As for me, well I’ve travelled to many of the world’s most exciting places, which you can read all about on my blog, which — even if I do say so myself — is considered to be one of the best travel blogs on the internet, at least by my mum.

I won’t yarn on about it, for fear of boring myself. Suffice to say I’ve travelled to a fair few places. I’m a traveller. I travel around the world until I feel dizzy. Did I mention I like to travel? I love a good holiday, me.

Buy Good Travel Insurance

But this one time. (Not in band camp, but in Jakarta). I lost a neck wallet which contained my passport, wallet and every tangible piece of ID I had with me. I was basically stripped of my existence.

The home where I once sat in and ate beans on toast, while watching Little House on the Prairie, suddenly seemed like a distant world.

I made phone calls to Visa. To my embassy. To my various banks. I tried calling the Queen, but apparently she was caught up watching Dickenson’s Real Deal with Phil.

Thankfully for me, I had good quality travel insurance. Read: good, quality, travel insurance — not cheap travel insurance, which is likely to let you down in your hour of need.

World Nomads Promo Code

I was safe in the knowledge that once I’d paid a visit to the local police, and filled out wedges of paperwork, and photocopied each sheet forty-eight times (both sides) that I’d have the security of my insurance policy.

I used the World Nomads promotional code TRLANT to save myself 7% off the already reasonable price of their travel insurance policies. They covered individual items up to the value of £400 and along with my bank, HSBC they were comforting to deal with.

Without the travel insurance, I would have been facing a far tougher time. I wouldn’t have been able to claim anything, and let’s just say, a new passport is an expensive luxury these days.

So the moral of this tale is, I realised today that many of the readers of WheninWellington.com are travelling from lands far, far away. While travelling around the world is generally a safe adventure, things can turn sour quite quickly, so I implore you to take out travel insurance before you leave.

Simply put, it’s the most expensive thing you’ll (probably) never use. Nor see.

To that end, I can understand people’s trepidations about buying travel insurance. I’ve just heard far too many stories about things getting pinched, or broken, or worse, for me to take this subject lightly. The cost of travel insurance is neglible when compared to the average cost of medical procedures or replacing lost or stolen property.

Give your mother the peace of mind — do the right thing, and get good quality travel insurance cover before you leave.

By using the promotional code mentioned in this post, I will receive a small kickback. But rest assured, you are still getting a fantastic deal, and saving money off the regular price by using the code. It’s a win-win situation, if you have any questions regarding this I’d be happy to answer them.

Sure, some are in need of a lick of paint, some might even need a major upgrade but the crux of the matter is, if you have kids who are itching for a session on the swings, or a blast on the see-saw then there are plenty of parks for kids in the capital.

Find a Children’s Park in Wellington

We’ve gouged out some space below to sprinkle some pink loveliness on a map of Wellington. This highlights exactly where you can find a children’s park in Wellington. On the same theme, if you believe we’ve missed one (which is entirely possible), please take a second to fill in the small form at the bottom of the page.

View Larger Map

Looking for Children’s Parks in Wellington

If you know of any more children’s parks in Wellington, we’d really like it if you could scribble the details in the form below.

We’ll take that information and update the map for fellow parents and caregivers, ensuring that children in the Wellington area have always got somewhere handy for a whizz on the roundabout.

Now. Before you split your sides laughing you should know that as Wellingtonians we do informally refer to our city as Wellywood.

The origin of the long-standing nickname lies in the indisputable fact that we make a comfortable living from the international movie industry.

Wellywood Critics

The driver behind the plan is Wellington International Airport. Critics claim the airport chiefs are oblivious to the public outcry, despite comments from Wellington Airport chief executive, Steve Fitzgerald who believes:

“The sign will help cement Wellywood’s place as an international tourism landmark.”

A slurry of faceless editors behind the airport’s social media campaign plod on, regardless of the streams of bad press and negative commentary being lauded on the idea.

