blog

Quad Biking - Experience It!!

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:30:00 +1300

We were lucky enough to experience a 4WD half day Quad Bike Famil with Nigel and his company ‘Quad Bike Expeditions’.

Group shot on top of the first hill

Training

My first splattering of mud - glorious mud!

Eight of us were graced with a nice day in Wellington for our Quad biking adventure, slight winds but that’s hard to get away from in Wellington! Our guide Nigel came and picked us up from Downtown Backpackers at 8.30am bright and early. We had a scenic drive out to Wainuiomata the whole time my stomach was making butterflies, I was nervous about this. We got to the reserve and travelled up and up and up a winding hill all the way to Nigel’s hidden abode where he runs his business from.

He kitted us out with Gumboots and gloves for the escapade and we got the safety talk on all the dos and don’ts. We sat on our quad bikes and revved them up - I was so nervous at this point and would have been happy enough just to sit and rev my quad bike for the rest of the day.

Suddenly before I knew it we were off! It was a strange sensation driving this thing around underneath me but this is coming from a girl who can’t drive a car and rides a bike occasionally. We drove up to the training area which we all had to complete with confidence before we moved on. Of course being the crazy person I am I did exactly what Nigel said not to do “When you need to stop do not hold the throttle and break at the same time” which of course makes perfect sense. In my nervousness and wanting to do well in the first 5 mins of the training course I found myself crashing my quad bike into a fence and flying over the handle bars. I’m all class! I was fine; a few scrapes and bruises - so I got to show off a few war wounds and I provided some high entertainment for my fellow colleagues. At least I learnt exactly from experience what not to do.

After everyone was successful with the training course we headed off for the real thing! I got my nerves under control and it was the biggest adrenaline rush. One of the first hills we headed down had a lovely mud puddle down the bottom which I got semi stuck in and revved right in the middle of the puddle. Another mistake! This got my jeans all splattered in mud - super awesome. Nobody else had that problem, just me - go figure.

Into the forest

Lunch-time! Yummy sandwiches

The riverbed we drove through

Nigel was pretty much the best guide we could hope for; some of us were faster than others and he always made the point of stopping after a while and checking on everybody. After a while I got the hang of it, I did manage to get stuck on a very very steep hill but yet again - learned from my mistake! If you’re going up an extremely steep hill do not let go of the throttle and put your break on!

After quadding up the giant hill we saw some amazing scenery that just takes your breath away. We even quad biked with cattle and little calves on the tracks - so cute! We stopped at look out points with stunning panoramic views. Nigel told us facts about the area. You could see Wellington city and harbour from the high hill tops and looking across Cook Strait you could even see the South Island.

We stopped for a lovely lunch of sandwiches and sweet treats down in a beautiful valley. Nigel is actually an amazingly self-sufficient guy and grew the lettuce, tomatoes for the sammies! He even operates his house with solar power and wind turbines and collects rain water for his water supply, now that’s what you call fantastically green.

So carrying on with our journey - after up and down some radical hills before our lunch we had a dramatic change of terrain afterwards. Our journey went through river beds and we rode up and up and UP a rather large hill to say the least right into the depths of the forest. I can’t even describe how much fun it was to zoom through shallow river beds spraying water everywhere.

The forest had to be one of my favourite if not muddiest part! I wasn’t expecting the giant mud pools that we had ahead of us. Myself and a few other colleagues did manage to get stuck RIGHT in the middle of large mud pools and in turn showered us with mud on pretty much every part of your body you can imagine. These mud puddles were hard to get out of too; there was a knack to it which we did get in the end!We all made it back in one piece but the majority of us looking unrecognisable with all the mud and dirt on our faces. We relaxed for a bit and had a drink in the sunshine talking about our experience then our fabulous guide Nigel drove us all back to work.

More beautiful scenery

One of our first big views. Hello Wellington!

Woohoo! Connie and Zane on the track.

Go Steff!

After driving up and down the wild New Zealand country side, through river beds and right in the depths of the forest on a quad bike was pretty much an unforgettable experience.

I recommend it to anyone who is after an adrenaline rush, beautiful scenery and just a general kick ass time.

Comments from the Staff:
Kate- “It was AWESOME!”
Zane- “Sooooo much fun!”
Manny- “AWESOME”
Vicki- “HILARIOUS!!!”
Ash- “It was AWESOME”
Connie- “I recommend it to everyone!”

