Schmap Wellington Historical Background

Wellington - Historical Background
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Wellington Home
Schmap Wellington guide and map

According to Maori legend, Wellington was first discovered in the 10th century by the great Polynesian explorer Kupe and he named the area Te Whanganui a Tara—the Great Harbour of Tara--after his son. To this day the spectacular natural harbour surrounded by steep hills is said to be one of the most beautiful in the world. By the time the explorer Captain Cook visited in 1773 the harbour was lined with Maori settlements. However, both Cook and Abel Tasman, a previous visitor who stopped by in 1642, were driven back by the fierce winds. These winds have earned the city its undeserved reputation as “windy Wellington”. Although the Maori settlements were eventually displaced there are still a number of significant sights throughout Wellington that remind us of the early days. One is a popular viewing point on Mt Victoria that was once an ancient Maori burial ground.

Wellington Gets a New Name

The area was given the British name of Wellington after organised settlement was established. It was not until 1840 following settlement by British pioneers from the New Zealand Company that the city was named, in honour of the “Iron Duke” who lent his support to the company, by Sir William Wakefield. He, along with the other founding fathers of the city, now lies at rest in the Bolton Street Cemetery. These early pioneers led the first wave of settlers. It is said that Wakefield's deals with the Maori communities in the area included buying Wellington for 100 muskets, 100 blankets, 60 red nightcaps, a dozen umbrellas and other sundry goods.

Wakefield and his followers originally established a base at Petone, however, flooding from the Hutt River forced them to relocate at Lambton Harbour, a drier location and the present focal point of the city.

The Harbour Develops

Lack of space soon led to a decision by the spirited settlers to reclaim the harbour. This decision coincided with the earthquake of 1845, which conveniently raised the foreshore by four feet. It was then that the reclamation got underway in earnest. By the turn of the 20th century the original shoreline was totally replaced by wharves and warehouses. It seems hard to envisage, but most of the commercial heart of Wellington was originally sea, and where the Town Hall and Wellington Railway Station now stand, ships once berthed.

As the shipping industry modernised, it no longer needed many of the waterfront buildings and over recent years some of the best have been redeveloped for public use. One of these historic icons, the Bond Store, is now home to one of Wellington's newest museums, the Museum of Wellington City & Sea. This building was originally an 1892 storehouse for a variety of goods from corsets to whisky.

In spite of natural hazards like earthquakes, fires and the ever-present gale force winds, the fledgling colony of the mid-1800s quickly became a thriving import and export centre and in 1865 superseded Auckland as the capital.

Construction Boom

The original powerhouse of the nation, the Old Government Buildings were built in the 1870s and are the largest wooden structure in the Southern Hemisphere. Across the road stands the Parliament Buildings built in 1922. Its square marble angles contrast dramatically with the rounded contours of the Beehive, the capital's distinctive circular Cabinet offices, built in the late 1970s.

Another of Wellington's unique historical attractions, the Cable Car, was built between 1899 and 1902 and underwent a major upgrade in 1978. Accessed from Cable Car Lane, off Lambton Quay, it climbs steeply to the inner-city suburb of Kelburn. This journey offers stunning views over the city and harbour.

Glimpses of History

In spite of a massive reconstruction of the city in the 1980s that saw the demolition of numerous older earthquake-risk buildings, Wellington still has many old buildings. These provide an insight into the city's settler history. Some of the churches that have survived include Old St Paul's Church in Thorndon and St Mary of the Angels.

Also providing a precious glimpse of the past and an insight into the lives of the early settlers are the number of accessible sites such as the Colonial Cottage in Nairn Street, the delightful Ascot Street in Thorndon and the birthplace of renowned New Zealand writer Katherine Mansfield.

As well as historic buildings Wellington contains many sites, gardens and walks that have survived from the early days. Amongst these are the Botanic Gardens and the famous Red Rocks home to a colony of seals. Red Rocks is a rugged stretch of coastline, which according to Maori legend is stained by the blood from warrior Kupe's cut hand.

Wellington continues to grow both in cultural diversity and in terms of the numerous attractions on offer. Recent initiatives such as the building of the new national museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa, and the WestpacTrust Stadium draw more and more visitors each year. Despite its growth, however, the city retains the natural charm and beauty that originally attracted the early settlers in their droves.

