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With cheap flights to Wellington available, why not get a couple of friends together and experience its delights?
Wellington New Zealand – cc licence flickr photo by PhillipC
Wellington is shopper’s paradise
Ask any Wellingtonian and they’ll tell you it’s here you’ll find the best options in New Zealand. Pick up a funky coat or hat at the retro cool opportunity shops and clothing boutiques along Cuba Street or head to the mecca of commercial labels that is the Lambton Quay stretch. For shopping stamina, caffeine-up in one of the many quality cafes en route –with baristas who take pride in impossibly golden crema and velvety New Zealand milk, you can count on getting a sumptuous coffee in Wellington.
For an elevated perspective of the Kiwi capital and a glimpse of Wellingtons past, ride the charmingly clunky cable car from the CBD up to the observatory and stroll the surrounding botanical gardens.
You will never go hungry in Wellington
The choice of food reflects the diversity of the city. From fine New Zealand cuisine to Italian, Mexican, Indian and a wide selection of Asian eateries, Wellington has food to suit every taste and budget.
Since you will be in the area, afterward promenade the picturesque water front watching buskers and stop for an ice cream or beer in one of the many establishments along the way. Don’t want to walk? Hire a bicycle or quadricycle, or for a different perspective, kayak your afternoon away in the harbour.
Wine lover?
With airfares to Wellington easy to find, you will be on your way to a great wine tasting holiday. Some world-famous cellar doors are within striking distance from Wellington! Options include taking the ferry across Cook Straight to the top of the South Island and making way the renowned Marlborough region and sample the Sauvignon Blanc. Or hire a car and head north – the Wairarapa wine trail with its increasingly popular Pinot Noir.
Art and Craft
For arguably the best selection and displays of New Zealand visual art, craft, Maori heritage and natural environments, Te Papa Tongarewa Museum is not to be missed. Highlights include the skeleton of Phar Lap, an earthquake simulator, exquisite examples of Taonga Maori (Maori treasures) such as traditional and contemporary carving, clothing and weaponry. Finish your experience by viewing original artworks by famed artists such as Colin McCahon, Bill Hammond and Charles. F. Goldie.
No visit to New Zealand would not be complete without watching a rugby game at the Hurricane’s home stadium, or in summer lying on the grass slopes catching a cricket match at The Basin. Whatever you choose to do you will be sure to have a wonderful holiday in Wellington.
Guest Post by L Waite:
L Waite is a writer and lover of New Zealand.
