Wellington New Zealand Friday, March 1st
Wellington New Zealand
After a leisurely day in Tauranga and a sea day to relax before we docked in Wellington, we were ready to hit the ground running. Another big city day was awaiting us.
Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and is known as the world's windiest city. A few days before, they experienced hurricane force winds which did some minor damage. I'm just glad we didn't have to deal with that. But maybe that's why the seas have been so rough lately. With a population of almost 500,000 it is the second biggest city in NZ. It is a thriving urban area filled with shopping, arts, restaurants, cafes and is home to the country's government and national treasures. Many scenes from Lord of the Rings were filmed in the outlying areas.
Another sunny cool day, with only a slight breeze was in store for today. Perfect weather for a bit of a stroll through the city. After docking at 8am, the ship was cleared by port authorities by 9. This is a working port, so security is strict and you just can't get off the ship and run around willy nilly. A free shuttle was provided to anyone that wanted to go into the city independently. They run from the ship to the city and vice versa about every 20 minutes or so until the ship departs. At every stop they also provide the nicest guides with maps answering every question about the city, which direction, where to go etc. They have more patience than I do. Most of the ship tours were city sightseeing, so we decided that we could do much of the same thing on our own for a fraction of what the ship charges. Plus, riding in a bus for hours with fragile older folks who are slow to get on and off a bus....well, lets just say that, nope, not gonna happen. I know my time will come shortly for that, but not today. It's been a year since my last surgery and my stamina on this cruise has increased so much that I can now walk at least 4-5 miles without problems. I still get very tired, but it is so much better.
The city was easy to navigate and there were 2 shuttle stops, one at the government buildings and down by the waterfront. We got off on the 2nd stop and headed toward the water. It was a beautiful Friday morning and the water in Lambton Harbour was glittering in the sun. All along the quay busy cafes were open for coffee and pastries and restaurants were getting ready for lunch. People were out for their morning run and walking dogs. I have never seen so many runners in my life. And there seems to be an unwritten rule on which side of the sidewalk to walk/run on. I am so used to walking on the right, but here it's the left. Maybe because of the direction they drive, it's expected on the sidewalks too. It was kind of interesting, and forgetting every once in awhile always ended up with me getting startled by a close woosh from a runner. But I startle easily and New Zealanders are the nicest people. We perused the small boutiques and listened to the street performers playing for money. The best was the bagpiper....I could have listened to him all day. We walked along for a couple of miles and then decided that it was time to go to the main shopping street and lunch. It was only a few blocks off the water in the main downtown area. Blocks and blocks filled with the regular high end stores that you would find in the US, mixed in with souvenir stores and shops selling the popular clothing made out of possum....yep, you read that right. Socks, hats, scarfs, mittens.....it was soft, but no thanks. I think it really was a combination of merino wool and possum, but still. After seeing that, it was time for a late lunch. Fish and chips was the choice, washed down with a wonderful glass of New Zealand chardonnay. Perfect way to end the day in the city. Time to catch the shuttle back to the ship, and a little rest before dinner.
The ship is docked here until 11pm, but we always do so much and get so tired by the end of the day it's hard to go out at night. On late night or overnight ports, we leave the nightlife to the ship crew. They love to go out after dinner service and unwind with their friends over a few beers. They deserve it.
After a leisurely day in Tauranga and a sea day to relax before we docked in Wellington, we were ready to hit the ground running. Another big city day was awaiting us.
Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and is known as the world's windiest city. A few days before, they experienced hurricane force winds which did some minor damage. I'm just glad we didn't have to deal with that. But maybe that's why the seas have been so rough lately. With a population of almost 500,000 it is the second biggest city in NZ. It is a thriving urban area filled with shopping, arts, restaurants, cafes and is home to the country's government and national treasures. Many scenes from Lord of the Rings were filmed in the outlying areas.
Another sunny cool day, with only a slight breeze was in store for today. Perfect weather for a bit of a stroll through the city. After docking at 8am, the ship was cleared by port authorities by 9. This is a working port, so security is strict and you just can't get off the ship and run around willy nilly. A free shuttle was provided to anyone that wanted to go into the city independently. They run from the ship to the city and vice versa about every 20 minutes or so until the ship departs. At every stop they also provide the nicest guides with maps answering every question about the city, which direction, where to go etc. They have more patience than I do. Most of the ship tours were city sightseeing, so we decided that we could do much of the same thing on our own for a fraction of what the ship charges. Plus, riding in a bus for hours with fragile older folks who are slow to get on and off a bus....well, lets just say that, nope, not gonna happen. I know my time will come shortly for that, but not today. It's been a year since my last surgery and my stamina on this cruise has increased so much that I can now walk at least 4-5 miles without problems. I still get very tired, but it is so much better.
The city was easy to navigate and there were 2 shuttle stops, one at the government buildings and down by the waterfront. We got off on the 2nd stop and headed toward the water. It was a beautiful Friday morning and the water in Lambton Harbour was glittering in the sun. All along the quay busy cafes were open for coffee and pastries and restaurants were getting ready for lunch. People were out for their morning run and walking dogs. I have never seen so many runners in my life. And there seems to be an unwritten rule on which side of the sidewalk to walk/run on. I am so used to walking on the right, but here it's the left. Maybe because of the direction they drive, it's expected on the sidewalks too. It was kind of interesting, and forgetting every once in awhile always ended up with me getting startled by a close woosh from a runner. But I startle easily and New Zealanders are the nicest people. We perused the small boutiques and listened to the street performers playing for money. The best was the bagpiper....I could have listened to him all day. We walked along for a couple of miles and then decided that it was time to go to the main shopping street and lunch. It was only a few blocks off the water in the main downtown area. Blocks and blocks filled with the regular high end stores that you would find in the US, mixed in with souvenir stores and shops selling the popular clothing made out of possum....yep, you read that right. Socks, hats, scarfs, mittens.....it was soft, but no thanks. I think it really was a combination of merino wool and possum, but still. After seeing that, it was time for a late lunch. Fish and chips was the choice, washed down with a wonderful glass of New Zealand chardonnay. Perfect way to end the day in the city. Time to catch the shuttle back to the ship, and a little rest before dinner.
The ship is docked here until 11pm, but we always do so much and get so tired by the end of the day it's hard to go out at night. On late night or overnight ports, we leave the nightlife to the ship crew. They love to go out after dinner service and unwind with their friends over a few beers. They deserve it.
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| "The Beehive" a famous government building |
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| harbor walk |
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| Lambton harbor |
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| Mt Victoria |
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| downtown Wellington |
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| cute! |
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| Shopping! |
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| Just a little reminder before you cross the street |
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| Yep! Nope! |
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