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MAC Wellington - Town and Gown
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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 Shepherd's Arms 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 Kaori 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.







Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Ascot Street


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
Ascot Street photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Botanic Gardens


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
Botanic Gardens photo by Nicole Braun
Photo: Nicole Braun
Botanic Gardens photo by Steven Champeon
Photo: Steven Champeon
Botanic Gardens photo by Mark H Berger
Photo: Mark H Berger
Botanic Gardens photo by Emily Walker
Photo: Emily Walker
Botanic Gardens photo by Nicole Braun
Photo: Nicole Braun
Botanic Gardens photo by Valerie Griffeth
Photo: Valerie Griffeth
Botanic Gardens photo by Steven Champeon
Photo: Steven Champeon
Botanic Gardens photo by Dean Pemberton
Photo: Dean Pemberton
Botanic Gardens photo by Aoife Kavanagh
Photo: Aoife Kavanagh
Botanic Gardens photo by Susan Kelley
Photo: Susan Kelley
Botanic Gardens photo by Damien Sellier
Photo: Damien Sellier
Botanic Gardens photo by aworldinside
Photo: aworldinside
Botanic Gardens photo by Alan Shuttles
Photo: Alan Shuttles
Botanic Gardens photo by Gabriel Salas
Photo: Gabriel Salas
Botanic Gardens photo by Mike Mallett
Photo: Mike Mallett
Botanic Gardens photo by Ben Corner
Photo: Ben Corner
Botanic Gardens photo by Frances Vinall
Photo: Frances Vinall
Botanic Gardens photo by Andre Goble
Photo: Andre Goble
Botanic Gardens photo by Peter Monk
Photo: Peter Monk
Botanic Gardens photo by Nick Pashley
Photo: Nick Pashley
Botanic Gardens photo by Niall Mulhare
Photo: Niall Mulhare
Botanic Gardens photo by Chris Conway
Photo: Chris Conway
Botanic Gardens photo by Helen Hill
Photo: Helen Hill
Botanic Gardens photo by Adrian Smith
Photo: Adrian Smith
Botanic Gardens photo by SILVIA PONDE AUSTIN
Photo: SILVIA PONDE AUSTIN
Botanic Gardens photo by Gabby Rozow
Photo: Gabby Rozow
Botanic Gardens photo by Fergus Tuomey
Photo: Fergus Tuomey
Botanic Gardens photo by adaddessi
Photo: adaddessi
Botanic Gardens photo by neitan
Photo: neitan
Botanic Gardens photo by Jenine Beekhuyzen
Photo: Jenine Beekhuyzen
Botanic Gardens photo by Courtney Dunne
Photo: Courtney Dunne
Botanic Gardens photo by Dyanna Swindlehurst
Photo: Dyanna Swindlehurst
Botanic Gardens photo by Megan
Photo: Megan
Botanic Gardens photo by Lymm
Photo: Lymm
Botanic Gardens photo by eskimoir
Photo: eskimoir
Botanic Gardens photo by Lizzie G
Photo: Lizzie G
Botanic Gardens photo by Glenn Olsen
Photo: Glenn Olsen
Botanic Gardens photo by Danny Chiu
Photo: Danny Chiu
 

 
Cable Car


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
Cable Car photo by Thiago Almeida
Photo: Thiago Almeida
Cable Car photo by Alan
Photo: Alan
Cable Car photo by David Rawlings
Photo: David Rawlings
Cable Car photo by Daryl Robinson
Photo: Daryl Robinson
Cable Car photo by Anson Parker
Photo: Anson Parker
Cable Car photo by Juan Ponce
Photo: Juan Ponce
Cable Car photo by cappuccino.nz
Photo: cappuccino.nz
Cable Car photo by Simon Yeo SMJB
Photo: Simon Yeo SMJB
Cable Car photo by Brad Cross
Photo: Brad Cross
Cable Car photo by Karen Schröder
Photo: Karen Schröder
Cable Car photo by Tony Neighbours
Photo: Tony Neighbours
Cable Car photo by Kelley Bagby
Photo: Kelley Bagby
Cable Car photo by Jan Christianen
Photo: Jan Christianen
Cable Car photo by Nora Rusz
Photo: Nora Rusz
Cable Car photo by Wayne Howes
Photo: Wayne Howes
Cable Car photo by Richard Carroll
Photo: Richard Carroll
Cable Car photo by Steve Clarke
Photo: Steve Clarke
Cable Car photo by Tran's World Productions
Photo: Tran's World Productions
Cable Car photo by Philip
Photo: Philip
Cable Car photo by mark.diggle
Photo: mark.diggle
Cable Car photo by Anne McAllister
Photo: Anne McAllister
Cable Car photo by NZBry
Photo: NZBry
Cable Car photo by kiwipacusa
Photo: kiwipacusa
Cable Car photo by Courtney Patterson
Photo: Courtney Patterson
Cable Car photo by Penny Rod
Photo: Penny Rod
Cable Car photo by Michelle Griffiths
Photo: Michelle Griffiths
Cable Car photo by Russell Williams
Photo: Russell Williams
Cable Car photo by Naomi Hull
Photo: Naomi Hull
 

