Wellington

I have arrived...
After about 36 hours of travelling via Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur I am here in Wellington. I had a few hours in Auckland and was immediately reminded of the friendly laid back manner of the kiwis. From the official but not officious customs and immigration staff (lessons for the US perhaps) to the girls giving out bus information. A toasted falafel baguette was a welcome change to eating off a tiny tray (vegetarians do get served first though on the plane!) and the lady serving was full of beans about her plans for New Year.

The flags outside the excellent and gigantic (and free) Te Papa museum are a reminder of just how close this place is to home in many ways. There was an exhibition on Scots in New Zealand which featured muisc from a band called Ben the Hoose with a young Orkney chap on fiddle who was inspired to take traditional instruments seriously after a attending a concert by Shetland group Rock, Salt and Nails.


First few days have been spent with the family, chilling out and getting over the journey. This place down on the waterfront is a taster of things to come! Planning a hike this coming week with Nick. Looking online at some of the Great Walks the Milford trek is booked up til April! But there are plenty more...


Wellington is exposed to a lot of wind, but the locals are very hardy all sitting outside and walking about in shorts and sandals and even bare feet sometimes! It was about 20 degrees c. here but 34 across on the other side of the island out of the wind. There is a huge natural harbour from where the ferries cross to the South Island. Above the marina is the look out point of Mt Victoria. The big building to the right on the waterfront is the museum.


This is the view from Mount Victoria onto the harbour and downtown area. As you can see there are lots of hills here. I am staying in Ngaio (Ni-o) which is over the lower hill in the right of the picture with views to the ridge line beyond.


So here I am on Mt Victoria. Will have to take a sun hat next time - the sun is pretty strong here when it is out.

This is the view of the ridge from the deck of the house. Lots of wooden buildings with decks and verandas clinging to the hills. Lovely in summer but mostly built without insulation and cold in winter!
Busy planning trips to various parts of the country but for now enjoying being Uncle Sorley and hanging out with the family.

(If you want to see the photos full size just click on one and then hit the back button to return)