Wellington

 

The famous "Overlander" train is a great way to get from downtown Auckland to city centre Wellington, stress-free and in comfort at ground level.

The "Overlander" is a 423 mile journey across the interior of the North Island. It takes you the length of the historic North Island Main Trunk Railway, started in 1885 and completed in 1908, over such feats of engineering as the Raurimu Spiral, Turangarere Horseshoe and Makatote Viaduct. It's considered to bed one of the world's great railway journeys.

Wellington is the capital and the third most populated area of New Zealand.

Wellington was named after Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington and victor of the Battle of Waterloo.

It was a beautifully sunny day in Wellington as I strolled around the city. My first stop was the New Zealand Parliament Buildings.

Due to its unusual shape the 'Beehive' is the common name for the Executive Wing of the New Zealand Parliament. The building was conceived by British architect Sir Basil Spence in 1964 and was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1977.

Outside the main Parliament Building is a statue of Richard John Seddon. Sometimes known as King Dick, he was the longest serving Prime Minister of New Zealand. He is regarded by some as one of New Zealand's greatest political leaders.

Moving on I took the cable car to the Wellington Botanical Gardens. The cable car leaves from downtown Wellington to the village-like suburb of Kelburn. At the top of the vable car, you will find some of the best views of Wellington.

 

 


The Beehive -
the Executive Wing of the New Zealand Parliament


The New Zealand Parliament Building with a statue of Richard John Seddon


The Wellington Cable Car to the Botanical Gardens