Jump to content

Wellington: UK Newspaper Profile, Options!!


TLCOhio
 Share

Recommended Posts

From the London/UK Guardian late last month, they have this headline: "48 hours in Wellington, New Zealand: where to go, what to do" with this sub-head: "It’s cool-as, cute, culinarily blessed and compact. Wherever you are in the Kiwi capital, you’re a 10-minute stroll from the next place you want to be."

 

As noted earlier, we very much enjoyed our time in Wellington, NZ. Very interesting, scenic, sophisticated, friendly, etc. Here are a few more highlights from this writer's profile with many options to consider: "Creative, well caffeinated and culinarily blessed, Wellington is surprisingly compact. The central area of New Zealand’s capital is just 2km across. You’ll need every bit of exercise you can get to stoke your appetite: Wellington is packed with cool-as cafes, boutique food factories and exceptional restaurants. If you don’t adore food, maybe you should try another city. With everything so close, there’s plenty of time to just sit and smell the coffee."

 

There are mentions on options such as Cuba Street, Te Papa, Wellington’s fine-dining Logan Brown, etc. We enjoyed all three of these, plus much more. This story brings back nice memories. Below are just a few of my visual highlights, plus other tips and ideas, from our time in Wellington. Much more for NZ, etc., on my full live/blog that is linked below.

 

Full story at:

http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/nov/30/48-hours-in-wellington-new-zealand-where-to-go-what-to-do

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 128,069 views for this posting.

 

 

We started out our day in Wellington by hooking up with an excellent cab driver for a mini-tour and introduction to this city. This included first going up to Mount Victoria for a great overview of the city and seeing many sights around town. Here is an overview for this city from this great location on a wonderful weather day. We could also the residential structures that climb up the hills all around this great, scenic harbor. And, we had a view of the Wellington airport where the top movie/computer operations for Peter Jackson and James Cameron are working their magic for future film releases. Wellington is now the center for this type of film production in the world. There was also a closer view of the Te Papa museum shown below from this vantage point.:

 

WellingtonA1_zps6b26b4d8.jpg

 

 

This is the main government center for New Zealand, including on the left with its round, Beehive building. The Beehive was built in stages between 1969 and 1979. It is extensively decorated with New Zealand art. The top floor is occupied by the Cabinet room, with the Prime Minister's offices on the ninth floor. The Parliament is located next door in the middle building shown.:

 

WellingtonA7_zps1122356e.jpg

 

 

This is the inside of Old St. Paul's church in Wellington. See, we did go to church on our trip! It is the former cathedral in the Diocese of Wellington for the Anglican Church. As an example of 19th-century Gothic Revival architecture, they adapted to colonial conditions and materials. It is at 34 Mulgrave Street, close to the New Zealand Parliament. Its construction was completed in June 1866. In 1964, the Diocese of Wellington moved to the new St Paul's Cathedral nearby. After a significant battle to prevent its demolition, Old St. Paul's was purchased by the New Zealand Government in 1967 and restored. Although not a parish church, it remains consecrated and is a popular for weddings, funerals and other services. It is constructed from native NZ timbers. The interior has been likened to the upturned hull of an Elizabethan galleon. As this picture shows, it has exposed curving trusses and roof sacking. The flags displayed in the nave include the Royal Navy, NZ Merchant Navy and US Marine Corps. Many of our Marines were stationed in Wellington during World War II. My wife is in yellow walking down the center aisle as she absorb the building details. This was a very important and "moving" site to experience.:

 

WellingtonA9_zpse247f172.jpg

 

 

Starting with its contemporary design, this Te Papa Museum is not a boring and/or average facility. And, the admission is FREE!! Such a deal! Well worth it, too. The second picture below reflect some of its native Maori collection and emphasis.:

 

WellingtonA17_zps37520c7a.jpg

 

 

WellingtonA21_zps5a722c7b.jpg

 

 

Below is a view for a small portion of the Wellington downtown reflecting the architecture and art variety, style, interest, beauty, etc. Nice mix and options here for shopping, dining, sampling. Their waterfront is nicely developed with many options there for things to do and see.:

 

WellingtonA13_zpsf0716641.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
Thanks so much for your review. Just wondering how much is the cable car to Kilburn and where do we find it? Also, is the city right there when we get off and we can wander through the boutiques, galleries, etc?

 

Appreciate your follow-up and good question. We did not do this cable car ride in Wellington. Its location from which to go up is right in the heart of the main shopping/commercial area. The lines were fairly long when our cab/tour driver took us past that location. You can go to this website to get more info prices, etc.:

http://www.wellingtoncablecar.co.nz/English/Timetable++Fares.html

 

Since our tour took us to another high location to get great overviews of this wonderful city and its spectacular, scenic views, the need to ride up this cable car was not as much of a top priority for our needs/interests.

 

Good luck! Any added questions, info needs?

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 208,091 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks so much for your review.

 

Just wondering how much is the cable car to Kilburn and where do we find it? Also, is the city right there when we get off and we can wander through the boutiques, galleries, etc?

 

Lots of shops to wander around. The shuttle will drop you off near the Cable Car. Its hidden away up a lane so just ask someone if you cant find it.Over the weekend the area lost one its stalwarts...Kirkaldie and Stains, a Dept store that has been there for 150 years closed its doors for the last time. It has been taken over by David Jones of South Africa and they intend to rebuild and refit the store over the next 6 months.

