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 Charming 19th century street |
Thorndon Wellington 6001 New Zealand +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 |
 Historic cemetery |
Bolton Street off Bowen Street Wellington 6005 New Zealand +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
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 |
 Photo: Simon_Nathan  |
 Photo: nick wellington |
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25 hectares of public gardens |
Tinakori Road Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 499 1400 http://www.wellington.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 |
 Photo: Nicole Braun |
 Photo: Steven Champeon |
 Photo: Mark H Berger |
 Photo: Emily Walker |
 Photo: Nicole Braun |
 Photo: Valerie Griffeth |
 Photo: Steven Champeon |
 Photo: Dean Pemberton |
 Photo: Aoife Kavanagh |
 Photo: Susan Kelley |
 Photo: Damien Sellier |
 Photo: aworldinside |
 Photo: Alan Shuttles |
 Photo: Gabriel Salas |
 Photo: Mike Mallett |
 Photo: Ben Corner |
 Photo: Frances Vinall |
 Photo: Andre Goble |
 Photo: Peter Monk |
 Photo: Nick Pashley |
 Photo: Niall Mulhare |
 Photo: Chris Conway |
 Photo: Helen Hill |
 Photo: Adrian Smith |
 Photo: SILVIA PONDE AUSTIN |
 Photo: Gabby Rozow |
 Photo: Fergus Tuomey |
 Photo: adaddessi |
 Photo: neitan |
 Photo: Jenine Beekhuyzen |
 Photo: Courtney Dunne |
 Photo: Dyanna Swindlehurst |
 Photo: Megan |
 Photo: Lymm |
 Photo: eskimoir |
 Photo: Lizzie G |
 Photo: Glenn Olsen |
 Photo: Danny Chiu |
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Tourist and commuter service |
Cable Car Lane Lambton Quay Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 472 2199 |
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 |
 Photo: Thiago Almeida |
 Photo: Alan |
 Photo: David Rawlings |
 Photo: Daryl Robinson |
 Photo: Anson Parker |
 Photo: Juan Ponce |
 Photo: cappuccino.nz |
 Photo: Simon Yeo SMJB |
 Photo: Brad Cross |
 Photo: Karen Schröder |
 Photo: Tony Neighbours |
 Photo: Kelley Bagby |
 Photo: Jan Christianen |
 Photo: Nora Rusz |
 Photo: Wayne Howes |
 Photo: Richard Carroll |
 Photo: Steve Clarke |
 Photo: Tran's World Productions |
 Photo: Philip |
 Photo: mark.diggle |
 Photo: Anne McAllister |
 Photo: NZBry |
 Photo: kiwipacusa |
 Photo: Courtney Patterson |
 Photo: Penny Rod |
 Photo: Michelle Griffiths |
 Photo: Russell Williams |
 Photo: Naomi Hull |
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Pioneer cottage |
68 Nairn Street Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 384 9122 http://www.colonialcottagemuse... |
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 |
 Photo: wcities |
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Birthplace of acclaimed New Zealand writer |
25 Tinakori Road Wellington 6001 New Zealand +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 |
 Photo: bottles of sand |
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Popular scenic high point |
Alexandra Lookout Road Mount Victoria Wellington 6001 New Zealand +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 |
 Photo: Mike Harre |
 Photo: Ken Stewart |
 Photo: Olli Siebelt |
 Photo: Michael Napoleon |
 Photo: Jonzer The Mighty |
 Photo: Kirsten Lowe |
 Photo: rendy phu |
 Photo: kateuk |
 Photo: Tara Stevens |
 Photo: Bill Marciante |
 Photo: Richie Spearin |
 Photo: Paul Upham |
 Photo: Pete Criddle |
 Photo: J&M Woodthorpe-Smith |
 Photo: James Moss |
 Photo: adze45 |
 Photo: Javier Riveros |
 Photo: David Yeo T B |
 Photo: Paperetta |
 Photo: Robbin Merritt |
 Photo: Alan and Cara Tate |
 Photo: michaelasantos |
 Maritime memorabilia |
