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Thread ID: 78597	2007-04-21 14:45:00	What to do in Wellington (No. 2)	Laura (43)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
543047	2007-04-21 14:45:00	(Bob doe nz posted a similar thread last year - hence No.2 ) I'm flying to Wellington on Tuesday morning to link with my Auckland sister for a holiday. Mostly we'll be going around the traps (relatives in North Island towns ) & although most of the itinerary's still play-it-by ear, we'll have several days in Wgtn. Wondering what to do when our hosts are working isn't actually a problem, as we have been there before. But just in case any PF1 locals have a "favourite" I mightn't think of, I'd be keen to hear. So what's already on my list? Ta Papa, of course - and we'll just make it before Egypt-Beyond the Tomb closes. We know the top of Mt Victoria, the Kelburn cable car, Botanical Gardens, Courtenay Place & Parliament. So long since I saw the Zoo, they were still having chimps' tea parties. Worth a look nowadays? And is there still an art collection on display at the old Art Gallery building, or has it all gone to Te Papa? What about visiting Kapiti Island? Possible? Expensive? Worth it at this time of year? We ate at some interesting ethnic restaurants last visit. Great food, but high-priced. Anything cheap & scruffy visitors don't usually find? (Chinese, Indian, Malay whatever?) We'll be at Point Howard, relying on buses, for the first few days - then inner-city for the weekend, then ???, depending on which cousin has most space...	Laura (43)
543048	2007-04-21 20:41:00	Your ideas are spot on and should be enough for a few days. I have not been to Kapiti but from what I have heard it is very worth the visit at any time of year. Of course don't miss Cuba Street for shopping, cafes, buskers, Blanket Man, and general people watching. There are some very good Malaysian cafes on Cuba St and one on Ghuznee at a stone's throw from Cuba - they are all cheap as well. Also two good Indian restaurants on Cuba with good prices. If the weather is good check out the bird reserve in Karori. Beautiful bush walks. I have not been there but from what I have heard it is tops, even on an international rating. (edit) Almost forgot THE best restaurant, on Manners St., Great India. About two minutes walk from Cuba St. It has won numerous awards. The head waiter is amazing, one of the very best. Great atmosphere and prices are reasonable. Not to be missed, and pleeeaase don't tell me that you don't care for Indian food!	Strommer (42)
543049	2007-04-21 20:47:00	Try:- Mt Kaukau, Wilton Gardens, Karori Wildlife, Akatarawas round trip, Kapiti cheese. I am not sure that you can get to Kapiti Island without permits these days. Orongorongo River, Makara, Savage memorial... I could go on. Don't forget to take your camera. As to food I think you can find any variety in Courtaney Pl, Cuba St, Willis St. Could you borrow a car from a cousin? You might like to check out the Taj Mahal. Used to be a mens' toilet. Last time I used it was to pee.	Sweep (90)
543050	2007-04-21 20:50:00	Speaking of going to Wellington, on this coming July semester break, I will probably take a bus down from Auckland to Wellington. I have spotted a reasonably cheap deal by Intercity Coach New Zealand (http://www.intercitycoach.co.nz/), offering $10 one way. Does anyone have a positive or negative experience regarding this bus service? Cheers :) P.S. Apologies for semi-hijacking this thread, Laura :p	Renmoo (66)
543051	2007-04-21 21:23:00	Laura: Try the KK Malaysian restaurant (on Ghuznee?? or Victoria?? st -can't remember). Very delicious meals at very reasonable prices (about $10-15 for a main). Other than that, Wellington doesn't have *that* much more to do. You could always come and visit PF1ers in Wellington if you really really wanted to. James: A friend of mine used it last year, and said it was great. Its a long ride though (12-13hrs I think).	somebody (208)
543052	2007-04-21 21:38:00	Speaking of going to Wellington, on this coming July semester break, I will probably take a bus down from Auckland to Wellington. I have spotted a reasonably cheap deal by Intercity Coach New Zealand (http://www.intercitycoach.co.nz/), offering $10 one way. Does anyone have a positive or negative experience regarding this bus service? Cheers :) P.S. Apologies for semi-hijacking this thread, Laura :p A bus ride is a bus ride. I've been on this bus and it always seems to drag on, just try to get on a bus that doesn't have screaming children! But hey, $10 is a great price.	pine-o-cleen (2955)
543053	2007-04-21 21:43:00	Hey Laura . If I understood correctly, you'll be relying on public transport? That narrows your options somewhat, given some of the best things are outside the central city . . . There are some good ideas above, but without a car most will be difficult . You are based at Pt Howard? Then take an Eastbourne bus to Days Bay, and get the ferry across the harbour . This will deposit you on the waterfront, and the doorstep to the city . When you're done walking the town, I would suggest getting to the railway station and jumping on a train to Paraparaumu . It's an hour trip up the coast, and thoroughly enjoyable . When in Paraparaumu, have a walk around the Mall etc up there, and get the next train back . I think they go hourly . . . . The Zoo? IMO completely over-rated, and a waste of time if you don't have much . If you get a nice day, I would strongly suggest walking the waterfront . Got a map of Welly? Find the Railway Station, walk across the road to the waterfront, and walk south . This will take you through the Civic Square (Art Gallery there I think), the Wgton Information Centre, Public Library . . . . then keep walking along to Te Papa . . . . then keep going past the Overseas Terminal and along to Oriental Bay . (Best in the early evening) . Cost = $Nil . And you'll get the best views of the 2nd most beautiful natural harbour in the world . ( Don't know what's No . 1 - Frisco?) Courtneay Place is considered the "social" centre of Wgton - lots of pubs and clubs . . . . cafe's and expensive restaurants . Could be worth a look, but afrter a certain hour at night it's "drunks and boy-racer central", so my suggestion would be to give it a wide berth . If you can get to the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, it might be a good idea . Haven't been there myself yet, but by all accounts it's worth a visit . (Do this instead of the Zoo!) That's about all my cold-filled head can think of right now . Feel free to PM me if you want an opinion on anything :thumbs: C ya	allblack (6574)
543054	2007-04-21 22:24:00	James: A friend of mine used it last year, and said it was great. Its a long ride though (12-13hrs I think). A bus ride is a bus ride. I've been on this bus and it always seems to drag on, just try to get on a bus that doesn't have screaming children! But hey, $10 is a great price. Thanks for the reply. It does take about half a day to travel from Auckland to Wellington by bus - but what more can I say for $10 only! Only night trips are available. Cheers :)	Renmoo (66)
543055	2007-04-21 22:34:00	It does take about half a day to travel from Auckland to Wellington by bus - Cheers :) Where did you get that information from? You may want to get a second opinion...it takes 4.5 hours by bus to travel what takes 2 1/4 hours in a car north of Wgton...	allblack (6574)
543056	2007-04-21 22:36:00	Forget Parliament. Watching a cake rise is FAR more entertaining. They like to show off all the fancy gold trimmed buildings that probably cost a fortune.	bob_doe_nz (92)
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