10th - 12th January 2013
After taking the Starlight Express to Wellington, I made my way to my hostel at 7am. Being there slightly early, I left my bags and went off to explore. As Te Papa, the national museum wasn't open until 10am and the weather was less than desired, Courtney Place coffee shops were a great way to get over the lack of sleep and get me ready for the day ahead.
I decided the best way to see the key pieces of the gigantic Te Papa was to get on a free guided tour. I was one of three, with the others a Scottish couple from Glasgow. Small world! Our guide was very knowledgeable and wanted to tell us as much as she could about her Maori culture.
The museum itself is a wonderful collection of artifacts and stories about how New Zealand came to be how it is today. I tried to see as much as I could! In the foyer, there were three trolls from the Hobbit movie.
A brief stop at the Embassy theatre, to book tickets to see the Hobbit, and I checked into my hostel.
My seat was slap bang in the middle of the theatre, and it felt so special to watch it in Peter Jackson's place.
Early start the next day to Featherston. I took the train to see a distant relation and her family out in Martinborough. The train ride was only an hour, but was stunning with views of Lake Waiarapa and rolling hills.
The founder of Martinborough was an Irish traveller. He named most of the streets after places he had visited and laid out the town square like a Union Jack flag. There was even a Regent and Oxford Street.
My family lives on a gorgeous plot with so many plants and trees, as well as some vines. They grew everything, and had a great view of the countryside. It was great getting to know part of the family and find out about their lives out there.
We also visited Ata Rangi estate to meet more family members, and learn more about wine. I was loving it, and got to try the range.
Once I arrived back in Wellington I visited the Beehive and walked along the waterfront.
After a heavy night, I dragged myself out of bed to see some more of Wellington. I wandered up to Cuba Street and began to tick off places Linda had recommended to me. These included Midnight Expresso, Fidels and Dixon Street Deli. I loved this street, amazing coffee and vintage shops!
Onwards to Civic Square and then up to the Lambton Quay for the cable cars. I had been really excited about this. It was fun being pulled to the top and to see the view from the Botanical Gardens.
And then it was time to leave and head to the airport! It was also full of Hobbit memorabilia, and I want to visit the Weta Workshop the next time I come to Wellington.What a scary flight that was, but I was informed this was normal due to the high winds around the city!
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