Civic Square: At the heart of the city,
the Square has a public space in the center that is surrounded by a complex
of buildings with a bridge linking it to the waterfront and to Frank Kitts
Park. The Michael Fowler centre is the
building, surrounding the square which is the circular building where
concerts and performing arts are held. There are also the central
library, the City Gallery, Capital Discovery Place, the Council buildings,
and the Visitor Information Center. A great hangout place would be the
open space in the middle of the buildings. Don't miss the New Zealand
Wine & Food Festival held at the Square in mid-November. Sample
some of the best food and drinks in the country.
The Beehive: The Beehive is home to
ministerial offices, was given its name as the building does look like a
beehive. It is the place to observe politicians at work, located near
the railway station where Bowen Street meets Lambton Quay.
The Cable Car & Botanical Gardens: Some
of the best views of the city can be seen on the cable car from Victoria
University to the Botanical Gardens. The Botanical Gardens is the last
stop which has very nice landscapes with 26 hectares of native and exotic
trees, forests, plants as well as some very beautiful rose gardens.
There're over 300 varieties of roses and during summer and springtime, the
scents from the rose gardens are heavenly.
Cuba Mall: For shopping and dining
activities, the Cuba Mall is a must visit. It has numerous pubs,
restaurants, coffeehouses as well as arts and crafts shops. Head out
of Civic Square, walk south down Willis Street, and turn left into Dixon
Street to get there within 5 minutes.
Oriental Parade: Oriental Parade is favorite
amongst joggers, swimmers, sunbathers, and cyclists, located near the
shoreline. The unique attractions include the large fountain that is
anchored 100 meters offshore and many will often swim out to it, as well as
the public swimming pool (Freyburg) with a climbing wall outside. The
Parade also offers nice restaurants with ocean views, pleasant but expensive
pubs, and an excellent view of the city.
Lambton Quay: Lambton Quay is one of
the main shopping areas in Wellington, having fabulous shopping sites, as
well as fine drinking establishments and cafes. It is full of
wonderful old buildings with great architecture designs, stretching from
Thorndon Quay, near the Railway Station alongside with waterfront, to Willis
Street, which is located only a few minutes from the Civic Square.
Parliament Buildings: More than a million
visitors tour the Parliament Buildings, the
Edwardian neo-classical Parliament House, gothic Parliamentary Library and
contemporary Beehive each year. Explore the history here! New Zealand
became the first country in the world to grant women the vote in 1893.
Here you would hear about the ghost stories, rumored that an early Member of
Parliament, William Larnach, haunts the corridors of the magnificent Gothic
library complex in which he shot himself. Come chilling, the Admission
is free!
Te Papa Tongarewa: Te Papa Tongarewa,
Museum of New Zealand is a testament to the nation's heritage and storehouse
for some of the country's most precious treasures, celebrating the unique
multicultural Nature of New Zealand through art, exhibitions and
multimedia. Virtual bungy jumping, a day in a junk shop and the chance
to walk through a reconstructed slice of real New Zealand countryside are
the highlights. Admission is free, but donations are gracefully
accepted.
Somes Island: Ferry will take you to
Somes Island. The largest of the three islands anchored in the inner
harbour and certainly the most interesting geologically and historically
island, known in Maori as Matiu. Amongst the flourishing predator-free forest,
rains of the original pa site, war fortifications and buildings from its
time as a quarantine station are evident. No shops available, so be
advised to bring your own picnic.
Wellington Zoo: Wellington's zoological
gardens have all the traditional attractions. Zoo management has
recently extended and upgraded the facilities to include such features as
the New Zealand's newest and largest habitat exhibit, the Tropical River
Trail. You're going to find New Zealand natives such as the kiwi, the
giant weta, the black stilt and the tuatara, as well as exotic species like
the North American bison, the Nepalese red panda and the Sitatunga antelope,
the Zoo inhabitants.
Avid: In Avid, you can look for quality
jewelry handcrafted by top New Zealand artists. There is also a good
selection of rings and necklaces, all individually designed and exquisitely
made. You can also check out the array of beautiful glassware, pottery
and handcrafted rugs in the gallery next door. It is located in the
central city, off Willis Street, just a short walk from Civic Square.
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary: The Karori
Wildlife Sanctuary is an ambitious 250 hectare project aimed to restore and
protect native flora and fauna within the city environment. A ground-breaking fence to deter predators has been especially
designed and constructed and a weka breeding program is also well
established. Advance booking is essential.
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