Comments on Wellington Airport’s Facebook thread include: “Do you want to humiliate Wellington and by extension New Zealand as entire country?!”, “Mimicry is not originality – ever.” and “…the Hollywood sign would degrade Wellington and make us look like desperate biters.”

We nodded with approval as we read through the naysayers scathing remarks. The peninsular in question is a hilly jut of natural beauty, and historic importance and liberally peppered with local artists. It has little to do with Wellington Airport, other than the powers invested in it by bureaucracy.

Wellington Airport Crew

The stilted communication coming out of the runway bunker suggests Wellington Airport has already made up its mind on a symbol they feel communicates the ethos of “film”, “global” and “Wellington”.

The upside of the public relations faux pas, is that Wellingtonians are showing their creative side in the face of archaic thinking. Social media sites are abuzz with alternatives, and creative fun.

As a visitor to the city, just mentioning the subject will score you at least an hour of beer talk with a local. But before you charge headlong into the debate; consider the facts.

Wellington Airport, a vocal and much appreciated local business are proposing to fund, and deliver, an icon for the modern age. They’ve proposed a Hollywood-style sign displaying, Wellywood and despite their late claims to hear the public out, it seems they’re focused on moving forward with the project.

The locals are split — but what do you think? Is Wellywood a weak attempt for Wellington to go ‘global’, or does it perfectly celebrate our burgeoning film industry?

2011: Rugby Heaven

The NZI Sevens is part of the IRB Sevens World Series, and this will be Wellington’s eleventh year of hosting the most famous leg of the tournament. 2011 is set to be a thunderous year for New Zealand rugby, with the 2011 Rugby World Cup sweeping across New Zealand later that year, it means all eyes are on the world’s most southerly capital.

When is the NZI Sevens?

The dates for the NZI Sevens are now confirmed as 4-5 February 2011. Be on the constant look out for tickets to the NZI Sevens, as they get snapped up quicker than a cold Speights on a steaming hot summers day.

Have you ever been to the Wellington, NZI Sevens tournament? What was it like? Best thing since sliced kumara?

The free guided tours of Parliament begin on the hour, and the overtly jolly tour guides escort groups through a surprising amount of the political hothouse. Expect hundreds of portraits featuring horsehair wigs, and plenty of posh stuff. You’ll learn why four Australian’s were asked to decide on the location of New Zealand’s capital, and the secret life of our current Speaker of the House, Lockwood Smith.

Free Tours of Parliament

The FREE tour times of Parliament are scheduled as follows:

2010 House Sitting Days

For a real political thrill (we promise, it is possible) get yourself down to Parliament on any of the following dates. These are the agreed sitting days for the House of Representatives and will offer you the unique opportunity to see it all in action. Expect jeers and cheers, as you watch New Zealand’s MP’s get slammed into the green leather seats to a chorus of yay’s and nay’s.

• Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Thursdays: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Visiting Parliament

Wellington is heaving with fun activities, and while Parliament isn’t what you’d define as fun it is one of the more insightful activities for you to enjoy while in the capital. There aren’t many places to get up close and silently personal with the trials and tribulations of a Western government, so grab the opportunity while you can. Hear what the hot topics are in New Zealand, and try and catch the scoop on what’s to be done about them.

Visit these links for more information on the free tours of Wellington Parliament and the House of Representative’s Sitting Days.

[descending image credits: P.E.S.H; ? ]

When in Wellywood

Under the guise of Wellywood, Wellington has bloomed as a nucleus for international movies. Local boy and director, Sir Peter Jackson stunned the world with the Lord of the Rings trilogy, giving rise to the local heroes of Miramar special-effects company, Weta Workshop. Two more celebrated Wellingtonians are Academy Award winning screenwriters Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens. The former is Jackson’s wife, the latter their next-door neighbour.