Heres a story with the world famous doorman closing up on Saturday after the last customer left.

 

 

Will the last one out of Kirkcaldie and Stains please turn out the lights?

 

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/75953689/will-the-last-one-out-of-kirkcaldie-and-stains-please-turn-out-the-lights

 

2py1dhf.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 5 months later...

From this NZ Fairfax newspaper story in mid June, they have this headline: "Things to do in Wellington, New Zealand: A three-minute guide" with these highlights: "Wellington is a city that can be explored via the glass and its gastronomy. Floriditas in trendy Cuba St offers a scrumptious brunch and a counter laden with house-baked goods (floriditas.co.nz ), while the Leeds Street Bakery (leedsstbakery.co.nz ) is famous for its salted caramel cookies and coffee, courtesy of Red Rabbit Coffee Co next door. In this artisanal enclave you will also find the tempting Wellington Chocolate Factory (wcf.co.nz) and handmade soda producer Six Barrel Soda Co (sixbarrelsoda.co.nz). "

 

Lots of excellent ideas and details are offered. Here are a few more highlights: "Wellington is a city best explored on foot. Stay central and you can comfortably navigate the whole city by pounding the pavements. Not only will you find hidden treasures down the city's many laneways but you'll also avoid the confusing network of one-way streets."

 

Full story at:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/destinations/nz/80798424/things-to-do-in-wellington-new-zealand-a-threeminute-guide

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Lots of interesting and dramatic pictures can be seen from my latest live/blog at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Now at 15,655 views for this reporting and visual sharing that includes Cape Town, all along the South Africa coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/82559329/Shoppers-descend-on-David-Jones-store-in-Wellington

 

David Jones is now open in Wellington. The shuttle bus from the cruise ships stops beside the shop, so there is now another attraction if you have time to spare in Wellington.:)

 

Further update on Wellington , the Cable Car is currently closed while an upgrade takes place. Its only for 2 months in our winter, so it will be back on the run for the cruise season. They are hoping it will be a bit faster which will mean more trips during the busy times.:)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Lots of shops to wander around. The shuttle will drop you off near the Cable Car. Its hidden away up a lane so just ask someone if you cant find it.Over the weekend the area lost one its stalwarts...Kirkaldie and Stains, a Dept store that has been there for 150 years closed its doors for the last time. It has been taken over by David Jones of South Africa and they intend to rebuild and refit the store over the next 6 months.

Heres a story with the world famous doorman closing up on Saturday after the last customer left.

 

 

Will the last one out of Kirkcaldie and Stains please turn out the lights?

 

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/75953689/will-the-last-one-out-of-kirkcaldie-and-stains-please-turn-out-the-lights

 

2py1dhf.jpg

 

 

We were sad when they told us it was shutting down, but even in ?November they had some great prices on clearance stock.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/82559329/Shoppers-descend-on-David-Jones-store-in-Wellington

 

David Jones is now open in Wellington. The shuttle bus from the cruise ships stops beside the shop, so there is now another attraction if you have time to spare in Wellington.:)

 

Further update on Wellington , the Cable Car is currently closed while an upgrade takes place. Its only for 2 months in our winter, so it will be back on the run for the cruise season. They are hoping it will be a bit faster which will mean more trips during the busy times.:)

 

Yep dropped us at the side door last year.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Appreciate these additional items and sharing regarding Wellington. To help "celebrate" and prepare those planning their future options for this nice NZ capital, below are a few more of my visual samples as "proof/evidence" on the charm and character of Wellington.

 

Keep up the great, interesting contributions, question, comments, etc.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 151,142 views for this posting.

 

 

We started out our day in Wellington by hooking up with an excellent cab driver for a mini-tour and introduction to this city. This included first going up to Mount Victoria for a great overview of the city and seeing many sights around town. From this location, here is a view of the Wellington airport where the top movie/computer operations for Peter Jackson and James Cameron are working their magic for future film releases. Wellington is now the center for this type of film production in the world.:

 

WellingtonA2_zpsde80c0bc.jpg

 

 

Here is our cab driver explaining more details, insights and background to my wife on Wellington, its people, housing areas, culture, etc. He had lived here since 1972 and has family heritage going back to Ireland. Very charming and honest!! Worked well as a "plan". Better than being on a big bus with a guide just playing back a long script of boring facts. Lots of chances to ask questions, learn more!!! If you have a good driver. Great way to start sampling this charming city. Second is an example for the many housing styles and character that makes this hilly town so nice and enjoyable.:

 

WellingtonA3_zpsaac514be.jpg

 

 

WellingtonA5_zpsb88956c8.jpg

 

 

Cuba Street was an interesting area of Wellington to see and enjoy. It's on the "funky" side, but that made it fun and different. Below is one of the sign to mark this pedestrian-focused shopping area with lots of older, more historic buildings. Second is one of the friendly staff members in a shop there. The third picture shows one of the historic, older building, the trees, etc.:

 

WellingtonA12_zpsf0f906b4.jpg

 

 

WellingtonA11_zps335dd10f.jpg

 

 

WellingtonA10_zps1a53a417.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...