Wellington > Wellington Experience

Advantages: Truly spectacular scenery and friendly people
Disadvantages: Southerly gale force winds and rain can occur unexpectedly.

I lived in Wellington for the first thirty years of my life, and although now residing in other parts of the world, I have always come back to refresh my memories of this ever changing city. When I visited the Capital last Christmas, I was amazed at the changes I saw. For instance, you can now take a harbour ferry from the downtown wharves area at Queens Wharf, and cross the harbour over to Days Bay and Eastbourne. On a fine day, this is a fantastic ...
...off at Somes Island - a former quarantine station - in the middle of the harbour, and get a later ferry back if you wish. The other attraction I would recommend to Ciao readers is the Southern Walkway which goes along Mt. Victoria. You begin this marvellous walk at Oriental Bay, and climb up a graded track past highly priced real estate to emerge at the top of Mt. Victoria. The views en route are really quite extraordinary. I took a photograph en ... Read review

Advantages: beautiful cultured city
Disadvantages: a little small, and yes. it is windy.

...the nature/scenery/outdoor life/golf! On tours, Wellington is probably just a stopover between the two islands. Wellington is, however, rapidly becoming a 'bigger' city. Because of the Lord of the Rings, Wellington gained worldwide status and there was incredible improvements in the city appearance/structure. Cuba Mall, Manners Mall, Courtney Place were repaved, decorated and generally 'done-up'. The waterfront is a place to visit - yes right next ...
...things to check out and if you are on a budget, a decent amount of its free. There are also some other galleries and museums on Queens Wharf to go look see. Especially now, in summer, there are always things going on in Civic Centre for the public. Live music, jazz performances, busketers - its very cultured. The shopping isn't that great but some cool local kiwi stores are worth checking out. And some great little cafes down Cuba Street. There ... Read review

Advantages: A nice looking, small city, easily explorable
Disadvantages: Not much left to do after 2 days! Young people will be bored unless they like museums.

...quite enjoyed my visit to Wellington - but I'm an old(ish) fart. This Review is very much written from the viewpoint of a young person - who would find the place boring! *****The Arrival**** After a hair raising, but fun, landing at the local airport (the plane has to land in very windy conditions just above the sea and rocks) we found the main terminal building nearly deserted - even though it was the middle of the day. We managed to get a local ...
...*****Social issues***** Wellington has social problems - just like most other cities. The kids get drunk at night and hang around street corners during the day. That's probably because there is nothing for them to do. The Maori and white populations seem to get on better than the equivalent relationship in Oz. In general people are very laid back and don't even give you a second look - so you don't feel that you are a tourist. *****The Main Attractions***** ... Read review

Advantages: Too much for this tiny space.
Disadvantages: The wind and hills!

...into a tiny country. Wellington fits this profile quite well. Built aside a natural harbour, the size of the city increased by a bit in 1840 when an earthquake rattled it. They have markers on the sidewalks to show you where the old shoreline was. Cute, eh? Yeah, there are a lot of cute things about this city. In Cuba Mall (a street that has been pedestrianised) there is a giant Tuatara (lizard) for kids to play on and a water feature that is made ...
...North Island. Wellington is the Capital of New Zealand, and the political goings on are held at the Parliament (an old and gorgeous stone building) and it's little brother, the Beehive (THE ugliest thing I have ever seen - It actually LOOKS like a beehive!) Wellington is also home of the National Museum, Te Papa (meaning: Our Place) which currently has a Lord of the Rings exhibit showing. Speaking of the Lord of the Rings, Wellington is going to ... Read review

Advantages: Great place for all!
Disadvantages: Windy is the name!

...probably say Auckland. Yes… Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. You can feast yourself by visiting the ‘Beehive’, (Government buildings), and even listen in to the local politicians. It’s not as extravagant as the House of Lords, however- it’s still a ‘debate’, even if you can’t join in! From Wellington you can catch the ferry to Picton, there’s three ships that sail and it doesn’t ...
...When I say windy, wellington has been given the name ‘Windy Wellington’ by the locals, because it's always windy! One of the most famous peices of history for Wellington is the sinking of the Wahine ship which was a bit like the modern day Titanic. (This happened years ago, and the boats are very safe) In Wellington itself, it's quite hilly, to take advantage of the amazing views of the capital and the harbour, you can catch the lift ... Read review