Another name to watch out for is homegrown hero, Taika Waititi, a popular director responsible for the cult film Eagle vs. Shark (2007) and Boy (2010), as well as the short films Tama tu (2005), and Two Cars, One Night (2003) which received a string of awards, and an Academy Award nomination.

Other mainstream movies with ties to the capital include Avatar (2010), King Kong (2005), District 9 (2009) and the (rumoured) forthcoming autobiographical tale of a lonely young web writer, scribing his way to poverty on a Wellington tourism website, from behind a city centre bus shelter.

Cinemas in Wellington

Here’s a list of the cinema’s in and around Wellington, be sure to check out their websites for the latest showtimes.

This monster multiplex in the heart of Wellington is pulsating with blockbusters all year round. They’re on top of all things 3D, and offer myriad specials to seats in their ten modern theatres. Look out for big discounts on ‘Terrific Tuesday’, and drool over a string of great eateries on the doorstep. Reading Cinema Courtenay is the showpiece of a $23m complex stuffed with franchise food chains.
Level 1, 100 Courtenay Place, Wellington | +64 (0)4 801 4601 | Website | Children $10.80, Adult (15+) $16.30, Students £13.80 and Seniors (65+) $10.80

The cinematic pride of the southern suburbs, is Lyall Bay’s Time Cinema. This small cinema is famous for its curio, and regularly screens the films of yesteryear. It’s delightfully offbeat, and will fuel the perfect storyline for your time in Wellington. They remind customers that: “Charges are not made specifically as entry to the cinema itself, but rather to cover costs of catering and other expenses involved with upkeep of the facility.”
191 Sutherland Rd, Lyall Bay, Wellington | +64 (0)4 934 8463 | Website | Children $5.00, Adults (16+) $8.00 (Book ahead!)

Empire Cinema has been a local favourite in Island Bay since 1925. It closed for over forty years before a grand reopening in 2005, to local delight. Moviegoers flock to the art deco picture house’s three boutique theatres. The popular, fully licensed café welcomes you in, while the White Room showcases local artists. Get there early to avoid a cricked neck, and sign up for emails to score $10 tickets before 6pm on weekdays.
214 The Parade, Island Bay, Wellington | +64 (0)4 939 7557 | Website | Children $12.00, Adults (15+) $16.00, Students & Seniors (60+) $13.00

The Paramount Cinema has been flickering in Wellington since 1917 and remains the oldest surviving cinema in Wellington. The Paramount regularly features foreign films alongside recent hits, independent films and cult classics in any the main theatre, or two smaller theatres. There’s an open plan licensed café to grab a beer, and look out for regular fundraisers held by local organisations at this central venue or for a small saving visit before 5pm.
25 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington | +64 (0)4 384 4080 | Website | Children $9.00, Adults (16+) $14.50, Students $12.50, Seniors (65+) $10.50

The grand Embassy Theatre hosted premieres for the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy, and the ripple effect has kept movie fans flocking through the historic today. The cinema’s classic façade has bore its fair share of glam, with giant replicas of LOTR stalwarts such as a Black Rider, Gollum and a Cave Troll escorting cinema goers enter the marble caverns at the electric end of Courtenay Place.
10 Kent Terrace, Mt Victoria, Wellington | +64 (0)4 384 7657 | Website | Children $9.00, Adults (16+) $15.00, Students $12.00, Seniors (65+) $9.00

The four auditoriums of the Lighthouse Cinema light up a central lounge, housing a fully licensed café full of pre-movie treats. The Lighthouse Cinema screens a popular selection of festival films and mainstream, while showcasing some of the world’s most thought-provoking films. Located just off the lively Jackson Street thoroughfare, the Lighthouse offers the perfect reason to leave the bright lights of Wellington city behind, for an enjoyable evening in Petone.
52 Beach Street, Petone, Wellington | +64 (0)4 939 2061 | Website | Children $12.00, Adults (15+) $16.00, Students $13.00, Seniors (60+) $13.00