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Ascot Street

Charming 19th century street

Thorndon
Wellington 6001
+64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre)

In the heart of historic Thorndon, Ascot Street is a delightful, if solitary, remnant of the charm of early Wellington before the construction of the motorway cut a swathe through the northern suburbs. In the style of many of Wellington's early streets, a narrow entrance gives way to a pedestrian lane providing access to a delightful settlement of 19th century houses clinging to the surrounding hillsides. A detour here is not to be missed at any cost.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: wcities

Bolton Street Cemetery

Historic cemetery Bolton Street
off Bowen Street
Wellington 6005
+64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre)
cemeteries@wcc.govt.nz Wellington's northern motorway, which cut a swathe through old Thorndon when it was built, also divided the historic Bolton Street cemetery and necessitated the disinterment of an astounding 3,693 graves. Despite the constant passage of traffic close by, the cemetery is a peaceful oasis of green amidst the city's bustle and is a popular spot for lunching workers on fine days. Not in the least macabre, it is also a fascinating way to spend a few hours uncovering the lives and destinies of a generation of early European settlers and their families.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Bolton Street Cemetery photo by wcities
Photo: wcities

Botanic Gardens

25 hectares of public gardens Tinakori Road
Wellington 6001
+64 4 499 1400
http://www.wellington.govt.nz/...
treehouse@wcc.govt.nz Established in 1868 and covering 25 hectares of hill terrain between Kelburn and the city, Wellington's botanic gardens are magnificent in all seasons. The Lady Norwood rose gardens (1950) have established a national reputation and boast 106 formal beds with a mix of old favourites and more modern varieties. Other features include a begonia house, herb garden, duck pond, a number of commissioned sculptures, the Treehouse Visitor and Education Centre, a cafe and the peace flame garden commemorating the atomic holocaust at Hiroshima. The soundshell is often used as the venue for summer shows. Admission is free.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Cable Car

Tourist and commuter service Cable Car Lane
Lambton Quay
Wellington 6001
+64 4 472 2199
info@Wellingtoncablecar.co.nz For something completely different, why not take a trip on Wellington's beautifully restored flaming red cable car? A vital commuter link between Lambton Quay and the leafy inner-city suburb of Kelburn, this route has been operating since 1902. This is a popular form of transport for the thousands of students attending Victoria University. This is a favourite inclusion in the typical Wellington itinerary providing easy access to the Botanic Gardens and sweeping panoramic views of the city

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Colonial Cottage Museum

Pioneer cottage 68 Nairn Street
Wellington 6001
+64 4 384 9122
http://www.colonialcottagemuse...
kim@colonialcottagemuseum.co.nz Built in 1858, this rare example of a pioneer cottage has been painstakingly restored to depict lower-middle class family life in colonial Wellington. It is a unique and magnificent example of skilled workmanship and much of the original structure and detail remains thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Colonial Cottage Museum Society. If you are lucky, you may even get a chance to try your hand at pikelet making on the original coal range, which is still in excellent working order.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Colonial Cottage Museum photo by wcities
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Katherine Mansfield Birthplace

Birthplace of acclaimed New Zealand writer 25 Tinakori Road
Wellington 6001
+64 4 473 7268
http://www.katherinemansfield.... Early New Zealand writer Katherine Mansfield was born in this elegant, inner-city Victorian townhouse in 1888. She spent her first five years in and around the local area, which would later provide the inspiration for many of her celebrated stories. Her home has now been lovingly and faithfully restored with the help of period furniture and replica wallpaper. A marvellous 50-minute video provides an intimate picture of the writer's early life. The fragrant heritage garden is also worth enjoying on a fine day.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: David Leverton

Mount Victoria

Popular scenic high point Alexandra Lookout Road
Mount Victoria
Wellington 6001
+64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) The high point on Wellington's Southern Walkway, Mount Victoria, easily accessible by foot or vehicle, is undoubtedly the capital city's favourite lookout. Popular with the tourists for its spectacular bird's-eye view of the city and surrounds, the site is also appealing to locals. On warm summer evenings there is nowhere better to enjoy your fish and chips than with a glass of red wine and a view of the setting sun as it descends behind the surrounding hills.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Museum of Wellington City & Sea

Maritime memorabilia Queens Wharf
P. O. Box 893
Wellington 6001
+64 4 472 8904 / +64 4 472 8904 (Museum Shop)
http://www.bondstore.co.nz
museum@museumofwellington.co.nz This fascinating collection of maritime memorabilia will captivate old sea salts and land lubbers alike. Housed in an old wharf building (recently refurbished) it is devoted to Wellington city and her maritime history. Housed over three levels, the museum's displays include paintings, flags, bells, maps, logbooks and model ships and a replica ship's cabin. Amongst the modern holographics, special effects, computer games, CD roms, interactive and LCD screens you will find old tales of seafaring and shipwrecks.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Museum of Wellington City & Sea photo by wcities
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Old Government Buildings

