Rare TLCOhio Posted December 5, 2015 #1 Share Posted December 5, 2015 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.: 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.: 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.: 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.: 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.: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisintebo Posted January 15, 2016 #2 Share Posted January 15, 2016 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare TLCOhio Posted January 17, 2016 Author #3 Share Posted January 17, 2016 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 More sharing options...
Kiwi Kruzer Posted January 18, 2016 #4 Share Posted January 18, 2016 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare TLCOhio Posted July 1, 2016 Author #5 Share Posted July 1, 2016 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 More sharing options...
Globaliser Posted July 1, 2016 #6 Share Posted July 1, 2016 ... David Jones of South Africa ...I suppose this is sort of true now, in a way - but it was still a bit startling to see it written like this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Kruzer Posted July 29, 2016 #7 Share Posted July 29, 2016 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 More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted July 29, 2016 #8 Share Posted July 29, 2016 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 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 More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted July 29, 2016 #9 Share Posted July 29, 2016 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 More sharing options...
Rare TLCOhio Posted July 29, 2016 Author #10 Share Posted July 29, 2016 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.: 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.: 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.: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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