 
Carter Observatory


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
Carter Observatory photo by Gillian Rodgers
Photo: Gillian Rodgers
Carter Observatory photo by Gary Korhonen
Photo: Gary Korhonen
Carter Observatory photo by Sean Watts
Photo: Sean Watts
Carter Observatory photo by Sally Britnell
Photo: Sally Britnell
Carter Observatory photo by Gary Korhonen
Photo: Gary Korhonen
Carter Observatory photo by Katie Weller
Photo: Katie Weller
Carter Observatory photo by Randy Brophy
Photo: Randy Brophy
 

 
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary


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
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary photo by nzphotopro1
Photo: nzphotopro1
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary photo by Michael Meyers
Photo: Michael Meyers
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary photo by Casey Goodman
Photo: Casey Goodman
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary photo by John and Jan
Photo: John and Jan
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary photo by jrizya
Photo: jrizya
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary photo by beelzebul
Photo: beelzebul
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary photo by Jeff A. Johnson
Photo: Jeff A. Johnson
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary photo by David Sainty
Photo: David Sainty
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary photo by miriam
Photo: miriam
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary photo by wildsoda
Photo: wildsoda
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary photo by Brian Holloway
Photo: Brian Holloway
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary photo by Adrian Rumney
Photo: Adrian Rumney
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary photo by Peter & Madelon
Photo: Peter & Madelon
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary photo by stanw
Photo: stanw
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary photo by Louise Harrington
Photo: Louise Harrington
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary photo by David Lind
Photo: David Lind
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary photo by govnamalia
Photo: govnamalia
 

 
Parliament Buildings


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
Parliament Buildings photo by Richard Scott Souder
Photo: Richard Scott Souder
Parliament Buildings photo by Nicole Ashley
Photo: Nicole Ashley
Parliament Buildings photo by John Lewis
Photo: John Lewis
Parliament Buildings photo by Dan Nelson
Photo: Dan Nelson
Parliament Buildings photo by T. F. Henriksen
Photo: T. F. Henriksen
Parliament Buildings photo by David Curlewis
Photo: David Curlewis
Parliament Buildings photo by Brandon Jones
Photo: Brandon Jones
Parliament Buildings photo by Tom Rataj
Photo: Tom Rataj
Parliament Buildings photo by The Chosun Bimbo
Photo: The Chosun Bimbo
Parliament Buildings photo by dean_b_2
Photo: dean_b_2
Parliament Buildings photo by CynnyW
Photo: CynnyW
Parliament Buildings photo by Matthew Knox
Photo: Matthew Knox
 

 
Speight's Ale House Restaurant & Bar


Historic pub
285 Tinakori Road, P. O. Box 12318
Shepherd's Arms Hotel, Thorndon
Wellington 6001
New Zealand
+64 4 472 1230 / +1 800 39 3782
http://www.shepherds.co.nz/
Set in the heart of historic Thorndon, New Zealand's oldest suburb, the Shepherd's Arms Hotel dates back to 1870 and claims to be the country's oldest. The bar has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and is decorated with memorabilia outlining the hotel's history. Snack menu is available and the restaurant is open seven days. Places of interest like Katherine Mansfield's birthplace and the Prime Minister's official residence are nearby.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Thorndon


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
Thorndon photo by Michael Hamilton
Photo: Michael Hamilton
Thorndon photo by nzphotopro1
Photo: nzphotopro1
Thorndon photo by r.boeschenstein
Photo: r.boeschenstein
Thorndon photo by Keith Ng
Photo: Keith Ng
Thorndon photo by Lester Blair
Photo: Lester Blair
Thorndon photo by John O'Leary
Photo: John O'Leary
 

 
Tinakori Bistro


Intimate dining
328 Tinakori Road
Thorndon
Wellington 6001
New Zealand
+64 4 499 0567
http://www.tinakoribistro.co.nz
Chef and owner Jason Su creates delicious French provincial dishes in this old building in historic Thorndon. It is a classic intimate white tablecloth and wood restaurant with a garden at the back and a private room for functions. The fabulous food such as Roasted Herb Infused Lamb served with Kumara Cake or Roasted Chicken Breast will entice you back again and again. Artistic desserts and an excellent wine list are other drawcards.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Tinakori Bistro photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Tinakori Hill


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
Tinakori Hill photo by Emily Walker
Photo: Emily Walker
Tinakori Hill photo by Tom Goulter
Photo: Tom Goulter
 

 
Wellington Cathedral of St Paul


New Zealand's largest cathedral
Corner Hill and Molesworth Streets
Thorndon
Wellington 6001
New Zealand
+64 4 472 0286
http://cathedral.wellington.ne...
Sixty one years went into it's design and building to create one of the largest and most spectacular spaces in New Zealand. Commissioned in the early 1930s it was to be a gothic structure from stone or brick but, after the Napier earthquake, the decision was made to build the cathedral out of reinforced concrete. Cecil Wood the original architect died before the drawings were complete. Successive architects attempted to deviate from his original vision, to disastrous effect. In 1992 architects, Warren and Mahoney, completed the cathedral design staying faithful to Wood's original vision.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Wellington Cathedral of St Paul photo by Tom Law
Photo: Tom Law
Wellington Cathedral of St Paul photo by Peter Harper
Photo: Peter Harper
Wellington Cathedral of St Paul photo by Charles Lee
Photo: Charles Lee
Wellington Cathedral of St Paul photo by Andras Kornel Lendvai
Photo: Andras Kornel Lendvai
 

 
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