Wellington

So we started (and ended) our North Island trip in Wellington, the round-trip loop formed by the ferry crossing. Wellington is NZ's capital, so we went on a free tour of the Beehive and the Parliament buildings. The restoration of the buildings included the placement of base isolators - at the time, a new technology separating the bulk of the building from its foundations so that it can move and therefore reduce damage to its structure should an earthquake occur. The whole site is just a few hundred metres from a known faultline, so it's not a bad idea! Here's a view of the city from Mount Victoria...



The other side reveals the airport, famed for seemingly precarious landings due to the nature of its runway and the windy weather. Not a runway you want to over- or under-shoot!



Wellington's an arty city.



This is Civic Square, including the information centre, art gallery and public library.



We managed to fit in a few social visits - Aunty Phoebe spoilt both of us by taking us out for an Indian lunch and also packing us a goody bag full of home baking (thanks Aunty Phib!). We also met up with my friends Rachel and Katherine for a good old yarn after all these years.



One of the unexpected highlights was discovering the Colossal Squid at Te Papa, the National Museum. We'd both just finished reading Dan Brown's newest thriller, The Lost Symbol, so it was quite appropriate!



Dave also got a look into Maori culture, admiring the intricately carved Marae and the exhibitions on pounamu (NZ greenstone).







Every time we see one of these, we smile because it reminds us of our fleet-footed friend we spotted in Stewart Island.