We've had a busy day here in Wellington, New Zealand's capital. We first headed to New Zealand's Parliament precinct which consists of the Executive Wing (known as the beehive), Parliament House, and the Parliament Library. After being cleared by security we were given the OK to join the first tour of the day, at 10. We had a half hour to kill so looked around the shop (there is always one) and some ex hits then settled on a cosy leather couch for the wait. All bags, camera and phones had to be checked in a locked area. We completed the tour, with about 18 others, it was quite interesting, similar to the way things are done at home except you vote twice - once for your local representative and again for the party you want to govern. At one point on the tour we had to wait while a TV interview was being recorded, after they were done they turned the camera on us - hope I looked nice and tidy for my TV appearance!
Next we went to Old St. Paul's cathedral which was built in 1866 of four types of timber in gothic style. They also have a modern stone built cathedral which is nowhere near as impressive.
Next was the Old Government Buildings, the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere, built in the 1870's in a style imitating stone. It was used by NZ parliamentary cabinet and various departments until 1990, now it is used for the students of Victoria University Law School.
We found a lunch place, a chain called Wishbone, that does lovely sandwiches, soups, etc., but Ian tells me the coffee wasn't good.
Next up was a ride in the cable car up to Kelburn, where at the top is a cable car museum and the botanical gardens. The ride didn't take long but had great views. It was very blustery up on top but we were told Welly is always windy.
We then had a coffee at an outside food truck (they are very popular here) and a sit down in the sun, next we headed to the Museum of City and Sea. Lastly, we had another hour at the Te Papa national museum again. Ian liked the fact that everything we did today (except the cable ride) was free, a very tourist friendly city.
Found out the building where we are staying is the old Mutual Life and Citizens Assurance Company building. Thought it had a familiar feel to it 😀
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