Wellington, the capital city of natural New Zealand =) aka the windiest city of NZ! Tested and true... ahaha...
A walk around Wellington's waterfront... Really sunny day, but the strong wind makes so much different... Had to wear windproof gear for sure!
It's a nice walk around. We parked our car at Wellington Waterfront Motorhome Park which costs $50 a night.. OMG... We'll tell you more about it later.. So we checked in early, to avoid parking in the city which is expensive and time limited. But Sunday is free of charge.
Saturday Underground Market
A parking lot converted into a saturday market with many local arts and crafts. So nice~~
Delicate Cookie Moulds sold at the market... A shortbread made from this mould would certainly look nice on the tea tray =) According to the owner, some moulds are antique collection...
As we are a little worried about the peak season in NZ, where all the tour prices might increase by a fair deal, we paid a visit to Wellington's I-site to get some information. The staff advised us to book on tours for Fox Glacier and Doubtful Sound Cruise since these two tours are very popular (The Milford Sound tour is more popular than Doubtful Sound but was closed due to avalanche). So after some planning, we booked for both tours. A mistake to book from I-site because the both the tours are entitle for YHA discounts if we book direct with the operator. We only found out when we reach South Island, but after some discussion we manage to get the discount for Glacier tour.
Then we walk from the I-site to the tram station for the ride up Botanical Garden.The tram costs $3.50 one way/ $6 return from the city. The tram looks almost the same as the one we rode up Victoria Peak @ Hong Kong.
NZ native bird, Tui.. with a unique clacking sound... Just love to hear it's vocal, so cute..
Wellington's botanical garden is not massive but hilly, so it's a good place for some jogging! We are planning to stay a night in Wellington before going to South Island, so we won't have time to visit the national museum, Te Papa (the best museum in NZ) but will do it on the way back =) Instead, we spent some time in the city and nature walks in this garden..
Looks like a sea coral... Just need some imagination... haha..
Beautiful tulips in bloom
An unexpected lively parade along the waterfront, for a footie event..
Well here's the Wellington Waterfront Motorhome we were talking about... $50 for a motorhome/ van parking. Very pricey, limited space. SO remember to book during peak season! And the facilities is so limited, they have power, toilet and shower. Not even a washing sink. That's it.. But that's the price to pay for its location, just a turn away from the harbour for Bluebridge ferry...
A A special event of presenting Valerie Adams the Olympic shot put gold medal..