We did it! Thanks Nigel!

Festival City

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:30:00 +1300

New Zealand's capital of culture boasts many and varied festivals. Here's a look at The International Festival of the Arts, the Fringe Festival and Summer Festival Wellington.

Summer Festival

Festival City

Summer City Fesitval - celebrating Wellington Harbour.

From Anniversary weekend til the end of Daylight Saving (end of March) Wellington will be celebrating summer all around the harbour capital.

Extending its reach, Summer Fest activities will stretch from the Botannic Gardens to Island Bay to the Waterfront. Here's a taster of what is on offer:

Nightly music acts in March at the Gardens

Gardens Magic lighting display

Sunset Sessions at Island Bay

Chinese New Year waterfront parade

Waka showcase at Waitangi Weekend

Films by Starlight at Botanic Gardens

Full details: http://www.wellingtonnz.com/event/2012_wellington_summer_city_festival?utm_source=KNOW&utm_medium=enews&utm_content=event-summercity&utm_campaign=KNOW120112

New Zealand International Festival of the Arts

Wellington proudly hosts this outstanding festival each year with the just-as-famous Fringe Festival running in parallel.

Highlights for 2012 include:

Pasifika Festival

Anniversary Weekend hosts this feast of all things Pasifika. Food, dance, music, language will all be showcased in this colourful not-to-be-missed event.Summer City Fesitval

Island Bay will host Summer Fest events this year

From Anniversary weekend til the end of Daylight Saving (end of March) Wellington will be celebrating summer all around the harbour capital.

Extending its reach, Summer Fest activities will stretch from the Botannic Gardens to Island Bay to the Waterfront. Here's a taster of what is on offer:

Nightly music acts in March at the Gardens
Gardens Magic lighting display
Sunset Sessions at Island Bay
Chinese New Year waterfront parade
Waka showcase at Waitangi Weekend
Films by Starlight at the Botanic Gardens

Get the full details here

New Zealand International Festival of the Arts

Acts from NZ & abroad including several world premieres

Wellington proudly hosts this outstanding festival each year. This year the festival runs from Feb 24th to March 18th. An exciting new festival hub has been developed on Wellington's Waterfront promising to provide a unique and vibrant space to showcase all the talent.

Highlights for 2012 include:

Cantina (grown-up circus act)
White (an unforgettable theatrical experience)
Giant Acrobatic space at Waitangi Park
Te Papa will be transformed into a moving canvas each night
TeZukA (A dance work inspired by Japanese comic books)

There are too many amazing acts to list so check out a full listing here.

Fringe Festival

Wellington Ukelele Orchestra at the Fringe Fest

Giving emerging artists (covering all facets of the arts) a kickstart into the public arena, is The Fringe Festival. Running from Feb 10 - March 3, this will be the 22nd Fringe.

The Fringe Fesival prides itself on its point of difference, in that acts aren't selected by the festival, rather the artists chose the festival to showcase their talents. Always thought-provoking and always exciting. Check it out

The Interislander VIP Experience

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:30:00 +1300

There are many who fear the thought of a 3 hour voyage on the turbulent seas with nothing but screaming children and queasy seasick travellers for company. This was not the case when I stepped into the Interislander VIP lounge on an overcast afternoon.

Although I am not one of the unlucky few who suffer on the seas, I still do not enjoy the experience of travelling on a cramped vessel for a long period of time and have often spared a thought for those ladies and gentleman from long ago, who often braved journeys lasting for weeks in far worse conditions!

I was to experience the Interislander VIP lounge. Setting you back an extra $45, I have travelled on the ferry before and was interested to see how the VIP lounge would compare.

Upon arrival I was greeted by a smart, smiling member of staff who guided me to the food area, which had been laid out with an array of nibbles to choose from. This included an assortment of both soft and alcoholic drinks too. She explained that everything was complimentary and that if I needed any assistance then I should ask. Being typically British I made myself a cup of tea and had a tuna and cucumber sandwich, which had been delicately cut into little triangles.

As I looked around me and made my way to my seat I noticed how different this cabin looked compared to downstairs. Instead of your typical aeroplane rowed seating with little leg room, the chairs were arranged in a more casual manner, creating a more relaxed and laid back feel, allowing plenty of much appreciated leg room. A glass coffee table, with magazines arranged neatly on top of them was placed in between each cluster of chairs and the walls were freshly painted a maroon colour. You could tell that it was a well cared for place and that the floors were taken care of and hoovered regularly.