The projectors of the affable Penthouse Cinema whirr throughout the week below the city’s iconic wind turbine. With three cinemas and the intimate thirty-seater Vogue Suite, the Penthouse is a prime venue for film-lovers. Consider a pre-movie dinner in the Penthouse Café that serves a gourmet selection of freshly prepared meals. Parents and carers should check out the Babes in Arms movie sessions every Thursday at 10am, which are catered for babies and their entourage.
205 Ohiro Road, Brooklyn, Wellington | +64 (0)4 384 3157 | Website | Children $11.00, Adults (15+) $15.00, Students $12.00 (Mon-Thurs), Seniors (65+) $11.00

COMING SOON! The Miramar cinema is due to open in late 2010, and has a wealth of Hollywood oomph behind it. The original Capitol Theatre shut down in 1964 and now Oscar-winning film editor Jamie Selkirk has taken on the challenge to give the suburb back one of its much-missed features. The Miramar will feature two theatres, a cafe restaurant, and continue Wellington’s local picture house theme by echoing the Twenties style.

If you find yourself in Wellington — the bellybutton of world cinema — we implore you to visit one of the (local, independent) cinemas and absorb the ambience of some of the Antipodes finest picture houses.

While 3D might be sucking our eyeballs closer to the screens, take a minute to look at the ornate ceilings. Feel the plush carpets. Sit back in the spacious seats. Then yawn, slowly, and rest your arm around your neighbour before moving in for a smooch.

[descending image credits: atomicjeep & roboppy]

Libraries in Wellington

The following libraries in Wellington all fall under the Wellington City Libraries group. They’re all full of books, movies, music and magazines. They’re all free of charge to visit. They’re all manned by incredibly beautiful, almost nymph-like ladies, and the odd scally of a boy. They’re all reading this and wondering if I’m the crazy person that visited the library yesterday. (yEs. yeS, I aM.)

List of Library Branches

In the heart of Tawa, the Mervyn Kemp Library is pulsing with family events. Baby Rock & Rhyme and Pre-School Storytime, plus the Bookbusters, Bookseekers, Tea and Tales clubs ensure the branch always has something to offer. Look out for their fun holiday programmes.

158 Main Road (Cnr Cambridge Street & Main Road) Tawa, Wellington | +64 (0)4 232 1690 | Website | Daily 10am-5:30pm (except 8pm Thursdays, 4pm Saturdays)

Johnsonville Library is constantly showcasing the best in community based events, as well as embracing the family-friendly ethos of the Wellington City Library group. Check out their Mad Hatters Holiday programme, or pop in for a gander at their interesting displays.

5 Broderick Road, Johnsonville, Wellington | +64 (0)4 477 6151 | Website | Daily 10am-5:30pm (except 8pm Friday, 4pm Saturday)

If you find yourself in Khandallah on the third Thursday of every month, nip over to the Khandallah Library and meet the friendly group of booklovers at the monthly Khandallah Book Club. As well as the full portfolio of library events, which ensure you children are kept enthralled throughout the year.

8 Ganges Road, Wellington, New Zealand | +64 (0)4 4 479 7535 | Website | Daily 10am-5:30pm (except 8pm Thursday, 12pm Saturday)

On the second Thursday of every month, Cummings Park (Ngaio) Library hosts the Kōhunga Kōrero, or Storytime in Te Reo (the Māori language). A fabulous way for you and your children to learn a little Te Reo. Also keep your eye out for the many inspiring programmes and events held for children.

1a Ottawa Road, Ngaio, Wellington | +64 (0)4 479 2344 | Website | Daily 10am-5:30pm (except 8pm Monday, 12:30pm Saturday)

Wadestown Library in Wellington is a great place to hang out and play a few board games. They stock everything from Scrabble to Uno, or challenge the local children to a game of Connect 4. You’re guaranteed a friendly community space where you can enjoy reading or socialising during your stay.

