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 Fascinating journey of discovery |
Level 2, Cotton Building Victoria University, Kelburn Pde Wellington 6005 New Zealand +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
Tucked away in the halls of academia (yet just a stone's throw from Wellington's 'golden mile' shopping on Lambton Quay and Wellington's beautiful Botanical gardens) you will find a hidden treasure trove of rocks and things geological. Gain an understanding of the foundations that form New Zealand. Find out why it is they call New Zealand the 'shaky isles'. Fondle rocks to your hearts desire in this lab like museum dedicated to all rock forms. The rock hound amongst you will appreciate it. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 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 |
 Home of the stars! |
40 Salamanca Road Kelburn Wellington 6005 New Zealand +64 4 472 8167 http://www.carterobs.ac.nz |
Home to the stars, Wellington's Carter Observatory is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. A feature of your visit is a chance to view the night sky through the historic 23 centimetre refracting telescope, weather permitting. The planetarium also offers the opportunity to learn more about the universe with a wide range of programmes, exhibitions, seminars and shows on offer. Evening sessions generally include a combination of all these activities and the original interactive star shows will appeal to all ages. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gillian Rodgers |
 Photo: Gary Korhonen |
 Photo: Sean Watts |
 Photo: Sally Britnell |
 Photo: Gary Korhonen |
 Photo: Katie Weller |
 Photo: Randy Brophy |
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Leafy urban green spot |
Ohiro Road Brooklyn Wellington 6002 New Zealand +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
Shades of New York, if only in name, Central Park is indeed centrally located, on the fringes of the central business district between the colourful and increasingly trendy Aro Valley and the upmarket inner-city suburb of Brooklyn. The park covers a large section of ground, steep in parts but with good flat access at the main entrance. Its children's playground is popular and makes it a good spot for families. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: cam |
 Photo: Andrew Tipton |
 Photo: Kyle Brannick |
 Photo: Wozza_NZ |
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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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Wind-swept panoramic peak |
Ashton Fitchett Drive Brooklyn Wellington 6002 New Zealand +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
Identifiable to many Wellingtonians as the site of the ECNZ Wind Turbine and often referred to simply as the Wind Turbine, this dramatic peak is in fact the meeting point for walkers, mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts of all persuasions. Walking tracks beginning here will take you all the way down to the South Coast or back as far as Brooklyn and Karori. Brace yourself as Wellington is affectionately known as the Windy City, and they did not place the turbine here for nothing! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stuart Maxwell |
 Photo: Stuart Maxwell |
 Photo: Anna Dunford |
 Photo: Anthony Hawkins |
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Sun, sea and sand |
Moana Road Plimmerton Wellington 6006 New Zealand |
Enjoy the views to Mana Island, watch the yachts slip in and out of Porirua Harbour, explore the extensive rockpools, have a quick dip in the (sometimes) warm waters, or just laze in the sands of the beach. Then admire the cottages dotting the coastline of what was once a seaside village and walk the length of the coastline from rugged rocks to white sands. North-facing, this bay ensures your day at the beach will be as long as there is still a sun in the sky. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Inner-city wildlife sanctuary |
31 Waiapu Road Karori Wellington 6005 New Zealand +64 4 920 9200 http://www.sanctuary.org.nz |
The Karori Wildlife Sanctuary is an ambitious 250 hectare project intended to restore and protect native flora and fauna within the city environment. A ground-breaking fence to deter predators has been especially designed and constructed and a weka breeding program is well established. Kiwis were recently released in the area, and visitors can also catch a glimpse of the famous tuataras- native only to New Zealand. The secluded inner city valley will eventually incorporate educational facilities and a network of tracks. A must when visiting New Zealand's capital city! Open for guided walks on Sundays. It is essential to book ahead. Admission: Adults NZD 8; children NZD 4. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: nzphotopro1 |
 Photo: Michael Meyers |
 Photo: Casey Goodman |
 Photo: John and Jan |
 Photo: jrizya |
 Photo: beelzebul |
 Photo: Jeff A. Johnson |
 Photo: David Sainty |
 Photo: miriam |
 Photo: wildsoda |
 Photo: Brian Holloway |
 Photo: Adrian Rumney |
 Photo: Peter & Madelon |
 Photo: stanw |
 Photo: Louise Harrington |
 Photo: David Lind |
 Photo: govnamalia |
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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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Isolated beach community |
