Wellington, New Zealand

Kiwi and it's egg, national bird of New Zealand

Wellington is the southernmost city on the North Island of New Zealand. It is the capital of New Zealand and has a population around 200,000.  The topography is very hilly and reminds me of San Francisco, with its Victorian houses and steep streets. Some of the houses high in the hills have their own funicular (small cable car) to take them up to their house -- it's either that or walk 100+ steps!  Many of the older homes are constructed of wood, which would withstand earthquakes better than houses of brick.  New buildings must now be built with reinforced concrete.

We took a panoramic tour of the city.  Our first stop was at the top of Mount Victoria, the tallest hill in Wellington, with a wonderful view of the city and airport.  Next we stopped at the botanical gardens, which had roses in bloom outside and tropical plants in the greenhouse.  After driving around the central city, we stopped outside the Parliament buildings for photos and to learn about the government of New Zealand.  Queen Elizabeth of England is the head of state, and there are 120 members of Parliament who are elected or appointed. The current prime minister is Jacinda Ardern.

After the bus tour, we visited the Wellington Museum (local history) and the Te Papa Tongerewa (meaning "the place of treasures of this land"), the national museum of New Zealand.  Both are free and have very interesting collections, showcasing the people, animals, history and culture of New Zealand.

View of Wellington as we enter the Lambton Harbor

View of Wellington from top of Mount Victori

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Parliament buildings (circular one on left is called the "beehive")

Next to the Parliament building

Beautiful flowering plant at the botanical garden

Te Papa Tongarewa, national museum of New Zealand

The fanciest Burger King restaurant, in an old bank building