their “Club Rooms” provide a guaranteed top 3 floors with superb views over the harbour and access to the “Club Lounge” where you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast and refreshments through the day.

 

Eat:        Citron at 270 Willis Street has exquisite set menus with fine wine and attentive service making this tiny city restaurant a wonderful place for special-occasion dining. The 9 course degustation is a gastronomic experience not to be missed - ask for their recommended wine for each course. This place can be booked up weeks in advance so make sure you reserve a table early.

 

Do:          For the ultimate Wellington experience Zest Food Tours of New Zealand offer a range of amazing options to discover Wellington’s favorite food and coffee places. Set out with local expert guide and see the Wellington most other people don’t explore. Talk to owners, baristas, roasters and chefs as you go only where Zest can take you. Flat Earth Experiences have a range of day trips catering for the discerning traveller. 

 

 

 

Pure Luxury Accommodation: Wharekauhau Luxury Lodge, Palliser Bay (approx. 1 hour from Wellington or 15 minute Helicopter transfer)

 

 Bookings for the above can be made through your local Kirra Holidays office or online at www.kirratours.com