2023 11 22 Wellington, New Zealand

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Tour Day 44, Cruise Day 44 – Te Papa Museum & Cable Car (5.5 hours) - Understanding of New Zealand's people, life and times begins at the wonderful, authentic Te Papa Tongarewa Museum. Its name means 'the place containing the treasures of this land'. A 30-minute transfer takes you along Wellington's scenic waterfront. Upon arrival at the museum, you will take an in-depth guided tour of Te Papa's collection highlights. It is an excellent overview of what makes New Zealand unique. This vibrant land and its diverse natural environment, from the kiwi (a bird; not a fruit) to the kauri tree, is on display. Don't miss Te Papa's colossal squid at 13 feet long and weighing more than a thousand pounds. Explore the powerful geological forces that shape New Zealand's dramatic landscape and come face to face with Ruaumoko -- the god of earthquakes and volcanoes. Discover the world of the Maori -- the tangata whenua -- New Zealand's earliest settlers. Stories of voyaging, conflict, and survival are told through a powerful mix of cultural treasures, oral histories, and contemporary works. Step inside Te Hau ki Turanga -- one of the oldest and most significant meeting houses still in existence -- and visit the dynamic and beautiful marae (communal meeting place) for the 21st century, designed and created by leading Maori carvers. Learn about New Zealand art, and see highlights from New Zealand's National Art Collection -- European and Maori, historical and contemporary. You will have some free time to visit the gift shop. Re-board the motorcoach for the short drive to Lambton Quay -- the main street in the central business district. Step aboard the 111-year-old Wellington Cable Car for a vertical climb of 390 feet over a length of 2,000 feet. Three minutes later, you're at the top. From this commanding location, you have a ringside seat to a sweeping view over the city's rolling hills, the downtown area, Wellington Harbour, and the Storm Coast. Time permitting, step into the Cable Car Museum which is housed within the original Winding House and is home to two of the original grip cars and the historic winding machinery once used to haul the cars through a series of tunnels up the steep incline. Your tour concludes with a scenic drive back to the ship.

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Photos

Wellington Cable Car
Look at the Pretty Mural

Wellington Cable Car
Look at the Pretty Cable Car

Wellington Cable Car
Obviously, I Selected the Wrong Side of the Car!