Cnr Moorhouse Street & Lennel Road, Wellington | +64 (0)4 473 5211 | Website | Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm (except 8pm Thursday, 12pm Saturday)

Wellington’s Central Library is the behemoth of the network. As you’d expect of a capital city, their library is a multi-floor metropolis for book lovers. The central location means you’re never far from the branch, while regular events will keep the whole family entertained.

65 Victoria Street, Wellington | +64 (0)4 801 4040 | Website | Daily 9:30am-8:30pm (except 9pm Friday, 5pm Saturday. Sundays 1pm-4pm)

The creative crew of Karori Library are always happy to help. They host a great selection of activities and educational sessions for children, and every Friday they welcome local Chinese residents from 10-11am, to discuss life and current events in New Zealand.

247 Karori Road, Wellington | +64 (0)4 4 476 8413 | Website | Mon-Sat 9:30am-6pm (except 8pm Thursday, 4pm Saturday)

The lively bunch at Brooklyn Library are true book lovers. One of their fastest-growing events, is the bookgroup meets where the group are encouraged to write a story, or a memory based on a chosen title, then invited to read it out at the beginning of the next meeting.

Cnr Harrison & Cleveland Streets, Brooklyn, Wellington | +64 (0)4 384 6814 | Website | Mon 1pm-8pm; Tues, Thurs, Fri 10am-5:30pm; Weds 1pm-5:30pm; Sat 10am-12pm

At the heart of one of Wellington’s most multi-cultural centres, Newtown Library regularly hosts cultural events. Another drawcard for the branch, is the newly created Adult Graphic Novel Collection. These include themed superhero stories plus autobiographical tales, historical, horror, comedy, fantasy and avant-garde.

13 Constable Street, Newtown, Wellington | +64 (0)4 389 2830 | Website | Mon-Sat 10am-6pm (except Friday 8pm, Saturday 12:30pm)

Kilbirnie Library is awash with community spirit. From the Social English Group which helps you practise your English, to the curious display cabinets which have been known to display such cultural treasures as, ‘Charlie’s Crystal & Rock Collection’ and ‘Jim’s Cricket Collection’.

101 Kilbirnie Crescent, Kilbirnie, Wellington | +64 (0)4 387 1480 | Website | Mon-Sat 10am-6pm (except Thursday 8pm, Saturday 4pm)

Look out for the different themes and activities every school holidays at Miramar Library, from craft workshops to boardgame races to reading competitions. Also look out for the group of friendly local Chinese residents, who meet for morning tea on the second Friday of each month.

68 Miramar Avenue, Miramar, Wellington | +64 (0)4 388 8005 | Website | Mon-Sat 10am-6pm (except Monday 8pm, Saturday 12:30pm)

Island Bay Library is at the heart of one of Wellington’s most welcoming suburbs. Check out their popular book group, or join in any of the free sessions with your children. The branch likes to showcase local artists, and regularly hosts new displays to educate and entertain the local community.

167 The Parade, Island Bay, Wellington | +64 (0)4 383 7216 | Website | Daily 10am-6pm (except Wednesdays 1pm-6pm; Thursdays until 8pm; Saturday til 1pm)

[descending image credits: just.Luc; kharied ] ]]> http://www.wheninwellington.com/wellington-libraries/feed/ 0 http://www.wheninwellington.com/wellington-library-events/ http://www.wheninwellington.com/wellington-library-events/#comments Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:20:40 +0000 Ant Stone http://www.wheninwellington.com/?p=812 Wellington libraries aren’t just full of books and gallons of silence, they’re a real community affair. Check out this collection of events going on at a library near you. If you’re a visitor to Wellington, you’ll find the libraries are a great source of tourist information and local advice. You’ll also find great selections of local guide books, and tips on the historically significance and allure of the local area.

What’s Baby Rock & Rhyme?