Original seat of Government 15 Lambton Quay
Wellington 6001
+64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) One of the largest wooden buildings in the Southern hemisphere, this complex was built to house the early New Zealand governments and much of the public service. Italian in style, the imposing facade is designed to reflect the stone work of the period. Features of particular interest include a magnificent central staircase and an early example of a hydraulic lift. The original cabinet room is also open to public viewing. Newly restored, the complex now houses the Victoria University Law School and the Department of Conservation information office.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Tom Law

Old St Paul's Church

Gothic-style wooden church Mulgrave Street
Thorndon
Wellington 6001
+64 4 473 6722
http://www.historic.org.nz/
oldstpauls@historic.org.nz Old St Paul's is a gem among churches and a welcome oasis amidst the bustle of the inner city. This early English Gothic-style church was built in 1866 as the Parish Church of Thorndon and served as the city's cathedral until the construction of its more modern successor. Built of native timbers, and boasting exquisite stained glass windows, it is one of the finest of its type in the country. Look carefully at the image of the Virgin Mary at the altar—rumour has it that it weeps real tears! Admission is free.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Parliament Buildings

Seat of Government Corner of Molesworth Street and Lambton Quay
Wellington 6001
+64 4 471 9999
http://www.parliament.govt.nz/
parlinfo@parliament.govt.nz The Parliament Buildings—the Edwardian neo-classical Parliament House, gothic Parliamentary Library and contemporary Beehive—are toured by more than a million visitors each year. Explore history here! The debating chamber has seen its share of controversy—in 1893 New Zealand became the first country in the world to grant women the vote. Ghost stories exist too. It is rumoured, an early Member of Parliament, William Larnach, haunts the corridors of the magnificent Gothic library complex (1897)in which he shot himself. Admission is free.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Red Rocks Scientific Reserve

Seal colony and four wheel drive adventure Owhiro Bay
P.O. Box 5086
Wellington 6002
+64 4 472 7356
http://www.wellingtonnz.com/Ed... Visit the wild south coastline where in the winter hundreds of seals can be found sunbathing among the rocks. Guided tours are available from central Wellington (enquire at the Wellington Visitor Information Centre. The two and a half hour tour explores areas inaccessible to the general public and includes a trip to the Brooklyn Wind Turbine. You can also walk the eight kilometre track or take your own car. A four-wheel drive will take you all the way - with a car be prepared to walk.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Saint Mary of the Angels

Beautiful central city church 17 Boulcott Street
Wellington 6001
+64 4 473 8074
http://www.stmaryoftheangels.w...
office@stmaryoftheangels.wellington.net.nz Towering over the city, St Mary of the Angels stands out on this prominent central city site. Designed by Frederick de Jersey Clere, St Mary's was the first neo-gothic style building to be constructed from reinforced concrete in 1922. It replaced earlier churches that had stood on the site since January 1843. Come in and view the beautiful stained glass windows, a feature of this church that now has one of the smallest parishes in the city.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Te Papa Tongarewa

Interactive entertainment, history, art Cable Street
Wellington 6001
+64 4 381 7000
http://www.tepapa.govt.nz
mail@tepapa.govt.nz Te Papa Tongarewa, Museum of New Zealand, is a fitting testament to the nation's heritage and storehouse for some of the country's most precious treasures. Te Papa celebrates the unique multicultural nature of New Zealand through art, exhibitions and multimedia. Highlights include virtual bungy jumping, a day in the life of a junk shop and the chance to walk through a reconstructed slice of real New Zealand countryside. Come for an afternoon--spend a week! Admission: Free, but donations gratefully accepted.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Thorndon

A quaint mix of old and new characterises this up-market inner-city suburb. One of the oldest areas of the city, it was divided by a motorway extension in the 1970s that ripped through the middle of the Bolton Street Cemetery. Although the motorway has changed the landscape, the colonial charm of Thordon survives in the narrow backstreets that can be explored on foot. Ascot Street and Sydney Street West are two streets that provide the finest examples of colonial cottages but there are numerous other architectural gems to be found along the main suburban axis, Tinakori Road. Historic Thorndon is rich in architectural and cultural attractions. Katherine Mansfield's Birthplace can be visited on Tinakori Road and the magnificent Old St Paul's should not be missed. Do not confuse it with its newer and larger neighbour, St. Paul's Cathedral.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Wellington Railway Station

Georgian revival building Bunny Street
Wellington 6001
+64 4 801 7000 This grand old station, completed in 1937, is the main transport hub to and from the northern suburbs of Khandallah and Johnsonville, the Kapiti Coast and Hutt Valley. Intercity trains also arrive here from Auckland and all stops in between. It is a short walk from here to Lambton Quay or take the City Circular Bus to other main attractions. Services run daily and tickets are purchased at the counter or on the train. An added bonus is the Georgian revival building with its classical portico and Spanish tiles - enjoy it before leaving town.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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