The saying goes "You can't beat Wellington on a good day!" This is true, although you have to be aware that a fine day in Wellington is extremely rare. The wind and cloud can not however deter you from enjoying the art, gardens, shopping, bars and restaurants all on offer within small quarters of the centre city. This Capital gem makes the ideal weekend getaway.
FRIDAY
5pm
Roam around Lambton Quay to catch the exodus of business people escaping to bars surrounding the business sector. Have a meal and drink at one of the many bars than line either Lambton Quay or Featherston Street. The Leuven, a local haunt, offers flavoursome mussels and wide variety of Belgium beers all within a relaxed atmosphere.
8pm
Follow the harbour around to Courtney Place, Wellington’s entertainment quarter. It is a tough decision between the range of theatres including Downstage, Bats, Circa and Te Whaea. Orchestra and Ballet performances are also often found in the Opera House, Michael Fowler Centre and the Westpac St James theatre. Check out ticketek or ticketmaster online for the latest theatre and live music offerings.
SATURDAY
9am
Rise early to take the short cable car ride from Lambton Quay up to the Botanical Gardens. Spend the morning strolling through the local gardens, boasting 20 hectares of gardens, including a forest of native bush and fauna and an award winning rose garden.
Midday
Wander out through Thorndon, admiring the cities oldest suburb. After a 15 minute through the historical Colonial housing you will find yourself by the New Zealand Parliament, The Beehive. Named due to its peculiar shape, free tours are run every hour on the hour and take approximately one hour. The tours offer a glimpse into the Parliament & Legislation chambers, Grand Hall, the Maori Affairs Room, as well as interesting insiders knowledge of New Zealand's parliament.
7pm
After a day of walking, make your way to Civic Square and Frank Kitts Park, the heart of Wellington. Following the path down the ocean you will come across the Macs Brewery, loved for its locally brewed beers. It has ample outdoor setting and a range of food on service. If you can't pick between the various of beers on tap, chose their tasters tray: 8 samples of their best loved beer. Next door is St Johns, an historical ambulance building dating back to the 1920's, now converted to a trendy bar and restaurant on the waterfront. Also good for a relaxed drink and meal.
SUNDAY
10am
Explore the Bohemian side of town by a walk through the Cuba Quarter. Shop the length of Cuba street where you’ll find anything from cheap shoes to a wealth of local Wellington designers, such as Carly Harris and Kate Sylvester. Make certain to stop along the street to sample one of the many local cafes or restaurants.
Midday
Have brunch at Epic, famous amongst locals for generous servings of fried eggs and bacon. It can busy with the weekend breakfast crown, but many Wellingtonian's agree its worth the wait.
3pm
Devote the afternoon to Wellington's art, history and culture. Te Papa, built in 1995, is one of the world's largest national museums. Its five floors host exhibitions of Maori culture, colonial sellers, as well an interesting exhibition of fashion and art over the last 100 years. The museum has a reputation for its innovative and interactive exhibitions and could easily occupy an entire morning.
If Te Papa doesn’t quench your thirst for art, take a five minute walk to the National Art Gallery, situated in Civic Square. This gallery is known for its innovative and modern art displays. However, if you taste enough art for one day take the 10 minute walk around the harbour to Oriental Parade, Wellington very own artificial beach.
Imported sand from the South Island form this small, crescent beach. Locals swarm here on a hot day as it offers the perfect inner-city place for a sunbathe and spectacular views across the harbour. For a delicious snack stop at the ice-cream bar for the best Gelato ice-creams outside of Italy.
Other options
If the inner-city becomes too claustrophobic, take the local bus to Wellington Zoo (Bus #10 or #23) or Karori Wildlife Sanctuary (Bus #3). Both give you the opportunity to learn more about New Zealand local wildlife as well as plenty of fresh air.
Take the walk up Mount Victoria. Your rewarded after the steep track with incredible views across the city and harbour (Beware of the high winds of Wellington!). Some of the walk may look familiar as it was featured in the Lo.