Look out for the free Baby Rock & Rhyme sessions during term times at seven of the Wellington City Library Branches. Targeted towards one to two year old babies, these sessions are a great way to interact with your baby and meet other parents. The experienced presenters use traditional songs, nursery rhymes, finger-plays and stories to stimulate your baby in a fun and welcoming environment.

When is Baby Rock & Rhyme?

BookBusters

BookBusters is a monthly book club for 7 and 8 year olds, it’s available at six of the city’s libraries and is designed to get young people reading. The popular groups mix up storytelling, discussions and activities in a relaxed and informal program.

Schedule for Bookbusters

Pre-School Storytimes

Storytimes at Wellington libraries are among the most popular of all library events and activity sessions in Wellington. Every library hosts one, and all children, parents and carers are invited to the interactive sessions. The target audience are ages two to four, but generally everyone’s welcome.

Joining Wellington Library

As a tourist in Wellington, you can’t currently join any Wellington library as the borrowing service is only open to NZ residents. However, if you’re visiting Wellington on a tourist visa, and you’re able to produce the following documents, you can join in minutes:

• ID which shows your name and signature
• Something showing your current residential address (e.g. an account)
• You will also be asked to supply the name, address and phone number of another person who knows you well.

Visitors to Wellington are still welcome to visit any of Wellington libraries. Our favourite one to recommend is the Central Library, where we regularly plonk ourselves in one of the dozens of comfy chairs to cram in some premium people-watching.

Library’s are a great way for tourists and travellers to get clued up on local topics and issues. They’re also the centre of many of our communities, so you’ll find their noticeboards are speckled in dog-eared notices about local events including talks, exhibitions and classes.

Perhaps the biggest let down about Wellington Library (and the city as a whole) is that it doesn’t offer free wifi. Don’t get us wrong, there is free wifi in Wellington, if you know where to look.

History of Wellington City Libraries

Wellington City Libraries (WCL) has been a cornerstone of Wellington society since the very first librarian, one Dr Frederick Knox was appointed in 1840. It owned by various fellows, and operated out of numerous premises (including a raupo hut) before the hoi polloi pushed for the inception of a free public library. By Jove, they got their wish and by 1893 a jolly nice library opened on the corner of Mercer and Wakefield Streets. Spiffing.

So there you have it, if you’re a traveller or tourist visiting the Wellington Region we strongly recommend you visit one of the fantastic community libraries. As you’d expect, they’re full to the rafters with over 600,000 books, over 450,000 magazines, and over 85,000 CDs, DVDs, videos and other items.

They’re free to visit, and more often than not the hold the key to unlock the local community. Which is your favourite Wellington library?

[descending image credits: Pratham Books]

The Film Archive

The Film Archive is an iconic venue, stitching together the corners of Ghuznee and Taranaki Streets in central Wellington. It’s popular among various circles, but we feel it’s consistently unsung by the tourism sector. The fact is, if you’re interested in local culture and history, The Film Archive should be among your first ports of call.

Tickets are half the price of mainstream cinemas, but the core appeal of the Archive is that it promotes an ethos to collect, protect and connect the global community with New Zealand’s heritage, via its vast archive of New Zealand-focused films, and television footage.

Between Wednesday and Saturday expect a plethora of captivating titles, plus an occasional discussion event considering niche topics. Inside the bright and modern facility, the intelligible crew run an incorporated café, and provide free access to their online research libraries.

Film Archive: Soup & A Seat Screenings

Throughout the winter of 2010, The Film Archive are showing eight films designed to fit into a regular lunch-hour. Hence, all the films are fifty minutes or under, and include a cup of warm, homemade soup which is served with a smile (and often a quip) within seconds of securing the $8 ticket.

Where is The Film Archive?

You can find The Film Archive by following the warming fragrance which drifts through the CBD on wintry Fridays. Or. Head to the corner of Taranaki and Ghuznee Streets (clue: face the reverse bungy at the top of Courtenay Place, and head away from the water. In about five minutes you’ll be clawing your paws on the Archive’s glass-glazed façade).

