Wellington: The Capital of New Zealand

 

Wrapped around a beautiful harbour and surrounded by nature, Wellington is the New Zealand's capital city. Nestled at the southern tip of the North Island between Cook Strait and the Remutaka Range, the city is home to a range of cultural institutions including the Royal New Zealand Ballet, iconic Wellington Opera House and Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Historically, the city has Maori roots, with its original name being Whanganui-a-Tara, and has evolved significantly since becoming a European settlement in the early 19th-century. From Lambton Quay, the iconic red Wellington Cable Car which has been operating for 123 years, trundles up through the hillside terraced houses of Kelburn, to the lookout perched high above the city. Strong winds through the Cook Strait give it the nickname 'Windy Wellington.' 

We took the cable car from Lambton Quay that trundles up through the hillside terraced houses 

of Kelburn, to the lookout perched high above the city

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Special Gallipoli Exhibition at the Museum

 The highly decorated Maori pātaka, is a beautiful storehouse traditionally used for storing 

important food, grain and possessions

Maori feathered war canoe with the elaborately carved Te Hono ki Hawaiki meeting and prayer house

Vintage carved Maori canoe with shells along the side

Handcarved prow of Maori canoe

Decorative carved lizard supports the paddles on Maori canoe 

Stones were used as natural anchors by the Maori seafarers

Art Deco home on the hill above Wellington

Many expensive hilltop homes have invested in elaborate vernacular lifts to hoist

groceries and residents

Panoramic view of Wellington and the harbour from Mount Victoria

The dramatically short runway of Wellington Airport with water at both ends

Lovely dog resting on a cold rock at the peak of Mount Victoria

Lady Norwood Rose Garden and Begonia House in the Wellington Botanical Gardens

A beautiful yellow rose in bloom

A stunning cluster of pink roses

The Begonia House of exotic plants

Perfect white Amaryllis

Gorgeous colourful budding flower

Absolutely perfect Amaryllidae