Wellington

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Thursday 10th February – South Island to North Island

Goodbye to Deb and Ted in Kaikoura and off to see our good friends Julie and Pauline in Wellington:

TranzScenic & InterIslander – Stunning rail journey along the coast from Kaikoura to Picton and then equally scenic ferry from Picton to Wellington.
Beautiful Wellington – Quick view of the city; close up and from a vantage point in the hills – there is no shortage of hills to find a view from.
Chinese Malay Cooking – Fabulous feast of authentic Malay curry and Chinese noodles with our Malay/Chinese/Kiwi friends.

Friday 11th February – Exploring Wellington

A day to sample some of the delights of the windy (and hilly) capital of New Zealand:

Weta Cave – A fascinating visit to the team that created many of the visual effects for Lord of the Rings, District 9, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Avatar and many other films.
Te Papa Museum – A really well constructed and interesting slant on Kiwi history and attitudes – and all built to survive a major earthquake!
Chinese New Year – A significant day (9th day) in the Chinese New Year period seemed a very appropriate excuse to eat more fabulous home-cooked traditional Chinese food.

Saturday 12th February – Local Sights in the Capital

A mix of local “in the know” experiences and evidence of Wellington as parliamentary capital of NZ:

Wind Turbine Run – For hill-running junkies, this was a perfect cool morning run up to the local wind turbine, about 1.5 miles up from the house. Another unusual running destination ticked off the list.
Local Eating – Brunch at Caffe L’Affare and lunch at R&S Satay Noodle House, for the real Wellingtonian dining experience – not for tourists!
Parliament Tour – An interesting hour’s tour of the seat of Kiwi Government, with the role of Governor General (as representative of the Queen) and the use of Royal Assent for new laws still alive and well.
Note: In Australia, as recently as 1975, the equivalent role of Governor General actually dismissed parliament as he felt it wasn’t working!.

Sunday 13th February – Our Other Good Friends in Wellington

As Wellington contains such lovely people, we dropped in on some more, to spend a lovely Sunday with James and Mary-Elizabeth:

Harbourside Market – Wellingtonians are very lucky to have two fabulous Sunday markets, selling fresh fruit, veg and various delicacies - time to stock up for the camper van!
Wellington Walk – A leisurely walking tour of Wellington with James, including Maritime Museum, Cable Car, Botanic Gardens and Harbourside.
Food with a View – Lovely meals; each with a stunning close up view of the blue harbour waters and local sea life (ferries, boats and divers).

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Photos

Ferry Views
Even the InterIslander ferry between the islands includes some pretty spectacular mountain and forest views.

Wellington Views
Simon and Deborah with a backdrop of Wellington harbour views.

Deborah on the Pull
Deborah fancies a change - meet the new fella...

Seperated at Birth?
Simon suddenly understands his lifelong attraction to shiny things and fish!

New Career Opportunities Beckon
Simon tries out for the Wellington Constabulary, but can't seem to get up much of a head of steam on the police vehicle.

Call me Ray
A huge Ray glides by in the shallow harbour waters.

Chinese New Year
A customary, communal act of mixing the salmon salad should lead to prosperity in the coming year - also very tasty!

Clever These Kiwis
No stone left unturned in the Wellingtonians' efforts to ensure all are equally catered for (not sure Dodge would appreciate the double parking though).

Iconic Wellington
The postcard shot of cable-car, cricketers and city - taken from the edge of the Botanic Gardens.

But It Looks Quite Cold in There
Deborah helps a Welington local find his way into the harbour waters.

Comments

[derek dishman]

Greatings from blighty
Hi you two. You do seem to be having a lovely time and loads more of it yet to come. I used to think I was lucky to have my break at Xmas and all my various bike trips. I am now feeling decidely over-worked and under-holidayed. Can you throw in a mini disaster to the blog even if you have to make it up ! to make everyone in wet England feel better. I am in awe of your bungy jumping, except you didn't jump did you - weren't you pushed ? I would pay not to have to jump. Have a lovely time, the photos are great. Derek

[jo]

Nice tan
Finally seeing a nice tan on you pale pommies! looks like you're having great fun. We've got cold wet blustery weather here and contemplating my 20miler tomorrow! time is going so quickly though, can't believe you've been away 2months almost. Love catching up on your trip and seeing the sense of humour is unchanged!!

[Rhubarb and Jackson]

Canine Parking
So tell us, do these Canine Parking stations come with other services - water station, treat station, decent pole to pee on?

[Philippa Burrell]

from cold and rainy Bournemouth
Hello you two - NZ scenery looks spectacular. Hope you are enjoying more of it in your second camper.... Dartmoor rain is keeping me awake in my camper van... I can recommend ear plugs to keep rain noise out if you are troubled by precipitation-strike on the van roof. Works for me. And cuts out the troublesome noise of the alarm waking me for another day of cooking veggie food and smiling at veggie customers. The great thing about working in a veggie cafe is stopping by at the Spar on the way home from work and then walking home eating a hot steak and mushroom pie. Lush. Off to your place end of Feb and looking forward to a bit of garden tidying and metrollops visiting. Love to you both P xxxxx

[marina quayle]

OOoh I'm so jealous, the Chinese salmon looks delicious !