For more information visit The Film Archive website, hit them up on Twitter or Facebook or if you’re feeling really nostalgic, give them a call on +64 (0)4 384 7647.

[descending image credits:Looseends]

Above all, we love welcoming visitors. While we won’t laud you with hyperbole, we will load you with safe, affordable and exciting activities. Indeed, our entire website is dedicated to the very fact that we believe Wellington is one of the world’s most tourist-friendly cities. One question we’re always asked by visitors to Wellington is, “What are the must-do things in Wellington?”

We don’t really like the question, as it puts so many of the regions most exciting tourist attractions in the shadows. But if we’re pushed, we roll over, and let the world tickle our fuzzy bellies.

Must-Do Things in Wellington

The holy grail of museums, this colossal waterfront museum is the engine room of Wellington tourism. Te Papa Tongarewa regularly hosts mind-blowing exhibitions, beside sensational stalwart displays of cultural significance. Look out for interesting talks and events held most weekends throughout the year, or just take a deep breath and lose yourself and the family in the endless interactive displays. If you see one museum in your life, make it Te Papa.
55 Cable Street, Wellington | +64 (0)4 381 7000 | Website | FREE

While New Zealand is considered to be a, ‘Rugby Nation’, the tides are turning fast and hard. Since the All Whites (New Zealand’s national football team) qualified for the South Africa World Cup 2010, the city has gone football crazy. If you get the chance, infect yourself with Yellow Fever at the Westpac Stadium, as the local Wellington Phoenix go hard to defend NZ’s honour in the Australian A-League.
Westpac Stadium, Waterloo Quay, Wellington | 0800 Ticketek | Website | Various Prices (Adult $25-$34; Child 5-16 years $12-$14)

If you allow it to, Wellington can nonchalantly hurl your stress from the high-rises, and into its sparkling central harbour. While most people stroll hand-in-hand along the waterfront, visiting the numerous bars and cafés, our capital city is best seen offshore. Ask a local to point you towards Ferg’s, and rent yourself a kayak. The tranquil waters of the bay are swollen with inner-city silence. Look out for taniwha: local demons, which roam our local waters.
Fergs Kayaks, Shed Six, Queens Wharf, Wellington | +64 (0)4 499 8898 | Website | Kayaks from $15/hr

A short bus journey from central Wellington, is balmy Owhiro Bay. One of the jewels of our south coast. See the Kaikoura Ranges, which weigh down the nearby South Island, and chat with coastal birdlife. Head west towards the local landmark, Red Rocks: the supposed site that Kupe’s daughters cut their breasts, in anguish over their legendary father’s presumed death. The protected area is equally revered for the pongy fur seals, which lounge along our brown-crumb coast.
Owhiro Bay, Wellington | FREE

Wellington’s rumpled landscape is a haven of mottled light, even in the heart of the city. Chuck a picnic together and journey upwards from Lambton Quay on the heritage cable car to the Botanic Gardens, before snaking your way downhill, through the floral fantasia. Stroll through the herb gardens, and learn about our local conservation. As night falls, look out for the speckles of resident glowers, and enjoy the numerous free cultural events held throughout the summer.
Entrances include Tinakori Road, Glenmore Street, Salamanca Road, Upland Road and the Cable Car. | +64 (0)4 499 1400 | Website | FREE

We openly admit that many people will disagree with the selection. Wherever possible, we shy away from giving attractions in Wellington labels, such as ‘The Best’, ‘The Greatest’ or ‘The Downright Bloody Unbeatable!’

What we have tried our best to achieve with this small selection, is to spread you around the city. To let your feet do the talking, and your mouth do the walking. Because if you’re squawking for a day of gawking, we have numerous ideas we’re hawking, so you can go porking (or even stalking).