Having trouble sitting down on long journeys, due to having clumsily fallen over whilst skating as a child and breaking my tailbone, I really appreciated the luxurious seating. Instead of being in pain for hours, I felt comfortable and with the added bonus of free cake I was well happy, as I expect were customers of the older persuasion!

Every now and then the staff would come over and check that everything was alright and would take plates away if needed. I also noticed they went over to a couple in the corner to check if the temperature of the room was alright which I thought was really attentive.

I wandered over to the coffee machine and grabbed a latte; being a barista I was curious as to what a machine made coffee would taste like. My expectations were not fantastically high as, let's face it, it's a machine making it not a human. Well it wasn't bad but it wasn't good either.

3 hours later and I was good to go. After a friendly goodbye from the staff and a full belly I made my way off the ferry feeling satisfied.

Golfing in Wellington

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:00:00 +1300

Hey Golfers,

If you want to have a round of golf while you are in Wellington then there are some great courses to choose from.

If you have your own vehicle then there are around a dozen courses within a 40 minute drive, and all are listed on the Wellington Golf Association website. If you don’t have your own vehicle then there are two which I would recommend which are easily reached by public transport, Manor Park and Miramar . The train to Manor Park and the bus to Miramar both leave from the Railway Station which is right across the road from Downtown Backpackers Wellington, so it couldn’t be easier.

Catch the train out to Manor Park Golf Course

Manor Park is nestled between the highway and the Hutt River, is treelined and is a nice course. It is best reached by train – take the Upper Hutt trainto Manor Park station. Trains depart every 30 minutes during the day (off peak) and every 20 minutes during rush hour mornings and evenings. Cost is $7.50 during rush hour but reduces to $6.00 from 9.00am – 3.00pm. The golf course is between the train station and the river and the entrance is about 100 metresNorth of the station. Green fees are $50 on weekends and $40 during the week if you belong to an affiliated golf club. Add $10 if you don’t. They also do a special on Mondays - $20 – a real bargain. Hire clubs available.

Jump on the Airport Flyer to Mirimar Golf Course

Miramar is located next to the Airport. It is a links course, quite undulating and open. Another nice course but can be difficult to play when the wind is up. To get there catch the Airport Flyer bus to the Airport and walk across the road. Bus leaves from the Railway Station bus terminal, Stop C and go every 15 minutes. Green fees are $50 (affiliated) or $65 (non affiliated) and they also do a special of $25 on Mondays, and also on Tuesday afternoons.

New Zealand has heaps of great golf courses. If you enjoy your golf then make sure you visit some of them while you are here.

What's on the menu? The Downtown House Bar & Cafe

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:00:00 +1200

From bar snacks to accompany drinks while watching the rugby on the big screen, to full meals for a casual dining experience, the Downtown House Bar & Cafe caters for all.

If you are in Wellington and looking for some great food in a relaxed atmosphere at very reasonable prices, then check out the Downtown House Bar & Cafe.

Here's what's on then menu.....

Breakfast

Eggs on Toast	$6
Eggs on Bagel (Poached, scrambled, fried or Omelette)	$8
Extras to build your Breakfast: Bacon, Breakfast sausages, black pudding, baked beans, tomato, mushrooms, chunky chips, hash browns, eggs	$2
Homemade Muesli w fruit yoghurt	$6
2 Pancakes	$5
Extras: Nutella, Jam, Banana, Bacon, Maple syrup	$2
Eggs Benedict w. Spinach or Ham (Poached egg, split muffin w. Hollandaise sauce)	$10.50

Snacks

Soup of the Day	$8
Chunky Chips or Fries	$5
Spicy Wedges with Sour Cream	$6
Toasted Sandwich w 2 fillings	$5
Extras: Ham, Cheese, Bacon, Egg, Pineapple, Mushrooms, Onion, Chicken, Tomato, Sweet corn	$2
B.L.T. Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato w garlic Mayo on thick cut bread	$7.50
Beef Nachos	$13

Bar

Snack Platter	$25
Chunky Chips or Fries	$5
Spicy Wedges with Sour Cream	$6
Sausage Roll with Salad and Salsa	$7.50
Beef Nachos	$13
Tempura battered Fish w Fries and Salad	$12
Burger w Fries (Beef, Bacon, Steak, Chicken, Vegetarian)	$9
Spaghetti Bolognaise	$12.50
B.L.T. Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato w garlic Mayo on thick cut bread	$7.50

