New Zealand - Wellingon - Feb 19-20, 2014

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I know it has been awhile since the last post. I've run into technical problems with iOS 7 'losing' some of my photos. The recovery process is painful. Then, I've had internet access issues. Anyway, I wanted to get something out there for you to see, so here is the Wellington blog!

19th was a long travel day in a bus from Waitoma to Wellington. Not much to report except there are ALOT of sheep and cows in New Zealand. Made it to Wellington at 10pm. It was a 1/2 mile hike to the hotel. Apparently this is the busy season (it is their summer) and because of my lack of planning, there wasn't much available. Fortunately I did get a private room in a crap hostel (do not recommend Lodge in the City), run down and very loud, obnoxious kids outside. There was a clean sheet on the bed thought ...

The next day, Thursday the 20th, started out sketchy with some dramatic (and apparently rare) fog that came in overnight. Usually Wellington has a lot of wind that keeps the fog away, but not today. It cleared up and was a stunning day! I only had one day before I had to catch a plane to Christchurch. So I did a city walk recommended by my guide book and then took in the excellent Te Papa museum. I'll let the photos tell the story today!

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Photos

Cable to the Botanical Gardens
First was the fun, scenic and lazy tram ride up to the botanical gardens. This is the country's only remaining cable car system.

Botanical Gardens
Then the downhill stroll through the beautiful gardens.

304-314 Tenakon Road
Next on the stop was this row of houses. After the 1848 Marlborough earthquake, the city's brick and stone buildings were substantially damaged. The timber buildings left unscathed and thus timber used almost exclusively in the 2nd half of the 19th century.

Katherine Mansfield House
Writer born in 1888 and lived first five years of her life here. I must confess - I don't know Katherine Mansfield or her writings. But this was part of the walk so I checked it out.

Old St Paul's Church
From 1866, example of the Gothic revival style in timber.

Waterfront
Where I had the most exquisite New Zealand Green Lipped mussels.

Te Papa Tongarewa - Museum of New Zealand
OK, this is one of the best museums ever. Beautiful modern museum. Full of cool exhibits covering New Zelands biculural heritage, natural history and environment. And it is FREE!

Te Papa Museum - WOW
World of Wearable (WOW) Art exhibit.

Te Papa Museum
Science Fiction WOW

Dancing on the Waterfront
I wanted to upload a video to show you the fun, but, travelblog isn't supporting this right now