Wellington, Capital of New Zealand

The federal capital of New Zealand, Wellington, is a beautiful port city nestled within an alcove of green hills featuring high trees and thick foliage. We had just a short stay here..... about 8 hours.

We docked at about 8 am. and took a shuttle to the city center. The city is windy ("the windiest city in the world"), but the air is clean, and the city is immaculate, hosting a fair lineup of coffee houses, one after the other. Houses dot the lush, thick green, hills 'round the city... what views they must have of city lights and the thousands of outgoing and incoming ships.

Just next to our shuttle drop-off, we visited the old Government Office(s), built circa 1893. The building is all wood, beautiful, and features a complete history of the building throughout the creaky hallways. It is now used partly as a college of law. Then, a few steps away, we saw the "Hive" - the current seat of the state and city administration - and the stately adjacent Library.

On the same walk-about, we visited the Wellington Museum, which tells the maritime story of Wellington. This little museum exhibited the Māori historical perspective (they came to New Zealand as far back as 1200 AD), as well as showed through models, pictures and artifacts the day-to-day maritime port, sailing and city experience through the years.

We did a Botanical Gardens tour and cable car in the afternoon. Saw beautiful homes perched high in hills. Some home owners install “travelators” (little cable car elevators) to help them get up the hill to their homes. The Botanical Gardens had beautiful roses and trees, orchids, and exotic plants such as “Bat Plants”. Upon our return to the Neptune, we were told that our scenic Milford and Doubtful Sound sailing had to be canceled due to high winds. Drat.Read more