Main Meals

Beef Nachos	$13
Tempura battered Fish w Fries and Salad	$12
Burger w Fries (Beef, Bacon, Steak, Chicken, Vegetarian)	$9
Spaghetti Bolognaise	$12.50
Sirloin Steak, Salad, Fries	$19
Mixed Grill w Sausages, Bacon, Eggs, Fries	$23.50
Burritos w Salad and Salsa (Beef, Chicken, Vegetarian)	$12.50
Butter Chicken w Rice	$13
Green Curry w Rice	$13
Vegetarian Lasagne	$12
Vegetarian Curry	$12
Salad with Salsa (Choose 3 toppings: Bacon, poached egg, mushrooms, olives, feta, tuna, chicken, cheese, onion)	$12

The Beehive - Third Ugliest Building in the World?

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 13:30:00 +1200

New Zealand's government building dubbed 'The Beehive' has so eloquently been described as looking like: "a slide projector that fell on a wedding cake that fell on waterwheel."

photo: Ari Bakker

Voted the third ugliest building in the world in 2009, The Beehive has been provoking public opinion ever since it was built.

From sketeches on a napkin by architect Sir Basil Spence back in 1964, the idea of a circular government building captured the imagination of the government's architect office (taking over from Spence) and construction began in 1970. The Beehive was officially opened by the Queen in 1977 and in 1979 the New Zealand government moved in.

In 2001 the Beehive got a long overdue makeover to include lighter coloured furnishings, windows that actually open and an updated communications system. There is now also a firmer link between the old Parliament House and The Beehive with a grander entrance adjoining the two buildings.

Whatever your opinion of The Beehive, its unusual shape and layout has helped it become an iconic building of New Zealand and a distinctive feature of the downtown Wellington cityscape.

Free tours of the New Zealand parliament buildings including The Beehive operate daily.

The Bucket Fountain

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:30:00 +1200

Love it or hate it The Bucket Fountain has become an iconic landmark in Wellington City.

Designed by architects Burrent and Keen in 1969, the 'Water Mobile' as it was billed has become a beloved feature of the pedestrianised area of Cuba Street.

Its design leaves a little to be desired in that it doesn't actually work as it was intended to. However, this adds to its charm and the surprise splashes as pedestrians walk past are all part of The Bucket Fountain experience.

A sphere mounted at the top feeds via four hoses into a series of sugar scoop buckets that increase in size as they descend. In practice the buckets don't always land the water into the bucket below, but often splash outwards to innocent pedestrians - especially when there is an infamous Wellington wind blowing.

The original 1969 fountain's buckets were all painted yellow. The fountain has undergone several makeovers sporting different colour combinations. The latest makeover was in 2003 when $9000 was spent revamping it and repainting the buckets in red, blue and yellow. Rather than 'fixing' the flawed design, the council decided to return the fountain to its original imperfect state.

Of course there are the usual stories of post bar-hopping antics involving The Bucket Fountain. Probably the most famous incident is that of Elijah Wood (in Wellington for the filming of The Lord of the Rings) when he was reported to have urinated in the fountain. Elijah confirmed this story on the Jay Leno show thus escalating the fountain's prominence and shooting it to further stardom.

The Bucket Fountain sits in pride of place in Cuba Mall between Farmers and the $2 shop. Check it out when if you are visiting Wellington, but watch out for any random splash attacks. You have been warned.

John’s Hop On Hop Off City Tour Review

Tue, 10 May 2011 10:00:00 +1200

I went on John’s Hop On Hop Off City Tour last week and really enjoyed it. It is a hop on hop off tour and is fantastic for any tourist in Wellington.

Te Papa. Photo: Evan Goldberg

The driver was welcoming and friendly. During the 2 hour journey he gave us facts about Wellington and tales of local Maori legends.

Up close and personal with Gollum, Weta Workshop. Photo: Bill Harrison

With 18 stops we were really spoilt for choice. During the 2 hour trip he gave us a taste of Wellington with some great historic, cultural artistic and
scenic stops. Some of these stops include the infamous Te Papa, Richard Taylor's Weta Cave, Wellington Zoo and more!

The hop on hop off tour travels in a loop so you can hop on at a stop and get picked up an hour or two later - it’s up to you so you can plan your day with ease. Cost is $39 For 24 hours.

