Ok, this is probably going to be a biased review. I was born in Wellington. I've lived there a while. Plus I went to university there. And so, I kinda know the place well. It is small. It is beautiful. Though for personal reasons I'm not sure if I could settle there again.
New Zealand is more of a backpackers destination (well, mainly). But then there are the Asian tourists who come from 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 to the ugly Museum. Smile. But they has some cool 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 are plenty of bars/clubs and poolhalls, late night cafes (Espressoholic) to spend the evening. Plus places with live music (Bodega). Things aren't too expensive here either. Obviously it depends on where you go. The '4/5' star dining though aren't the greatest. The best bet are the smaller joints who provide friendly service. Cafes = Fidels, Parade Cafe, Krazy Lounge, Cafe Instanbul, Satay Kingdom, Hells Pizza.
A drive or walk around the bays is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. They have created an artifical 'beach' bringing heaps of sand in and the waterfront is busy with families, couples, bikeres, joggers - the lot. Bays to visit Lyall Bay, Oriental Bay, Island Bay and Scorching Bay.
Aside from the Botanical Gardens (where you can see glow worms and is mentioned in other reviews), there are walks up MountVictoria. It can take a few hours up to the top but its worth the great view. Another place is the Karori Wildlife Reserve (I think, its called something like that..) where you can go for walks in the bush.
The city has two main stadiums, Westpac Trust (nicknamed the 'caketin' because it's shaped like one!) which is mainly for rugby games and Basin Reserve cricket ground which both hold internationals/nationals throughout the year.
It is worth a few days stop-over in Wellington. Some down-time in this little city is definilty recommended.
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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.
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.
Advantages: Lots to see and do, brilliant garden to explore outside. Plan for two half day visits to get most out of it. And its FREE. Disadvantages: On 2nd floor have to pay to 'experience' rides. Maori folk tale rather than scientific facts.
Feb 7th, 2005
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