Wellywood

Wellington is a cool little city on the southern tip of the north island. This is the departure point for the ferry ride to the south island. Dawn and I decide to settle here for the time being. "Wellywood" prides itself on being the cultural capital of New Zealand. This is the place to be for theatre, art, film and music. It kind of has an indie feel, at least compared to Auckland. There are heaps (as the Kiwis would say) of little shops, cafes and bars. The downtown area, called CBD (central business district), is compact and walkable. New Zealand's national museum, Te Papa (Maori for "Our Place"), is located on the harbor. The walk along the harbor and Oriental Bay waterfront is very pretty. From there, you can walk/hike to the top of Mount Victoria for a 360 degree view of the city.

Click here for pictures of Wellington, the windiest city in the southern hemisphere.