Wellington, like much of New Zealand, is a town which time kind of forgot. When things are build here and in other towns I’ve visited, they remain until they’re unable to be repaired. It’s nice seeing character and history in the town where many streets still have buildings from the early 1900s.
It’s Christmas so I guess this counts as a reindeer?
If you’re visiting here, keep in mind, most businesses are closed on Sundays (the day we’re here).
Lots of San Francisco vibes with the streets and architecture.
The 1908 St Gerard Catholic Church and Monastery. It may be torn down because the church can’t raise enough funds to make it earthquake safe.
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Views from the highest point of Wellington
More of the countless buildings from the early 1900s, still standing.
Just a random neighborhood “downtown”.
The reference to San Francisco is perfect for here. Homes are build on the many hillsides. That often means not enough room for your house and your garage. Most have their garage on the street with their home located 50-200 feet above or below the garage. The below picture shows one garage. Look at the lower left corner to see the peeking of the home’s roof
Another example showing the height difference between home and garage. Imagine bringing home groceries or a couch.
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New Zealand is also home for many famous movies, such as Lord of the Rings. It just so happens the design company for the movie is based in Wellington. Here you can see props they build for the film.
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They also have some nice museums here.
I love how they’ve made their ‘historic’ district pedestrian only.
Like San Francisco, they’ve had a cable car for more than 100 years.
Originally it was a privately financed car to help transport home owners to the top of the hill. Now it’s quite a popular tourist attraction.
One of the original cars has been fully restored.
The landscape looks just a tad different now than on opening day.
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Wellington is also home of their main elected officials. The president and both chambers reside here. As a result you find large statues to the countries foundation, just like in DC.
An unexpected stop is the 1865 Old St Paul’s cathedral.
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As we’re leaving port today the harbor pilot was in a good mood. From my room I see this guy doing donuts and swerving in the sea.
I open the window and notice he’s cranked his radio to blast an old Irish sailing shantie – Drunken Sailer. Listen carefully to the sound coming from his boat in the video below.