Sat 26th Feb - Wellington

We did a really fascinating guided walking tour of Wellington today, accompanied by 2 very knowledgeable and enthusiastic Wellingtonians, Christine and Glen.

Wow, what a vibrant city; the centre has been completely re-sculpted and made open and accessible to the populous, with wonderful areas joining the city , via the new civic square and wacky bridge system, to the harbor areas. Old buildings beautifully preserved, and even moved into prime positions, and new whacky ones erected to make a complete mix of styles which somehow all seems to fit together in an eclectic building “soup”.

This city is MAD on rowing as a sport, and the heats were on for the big Dragon boat race day soon coming up, which made it all even more vibrant.

Also found a perfect lunch stop – the “Backbencher”, a pub with a sense of humour just opposite all the government and parliament buildings. The walls were decorated with spitting-image-like models of their politicians, all being lampooned in various unflattering situations. Great fun.

Food wasn't bad either!

Backbencher-burger

Two other things of note:

The city has the largest wooden building in the southern hemisphere, possible the world, in immaculate condition and still in use. Was the old Government building, and is now the law school.

 It also has the second ugliest cathedral we’ve come across. Pink concrete this time!

We would have loved to stay longer, but time is getting on, so we’ll just have to return someday and explore further. For now, we’re heading off towards the Tongariro mountains.