Queens Wharf P. O. Box 893 Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 472 8904 / +64 4 472 8904 (Museum Shop) http://www.bondstore.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 |
 Photo: wcities |
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Original seat of Government |
15 Lambton Quay Wellington 6001 New Zealand +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 |
 Photo: www.bodhiimages.com |
 Photo: Victor Lam |
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Gothic-style wooden church |
Mulgrave Street Thorndon Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 473 6722 http://www.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 |
 Photo: Kevan J. Williams |
 Photo: Sara Newrick |
 Photo: Sandra Winarta |
 Photo: Liz Clutterbuck |
 Photo: cjdelange38 |
 Photo: John Steedman |
 Photo: stevepad |
 Photo: jeric valle |
 Photo: Sarah Peers |
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Seat of Government |
Corner of Molesworth Street and Lambton Quay Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 471 9999 http://www.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 |
 Photo: Richard Scott Souder |
 Photo: Nicole Ashley |
 Photo: John Lewis |
 Photo: Dan Nelson |
 Photo: T. F. Henriksen |
 Photo: David Curlewis |
 Photo: Brandon Jones |
 Photo: Tom Rataj |
 Photo: The Chosun Bimbo |
 Photo: dean_b_2 |
 Photo: CynnyW |
 Photo: Matthew Knox |
 Seal colony and four wheel drive adventure |
Owhiro Bay P.O. Box 5086 Wellington 6002 New Zealand +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 |
 Beautiful central city church |
17 Boulcott Street Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 473 8074 http://www.stmaryoftheangels.w... |
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 |
 Photo: www.travelhops.com |
 Photo: Deb Sidelinger |
 Photo: Dr Kent |
 Photo: Julian Knap |
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Interactive entertainment, history, art |
Cable Street Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 381 7000 http://www.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 |
 Photo: Tristan Clements |
 Photo: Peter Asquith |
 Photo: Jodie Ashford |
 Photo: Duncan Chen |
 Photo: Andrew Baird |
 Photo: alisonmc |
 Photo: Dan Nelson |
 Photo: JSilver |
 Photo: Liz Clinkenbeard |
 Photo: Sean Watts |
 Photo: Wade Tregaskis |
 Photo: Daniel Lawson |
 Photo: Daniel Krook |
 Photo: www.ulrike.ca |
 Photo: Catriona Stewart |
 Photo: side guacamole |
 Photo: Brian Donley |
 Photo: madzia Paprocka |
 Photo: Richard Tucker |
 Photo: Cristina Soricetti |
 Photo: Terrence Wood |
 Photo: Malte W. |
 Photo: Kara Hill |
 Photo: Jacqui Hanson |
 Photo: Paul Perton |
 Photo: Andrew Jones |
 Photo: Jon Coronel |
 Photo: Marika S. Bell |
 Photo: Shannon Steven |
 Photo: Sheenagh Wreyford |
 Photo: Paul Hellyer |
 Photo: Andy Kirk |
 Photo: adele.torrance |
 Photo: emilymoakley |
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Wellington New Zealand |
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 |
 Photo: Michael Hamilton |
 Photo: nzphotopro1 |
 Photo: r.boeschenstein |
 Photo: Keith Ng |
 Photo: Lester Blair |
 Photo: John O'Leary |
 Georgian revival building |
Bunny Street Wellington 6001 New Zealand +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 |
 Photo: Brett Taylor |
 Photo: Jessie Scoullar |
 Photo: Nicholas Henry |
 Photo: Emily |
 Photo: Edward Hyde |
 Photo: Dino Borelli |
 Photo: Sarah Bickerton |
 Photo: Jack Monahan |
 Photo: NICO TSAI |
 Photo: Mark Benger |
 Photo: Grant Ching |
 Photo: Fraser Clarke |
 Photo: nivedita kashyap |
 Photo: annie williams |