For more information you can pop onto their website at http://www.hoponhopoff.co.nz or see the travel desk on the ground floor.

Aisha
Downtown Backpackers Receptionist

Wellington Events - Part 2: Rugby World Cup 2011

Tue, 03 May 2011 10:30:00 +1200

Rugby is HUGE in New Zealand. The mighty All Blacks (New Zealand rugby team) are national heroes and are NZ’s most internationally recognized sporting fixture. Performing the haka prior to a match sends shivers of national pride down the spines of all kiwis.

However, New Zealand’s track record at the Rugby World Cup is terrible. Only one win at the inaugural World Cup (back in 1987 – which was held in New Zealand). So hopes are high that a New Zealand hosted event will once again see the All Blacks hold the Webb Ellis Cup aloft.

image src: rugbyworldcup.com

Wellington hosts a number of fantastic pool games and two of the Quarter Finals at the atmospheric Wellington Regional Stadium (affectionately known as ‘The Cake Tin’).

Here’s a rundown of all the Wellington hosted matches:


11 Sept	2030	South Africa vs Wales	Pool D
17 Sept	1800	South Africa vs Fiji	Pool D
23 Sept	2030	Australia vs USA	Pool C
25 Sept	2030	Argentina vs Scotland	Pool B
1 Oct	1800	France vs Tonga	Pool A
2 Oct	1530	New Zealand vs Canada	Pool A
8 Oct	1800	Winner Pool C vs Runner Up Pool D	Quarter Final 1
9 Oct	1800	Winner Pool D vs Runner Up Pool C	Quarter Final 3

For more information on all things Rugby World Cup head to RugbyWorldCup.com

Wellington Events - Part 1: WOW

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 11:30:00 +1200

There are several big events held in Wellington each year. This one really has the WOW factor...

From humble beginnings in Nelson in 1987, a local sculptor Suzie Moncrieff's desire to turn her work into a theatrical experience evolved into the World of WearableArt. WOW has grown from strength to strength moving to Wellington in 2005 (to the dismay of Nelsonians but delight of Wellingtonians!). It has cemented its place firmly on the international arts calendar and is attended by over 35 000 people.

It is touted as: "Mardi Gras meets Haute Couture at a Peter Gabriele Concert directed by Salvador Dali." 150 garments selected from around New Zealand and the world are showcased in a 2 hour spectacular show where fashion, art, dance, choreography, lighting and sound fuse to form the World of Wearable Art. The supreme award winner receives $100 000 as the top prize.

The 2011 WOW runs from August 25 – September 10th. For more information or to book tickets go to http://www.worldofwearableart.com/

Sculptural Wellington

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:30:00 +1300

The huge number of sculptures and statues dotted around Wellington are a tribute to the city's status as New Zealand's cultural capital. Here is a taster...

Buzzy Bee on Bunny Street

Step out of Downtown Backpackers Wellington and you'll find a New Zealand icon perched on top of the Bunny Street sign. The Buzzy Bee toy has become a piece of kiwiana since it was first produced in 1948. It is now a New Zealand icon.

Solace in the Wind, the Waterfront

This is a 2 metre high bronze cast of a man leaning forward into a good old Wellington gale perched on the edge of Wellington's spectacular waterfront. Sculptured by Max Patte it is said that he stood in this exact spot when he'd been going through a bad patch. The view and feel of the wind soothed his soul and inspired him to create Solace in the Wind.

Kupe, The Taranaki Street Wharf

Designed by Christchurch sculptor William Trethewey in 1939 the statue of Kupe Raiatea has had several homes including the Wellington Railway Station and Te Papa. Eventually cast in bronze in 2000, this impressive sculpture now rests on Wellington's waterfront and aptly depicts Kupe, and his entourage (including his wife) first sighting Wellington Harbour.

The Bucket Fountain, Cuba Mall

Ok, so maybe it's not technically a sculpture - or is it? Whatever you decide it cannot be denied that it is quintessential Wellington and it would be a crime to omit this from the list.

John Plimmer, Plimmer Steps off Lambton Quay

Aka 'The Father of Wellington' is found at the bottom of the Plimmer Steps just off Lambton Quay. A bit of an entrepreneur in the 1800s, Plimmer bought an old sailing ship and converted the hull into a warehouse on an early pier in Wellington Harbour.

