Te Papa and the Beehive

Kia Ora!

Largest boat is ferry in Picton harbour

On the southern coast of the North Island sits New Zealand's capitol city, Wellington. This is our only nod to North Island on this journey. From Christchurch we again board the train and enjoy a glimpse of the northeast seacoast of South Island. From the route's end in Picton, we board the Interislander Ferry for the 3-hour transfer across Cook Strait to Wellington.

Wearable Art display

Wellington was our most expensive stop resulting from a nationwide Wearable Art Festival that had all hotel rooms sold out. We were comfortable in a short-stay, high-rise residence conveniently located downtown, where street art carried out the festival theme. We were able to see all the Wearable Art prize winners and also-rans at the fabulous Te Papa Museum, noting that the cultural and historical displays in Te Papa appear to have provided inspiration for several of the created costumes.

Wellington from the top

 To see the city in the one day we allowed ourselves, we elected to take a get on-get off tour bus that served each of the sites once each hour. A first stop was a drive to the top of the hill (mountain?) on which the city rests.

Old St. Paul's

Flags honour US Marines

Back at sea level, we visited Old St. Paul's situated across the

The Beehive

street from the distinctive capitol building known to all Kiwis as The Beehive. We learned that the US Marines are remembered and honored at St. Paul's for providing a protective force for the city during the Second World War. The building is no longer used as a church.

Barbara and huge Orc

High on my list of places to stop was the Weta Workshop, creators of special effects and creatures for the LOTR trilogy as well as The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, and Avatar. A video demonstrated their work and workplace. Barbara seems unconcerned by the huge monster looming over her in the garden.

Over zealous shopper

Of course there was a shop. By now, I am a bit rueful about my enthusiastic shopping as I am burdened with carrying a backpack, camera case, and two bags filled with items that could not be trusted to baggage handlers.

We decided to take in Zeelandia at my suggestion because I knew Sue enjoyed nature and animals.

Barb could outrun us all on this

My big mistake! First an hour was eaten up by lunch and the grounds are so spread out that we were able to view very little of what was offered. Worse yet, I forgot I had been there before and the exact same thing happened--too little time to enjoy all that was offered. At least Barbara had fun wheeling around in her electric chair compliments of the staff. (Note to self: this place needs a whole day.)

An old timey cable car carries passengers from street level to the top of the hill where there is a museum and the Botanic Gardens. A stop midway delivers students to Victoria University. Sue and Sarah got up early, rode the car up and walked back. Later Barb and I just rode up and back down to experience the ride.

Bringing this part of the trip to a close, we flew from Wellington Airport back to Christchurch. The Wellington

Gollum at the airport

Airport fancies itself Middle Earth and a giant Gollum, without a doubt made at Weta Workshop, hovers over passengers at the cafe in the airport. In Christchurch, we rented a car and I drove us back to Timaru.

We are not done yet. The Southern Alps await us for more adventure.

Cheers,
Kiwi Traveler