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10 Nov 2014
We left Masterton bound for Wellington and drove through Carterton, Greytown and Featherstone. Then began the climb up the mountain forming the Taratua National Park - a steep, winding, treacherous stretch of road. On the way we stopped at Rivendell. The spot now known as Rivendell at Kaitoke Regional Park was a significant location site for the filming of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. We walked across the narrow swinging suspension bridge for views of one of the many creeks relatively quiet now but would be torrents following the snow melts after winter.
Then onto Upper & Lower Hutt - the highway skirted the main business districts. The entire drive from Masterton was beautiful - rugged mountain ranges, wild natural bushland and treacherous gorges. On the lower green rolling hills were sheep, sheep and more sheep.
We arrived into Wellington and visited the Parliamentary Precinct including the 'Beehive' (the hub of the public service), Catholic Sacred Heart Cathedral and the Anglican Old St Paul's Catherdral - Wellington's oldest church built in 1866. The church was built from Austalian hardwood and New Zealand Kauri. Inside we found a stained glass window dedicated to Rev Bache Wright Harvey formerly the Parish Priest at Old St Paul's and died on 26 Jan 1888. The new St Paul's Cathedral was opened in 1964.
We then drove to the top of Mount Victoria for spectacular 360 degree views of Wellington, the harbour and surrounds.
We then checked into the hotel then caught the Cable Car to the botanical gardens. The gardens were a mix of native bushland interspersed with a range of international species of forest plant. Scattered thought were plantings of ornamental flowers and shrubs. We walked through the gardens and enjoyed the environment, the colour and the variety of plants. The rose gardens were partly in bloom however it is a bit early in the season.
Back on the Cable Car for the ride back down to the city centre and a stroll to the wharf area - that was thirsty work.
Back to the motel for a freshen up before dinner.
Mass in the morning at the Cathedral then a ferry ride to the South Island for the next stage of the trip.
Today's weather: Min 13 (Masterton) Max 18 (Wellington)
Today's insights....
The original name for Wellington was Port Nicholson. For maritime purposes the Wellington Harbour is still mapped and referred to as Port Nicholson.
Wellington is the New Zealand capital city and is the 3rd largest city after Auckland and Christchurch. It is also the southern-most capital in the world.
The is no land between Wellington Harbour and Antartica.
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