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Confined by the boundaries of hills and harbour, Wellington is a compact city with a streetscape ideally suited to a pleasant day’s exploration. All of the city’s attractions can be reached on foot within the central city confines though there are excellent bus routes if you prefer to travel in comfort. The City Circular Bus Route is especially convenient as it stops by many of the major landmarks and runs every 10 minutes through the central city.
Tour One: Walk the Waterfront
Wellington’s waterfront is one of the most beautiful and accessible in New Zealand and a stroll along its fringe is a pleasant way to spend a sunny summer’s afternoon. Start your walk under the sails at Queen’s Wharf, a tastefully landscaped area sheltering several excellent cafés and restaurants. Nearby, Ferg’s Rock ‘n’ Kayak hires out in-line skates and kayaks as a fun means of transport. Continuing around the inner harbour basin, you will pass Circa Theatre, one of three professional theatres in the city. Te Papa Tongarewa, Museum of New Zealand stands majestically before you round the headland. If you have time to spare, it is worth exploring the museum’s excellent displays.
As you join Oriental Parade, Wellington’s small boat marina and Overseas Terminal are on your left. Take a seat under the Pohutakawas (native trees) and watch the activity. If it is hot enough you may enjoy a swim at Oriental Bay or relax over a long cold lemonade at the aptly named Vista Café & Bar. If out with kids, Parade Café is a child-friendly alternative. For those who are especially keen walkers, the waterline walk can be continued as far as the Eastern suburbs.
Tour Two: Coastal Cruise
If you have access to a car, a far greater proportion of Wellington’s coastline is accessible to you. Beginning your car cruise at Oriental Parade, wind your way around the foot of Mt Victoria to the Eastern suburbs. Following the coastline closely you will discover bays of individual charm and character. If it is fine, stop for a swim at Scorching Bay and a coffee.
The Peninsula round trip is complete when you return to the airport. The road crosses the southern end of the runway so do not be surprised if a 747 roars in overhead.
If you have time keep following the coastline past the popular surfing beach at Lyall Bay, the colourful beachside suburb of Island Bay and on to wild Owhiro Bay. Take a break at the Brass Monkey Café and watch the ferries that travel the Cook Strait. Alternatively, spend a couple of hours following the coastal walk to see the seals at Red Rocks. From Owhiro Bay the road climbs back through Brooklyn to the central city.
Tour Three: Political Wellington
It may not be everyone’s cup of tea but in terms of the New Zealand political scene, Wellington is where it all happens. Begin your day by scanning the local paper The Dominion over breakfast at a local café. Popular breakfast haunts for the city’s movers and shakers are the Lido, Paris, and Caffe Astoria. Refreshed and ready for business, begin your political tour at the National Archives where the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document is held.
Returning to Lambton Quay, visit the Old Government Buildings. The first governments were run from the Northland town of Russell but when the parliament later moved to Wellington it was housed for many years in these purpose-built wooden buildings. You can visit the inside on your own and there are many interesting photos and explanatory notes displayed. The building now houses the University’s Law Faculty and the Department of Conservation information center.
Time for lunch and where better than the Backbencher Pub, famous for the political caricatures which grace its walls and for a menu based on current politicians. If you are lucky you may even catch some of them dining here when the House is in session.
Across the road is the magnificent and newly refurbished complex of buildings which make up the current Parliament. Guided hour-long tours run throughout the day and will give you an excellent view of the interior of the complex including the Parliamentary Library, the Maori Select Committee rooms and, of course, the debating chamber.
Tour Four: Town and Gown
This walking tour will take you from the historic Thorndon Quarter at the foot of bush-clad Tinakori Hill to the lofty academic heights of Kelburn, home to Wellington’s Victoria University. Beginning your walk at the base of Molesworth Street head towards Tinakori Road—on the left you will pass the majestic Parliament Buildings and the recently refurbished Wellington Cathedral of St Paul.
At the top of Molesworth Street, the Northern Motorway cuts a swathe through Wellington’s oldest suburb—Thorndon. Despite its intrusion, much of the original charm has been retained and as you wander up Tinakori Road you will see the mark of colonial New Zealand in the wooden cottages and villas nestled into the hillside.
Continuing south on Tinakori Road, Thorndon Village is your next stop and provides plenty of options for dining. Tinakori Bistro is good for a long lunch and Thorndon Village Deli for a quick bite or takeaway en route. Other options are the Shamrock or Shepherds Arms Cottage & Hotel for a pub meal round the fire on a winter’s day.
After lunch take a short detour down Ascot Street and back up Sydney Street West. These delightful 19th century streets are classic remnants of our colonial heritage. Your tour continues through the Botanic Gardens with several entrances on Glenmore Street. Climb the maze of tracks to the Carter Observatory and the peak of the hill. From here return on foot to Lambton Quay via Kelburn Parade and Victoria University Campus or take the Cable Car, which descends to the central city in three short stops.
And if you have the time, a visit to Wellington’s famous Karori Wildlife Sanctuary is well-worth the 10 minute drive. This urban sanctuary, the first of its kind, hosts an array of native flora and fauna, including New Zealand’s renowned natives the kiwi and the tuatara.
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