Wellington, North Island

Our tour of New Zealand continued with a drive to Wellington. Since we were going to stay with friends, it was decided that we would just hire a car for the day, so we picked it up from Rotorua airport and drove south towards Wellington. 

"Lake Taupo", Taupo , North Island, New Zealand.
Photo Image © Mike Isaak

Along the way, we stopped at Lake Taupo. Lake Taupo, is the largest lake by surface area in New Zealand, and it lies in a caldera created by a supervolcanic eruption which occurred approximately 26,500 years ago. The volcano is currently considered to be dormant rather than extinct.

"Lake Taupo", Taupo , North Island, New Zealand. Photo Image © Karen Toh

Windy Welly, as Wellington it often affectionately called due to cold wind that comes through the Cook Straits, is the capital of New Zealand.

View of Wellington, North Island, New Zealand.
Photo Image © Karen Toh

Situated at the south-western tip of the North Island on Cook Strait, it is one of the more densely populated settlements throughout New Zealand due to land availability. Wellington has very few suitable areas in which to expand, concentrating on areas between the harbor and the surrounding hills.

Wellington Coast, North Island, New Zealand. Photo Image © Karen Toh

Wellington is also becoming vastly popular in the filming industry, having a director like Peter Jackson and many other Kiwis who have contributed to promoting New Zealand. With the trilogy of Lord of the Rings itself, New Zealand’s tourism boosted tenfold.

Wellington Coast, North Island, New Zealand. Photo Image © Karen Toh

If you have the time in Wellington to take in a Full Day Lord of the Ring Tour, you’ll find quite a number of film locations in the vicinity of Wellington. While the only true film set that hasn’t been completely demolished is of course Hobbitton in Matamata, you many recognize some of the film locations with a guide and a set of pictures to jog your memory. Of course, if you did your homework beforehand – ie. Watch all the three movies, preferably the extended versions before your trip – you’ll find it much more rewarding and interesting. J

For those interested in a bit of culture, the best place is at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

For day trippers.. a few suggestions:-

1. Visit the Museum of New Zealand - Te Papa Tongarewa on the water front.
2. Appreciate Wellington’s best views at the Mount Victoria Lookout.
3. Ride the historic Wellington Cable Car to the Botanic Garden.
4. Get acquainted with Wellington with a city tour.
5. Walk through ZEALANDIA: The Karori Sanctuary Experience.
6. Get an inside peek into Wellywood at The Weta Cave in Miramar.
7. Go stargazing and check out the amazing planetarium show at Carter Observatory.