WELLINGTON TOURISM AND TRAVEL OVERVIEW:
It is the Capital city of New Zealand and is the country's second
largest urban area. Wedged between the sea and hills that rear up almost 3,000
ft, Wellington tourism offers some striking juxtapositions. Colored roofs cascade down
the steep hillsides, creating a vibrant collage against a spectacular green
background. A special blend of heritage buildings, museums and galleries, fine
restaurants and live entertainment opportunities make this city a great place to
visit at any time of the year.
The best place to start exploring the city, is
the Civic Square. It is located in the center of the of the city, and has a
Visitor Information Center where you can get all sorts of information.
LOCATION:
Wellington lies at the southern tip of the North Island in New Zealand.
POPULAR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS - WELLINGTON TOURISM:
Civic Square:
Wellington's modernistic Civic Square is the most visible symbol of the
cultural vitality of Wellington tourism. It is made up of an architecturally adventurous
complex of buildings with a large public space in the center, and a bridge
linking it to the waterfront and to Frank Kitts park. The City Gallery, perhaps
the nation's finest art space, the library, and the concert venue town hall are
all just steps apart. The big public space in the middle of these buildings is a
great place to hang out.
Beehive - Executive office Building:
This building houses the ministerial offices and is known as Beehive because
many Wellingtonians think that the building looks as much like an alien
spaceship as it does a beehive. This is building is a must see in Wellington.
Katherine Mansfield House- Wellington Tourism:
Kathleen Beauchamp lived here for the first five years of her life.
Mansfield left to pursue her career to Europe when she was 20, but many of her
short stories are set in Wellington. A year before her death she wrote, "New
Zealand is in my very bones. What wouldn't i give to have a look at it" The
house has been restored as a typical Victorian Family home, and contains
furnishings, photographs, videos and tapes that elucidate Mansfield's life.
Kelburn Cable Car:
This Swiss built railway makes a short climb to the Kelburn Terminal, from
which you can get great views across the parks and city buildings to port
Nicholas.
Wellington Botanical Gardens - Wellington Tourism:
The gardens are very pretty, with 26 hectares of native and exotic trees,
forest, flowers and plants. Exotic trees fill the valleys, water loving plants
line a pond and mountain streams, dry and craggy slopes are studded with
succulents and rock loving plants, and lawns spread over flatter sections with
beds of bright seasonal bulbs and annuals. There are some really beautiful rose
gardens consisting of over 300 different varieties of Roses, that smell
wonderful in the summer and springtime. The Botanical Gardens also contain a
Begonia House, the Education and Environmental Center, lots of tracks and
walkways.
Museum of Wellington:
This excellent museum explores the experience of the original Maori tribes who fished the harbor shores and of the Europeans who settled here in 1840. It is a must see if you are interested in the history, culture and heritage of the place.
Ascot Street:
The tiny doll-like cottages along Ascot were built in the 1870's, and is the finest example of a 19th century streets cape in Wellington.
Lambton Quay- Wellington Tourism:
Lambton Quay is one of the main shopping areas in Wellington. It has some good places to shop, Cafes and Restaurants and some fine drinking establishments. It also has some wonderful old Buildings.
John Seddon Memorial:
This monument is dedicated to the colorful and popular liberal politician who served as Prime Minister from 1893 to 1906.
Other Places- Wellington Tourism:
Along with these, there are several other popular places in Wellington, some of them are - City Gallery, National Library, Old St. Pauls Cathedral,Tinkari Road, Parliament buildings, Premier house and Southward Museum. Wellington is a remarkable travel and tourism destination.
DINING / FOOD:
Since Wellington is a popular tourist destination, it has a lot of good restaurants with a variety of cuisines. Some of the good dining places are - Turners Steak House, Logan Brown, Dockside and Shed Five, II Casino, Chameleon, White House, Roxburgh Bistro, Vista and the Malthouse.
HOTELS:
Some of the good hotels in Wellington are - Bolton Hotel, Intercontinental Wellington, Apollo Lodge Motel, At Home Wellington City, Lambton Court Apartments, Novotel Capital Wellington.
SHOPPING- Wellington Tourism:
Kirkcaldie & Stains :
This Department store has a early 19th century facade and posh selection.
Downtown shopping area:
Visit this area for department stores, clothes, shoes, books, outdoor gear, souvenirs, etc. The principal shopping centers are - Harbor City , Capital on the Quay and The Old Bank Arcade.
For ethnic gift stores, boutiques, secondhand shops and crafts, visit the trendy Cuba Street.
Wellington Market:
This is the place to find Souvenirs, New Zealand crafts and collectibles. It also has a great Asian Food Court.
