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Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Wellington
April 16th 2013
Published: May 8th 2013
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leaving Pictonleaving Pictonleaving Picton

heading to the North Island
Tuesday, 16th April - Day Thirteen: now in the North Island and a trip to the magnificent Te Papa Museum in Wellington, capital of NZ, and onto Upper Hutt, a short distance, but we get lost in Wellington during the rush hour and arrive after dark. I am somewhat appeased to hear that several other couples also misread directions and got lost too.

The Bluebridge Interisland Ferry left at 10:30 on its three hour journey across the Cook Strait. Having made great friends with another couple, June and Bruce from Canada, six of us spend most of our time on board having a very lively conversation about religion and politics, the two subjects we were told was not a good idea to discuss in a group situation. We’re still very good friends regardless of the difference of opinions.

The museum with its six floors is impressive and after a quick 60 minute guided tour we have a short time to explore on our own. We could spend a whole day here with its interactive displays, art gallery, Maori artifacts, historical photos, several cafes and fun activities for children. The building is the pride and joy of the city.

With no wifi available and expecting another long driving day tomorrow, I fall asleep at 8:30 p.m. During our tour of the South Island, we’ve driven around 2,315km according to the log book, but roughly 1,500 miles with extra side trips.


Additional photos below
Photos: 17, Displayed: 17


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Bluebridge Ferry TerminalBluebridge Ferry Terminal
Bluebridge Ferry Terminal

incoming lorries (trucks) from the ferry
Trains are loaded on the lower deckTrains are loaded on the lower deck
Trains are loaded on the lower deck

trains are ferried across to Wellington too
atop the ferry deck atop the ferry deck
atop the ferry deck

Bruce, Mel, June, Howard
our ferryour ferry
our ferry

now at the Wellington Dock
Te Papa Museum Te Papa Museum
Te Papa Museum

Museum of NZ, Wellington
WellingtonWellington
Wellington

New Zealand's capital city
the extinct Moa the extinct Moa
the extinct Moa

display in the Museum
an ancient boat an ancient boat
an ancient boat

made of natural wood and fibres
Haiwiian cloak and helmet Haiwiian cloak and helmet
Haiwiian cloak and helmet

made of feathers and presented to Captain Cook in 1779
Maori Ancestral Meeting HouseMaori Ancestral Meeting House
Maori Ancestral Meeting House

this is still used for special occasions
giant ammonite giant ammonite
giant ammonite

these lived about 140 million years ago


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