Makara Road Wellington 6005 New Zealand +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
The windswept coastal settlement of Makara Beach is surprisingly sheltered, making this the ideal destination when the bitter winds of Lambton Quay signal its tempestuous onslaught. The rocky coastline at the end of the winding 11 kilometre drive from town is a trap for shellfish and driftwood, and the Makara Walkway begins here for those who have a full day at their disposal. For others, the local cafe is the main attraction and a pleasant place to wile away a winter afternoon. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Aaron Cubis |
 Photo: Joanne Honey Thomas |
 Photo: Michael Meyers |
 Photo: Rachel May |
 Photo: Jo Goudie |
 Photo: Carlos Herrera |
 Photo: v@volundur.is |
 Photo: M + P |
 Photo: lein ton |
 Photo: atownsend1234 |
 Photo: Korich |
 Photo: Tony Liu |
 Photo: Nicolette Hartell |
 Photo: Tijs Robinson |
 Photo: Richard Mowll |
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Native gardens |
160 Wilton Road Wilton Wellington 6005 New Zealand +64 4 499 1400 http://www.wellington.govt.nz/... |
This suburban bush-clad valley is a sanctuary devoted to the preservation and protection of native flora. The gardens are open daily all year round and are especially popular with picnickers and families on the weekends. An extensive range of tracks penetrates the 80 hectares of native bush, the most recent being an innovative treetop walkway affording access to views previously only enjoyed by the birds. Listen carefully and their calls can be heard around you. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Daughter of the Moon |
 Photo: Sarah Overdale |
 Photo: Gina McGeever |
 Photo: Christopher Hynes |
 Photo: Sarah Overdale |
 Prime Minister's residence |
260 Tinakori Road Thorndon Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) http://www.primeminister.govt.... |
This is, arguably, one of the country's premier historic places! The substantial townhouse began as a humble cottage for a local merchant in 1843 and after several additions, was sold to the crown in 1865 for use as the Premier's residence. In 1935 it was converted for use as a dental surgery and gradually fell into disrepair before being restored in 1990 to mark New Zealand's 150th anniversary. Once again home to the Prime Minister, it can only be viewed from the exterior or by invitation. Occasional open days have been held. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Phillip Capper |
 Pretty brick church |
Northland Road Wellington 6005 New Zealand |
The old brick church of St Anne's of Ward sits on a site in Northland that has been host to a church since 1904. Located on the Uniting Parishes land and incorporating stained glass windows from the original St Anne's, once across the road, the church is a union between the different communities in Northland. Open during daylight hours you are welcome to stop in and have a look around. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Walker's delight |
St Mary Street Thorndon Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
Tinakori Hill is a familiar backdrop for the city and its maze of interweaving tracks is popular with lunchtime joggers. There are plenty of entrance options but if you follow the marked track from St Mary Street, you will emerge from pine plantation and native bush to a stunning and unique view of the city from the north. An ideal spot to appreciate the city and the enormity of recent constructions like the Stadium and Te Papa, Museum of New Zealand. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Emily Walker |
 Photo: Tom Goulter |
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Modern icon |
Off Ashton Fitchett Drive Brooklyn Wellington 6002 New Zealand +64 4 381 1200 |
What better way to celebrate the seasonal wind patterns (spring is the worst) of the windy city than with a wind turbine? Erected in 1993 to test the feasibility of wind-generated power in the city, it now supplies power to 80 homes and has also rapidly become a local icon. An added bonus is the spectacular panoramic views. Visible from many parts of the city, its classic form has endeared it to many. For those wanting a momento, buy a tile in Brooklyn village. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sarah Macmillan |
 Photo: Jay Green |
 Photo: Stella Ramage |
 Photo: Lisa |
 Photo: Niall Donnelly |
 Photo: Smith |
 Photo: dldbug |
 Photo: Arun Sudhakaran |
 Photo: Simon Oldham |
 Photo: Mark Fletcher |
 Photo: Katriina Matilainen |
 Photo: Owlsoup |
 Photo: Emma Jonasson |
 Photo: Phil |
 Photo: alh1 |
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Hill-top fortress with a view to kill |
Wrights Hill Road Karori Wellington 6005 New Zealand +64 4 476 8593 / +64 4 476 9259 http://www.whfrs.org.nz/ |
As well as being the site of the Wright's Hill Fortress, this vantage point provides splendid views of the city and north to Makara beach and beyond. As with many of Wellington's hills, a number of excellent tracks provide access to the surrounding area and are well worth exploring. One Wellington couple recently married in the tunnels of the fortress, a network of war-time fortifications open on public holidays only, but they are also worth a look even for those with a shorter time commitment in mind! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ethan Tucker |
 Photo: Jonathan Wilkins |
 Photo: Celeste Lafavilla |
 Photo: Jamin |