[NZ Day 1] Wellington

So here we are, less than 24 hours home from our second overseas trip, and I’m already sitting here writing. Although it was only a +2 hour time difference, my body is thrown out of whack and I don’t really know what time it’s supposed to be (tomorrow will be better, no doubt!).

New Zealand was – as predicted – a beautiful, wonderful place. So laid-back that it made Australia look a little uptight, and gorgeous scenery that went far beyond anything I’d ever laid eyes on before. Quite honestly, you could witness snow-capped peaks, turquoise waters and a sandy beach all in one spectacular landscape (which seemed alien at the time). The people were very friendly and we were often made fun of about our Australian accents – pretty amusing, seeing as though I think the Kiwi accent is funny in itself! ;)

Our trip consisted of visiting Wellington (on the North Island), before taking the ferry over to the South Island and driving around Kaikoura, Christchurch, Queenstown and many towns and sights in-between. We experienced the lights of small and medium-sized cities, the exhilaration of New Year’s Eve fireworks (and celebrating the start of 2009 locked in embrace in a foreign country), meeting eclectic people from all over the world in the melting-pot that was Queenstown, discovering delicious – and strange – food combinations, and more. All packed into ten days, it made for quite an extraordinary holiday.

The Beginnings:
I was beyond excited to pass through international passport control at Melbourne Airport again, and even waved my little zip-lock bag of assorted liquid goodies with glee. Our flight was delayed by about half an hour (not much in the scheme of things) which resulted by us sitting on the tarmac waiting to take off for ages. Still, that wasn’t too bad as both Matt and I had little screens of joy attached to the seats on front to explore (we hadn’t flown Air New Zealand before, and thought their entertainment systems were pretty cool *thumbs up*). It was a very calm flight and we were lucky enough to watch the setting sun (very fast, as we were heading east and therefore into the night) while sipping drinks and snacking on the in-flight food. The flight to Wellington was short – only 3.5 hours – and before long we arrived at 12:30am [local time].

Wellington:
First impressions? Wellington (New Zealand’s capital) is a small, harbour-esque city by the water (not dissimilar to Hobart). Very hilly but gives some breathtaking views of the surrounding areas... you definitely work up a sweat walking around it! I didn’t explore locations too well before booking our accommodation here (I was more focused on price), as everything looks 2D from a map. Both fortunately and unfortunately it was very, very 3D and our hotel is situated in one of the highest areas of Wellington (‘The Terrace’), about 1km from the CBD. Considering we’re both a bit unfit at the moment, the walk up and down the steep hills prove to be more than a little interesting... but we get by and the views are more than worth the walk!

Our hotel leaves a bit to be desired. While the foyer/restaurant is very modern, the bathroom is in need of a big overhaul. Shower and toilet leak throughout the day/night and there are visible mascara streaks on the bathroom mirror when we arrive – not to mention all the mould in the silicon grouting (for a supposedly four-star hotel, that’s not on!). We stay here for two nights, but don’t spend very much time in the hotel... we’re too busy exploring what Wellington has to offer – a vibrant atmosphere, Te Papa (the national museum), Civic Square for its art, and Courtaney Place for food. Beautiful weather and already I have the feeling I’ve packed too many warm clothes and not enough Summer clothing. :P

View our travel itinery here.