There are numerous other sculptures to check out. A walk over the City to Sea bridge in the Civic Square Complex includes the beautiful Nikau palms and the totem-like structures that look so amazing silhouetted against the Wellington sky. Among the many other installations around the city is 'Invisible City' on the corner of Lambton Quay and Grey Street, plus the Botanic Gardens has the country's only publicly owned Henry Moore and the very cool 'Body to Soul' by Mary-Louise Browne.

Wellington - so cool you can soak up some culture just by taking a stroll. Nice.

Three cups of coffee

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:00:00 +1300

Anyone trying to reduce their coffee intake best stay clear of Wellington. The temptation of outstanding coffee is everywhere and any attempt to resist would prove futile.

Welllington may be New Zealand's political capital but it is also New Zealand's Coffee Capital. Here are three prime examples of how Wellington has earned this reputation.

Memphis Belle

Memphis Belle Coffee House

38 Dixon Street, Wellington (Corner of Dixon St & Te Aro Park)

Voted Best Cafe in Wellington 2010, Memphis Belle Coffee House focuses primarily on producing perfect coffee with a sustainable attitude. All baristas at Memphis Belle Coffee House are complete coffee nuts and the food is great too.

David Joyce

Mojo Coffee

37 Customhouse Quay, Wellington and fifteen other locations

Mojo Coffee is a bit of a local legend in Wellington and has grown from a one-stop coffee roastery and cafe to 16 locations throughout Wellington and several others throughout NZ.

Expertly made coffee with delicious counter food. Check out their new HQ and roastery at Shed 13 on Wellington's Waterfront.

Phillip Capper

Maranui Cafe

7 Lyall Parade, Lyall Bay

With great views looking out over Lyall Bay, Maranui Cafe has become a Wellington institution. Situated in the clubrooms of the Maranui Surf Club Maranui Cafe is a quirky, 1940s-style cafe with delicious meals and counter food to accompany the fabulous coffee. Badly burnt out in a fire in 2009, Maranui Cafe has been fully restored and is back stronger than ever.

Wellington - City of Markets

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 17:00:00 +1300

Wellington is renowned for its fantastic shopping.
There are a host of markets in and around downtown Wellington. Here is the lowdown:

Phillip Capper

Harbourside Market
Waitangi Park, Cable Street (corner of Cable St & Barnett St beside Te Papa)
Sundays 7.30am - 2pm
Harbourside Market was formerly known as Waitangi Park Market and Chaffers Market. http://www.harboursidemarket.co.nz/
An open air market neighbouring City Market, it has been running since the 1920s. Stalls include vegetables, fruit, herbs, flowers, fresh fish, modern deli meats, bread & confectionary, fresh cheese and coffee.

Ari Bakker

City Market
The Atrium, Chaffers Dock, 1 Herd St, Oriental Bay
Sundays 8.30am -12.30pm
Showcasing local food and wine right in the heart of downtown Wellington.
http://www.citymarket.co.nz/

Gregory Bodnar

Hill Street Farmers’ Market
in the carpark of the Cathedral of St Paul 40 Hill Street, Thorndon
Saturdays from 9am - 1pm
Fresh organic produce and food from the locals. Fabulous fudge, quality meat smallgoods, divine wine, artisan cheeses, fresh fish, flowers, patisseries and breads.
http://www.hillstfarmersmarket.org.nz/

Kristina Hoeppner

The Frank Kitts Park Market
Saturdays 10am – 4pm
Underground carpark on Jervois Quay (at the lagoon end of Frank Kitts Park.)
Clothing, food, crafts, jewellery, homewares and local musicians adding to the ambience. A good place to head if the weather is looking dodgy.
http://www.frankkittsmarket.co.nz/

Raquel Baranow

Mighty Mighty Market
Level 1, 104 Cuba Street
First Saturday of every month from 4 - 7pm
Homemade food, vintage clothing, tarot reading, crafts, and music.

If you are wanting to experience something with a bit more of a Polynesian flavour jump on the train to Porirua for the Porirua Market…it’s an early start!

Francesca Gallow

Porirua Market
Cobham Court Carpark, Porirua
Saturday mornings midnight – 10am
This vibrant and popular market has stalls that include ethnic food, bri-a-brac, clothing, fresh produce, Pacific Island crafts and music.

The calibre and number of Wellington markets reinforce its reputation as New Zealand’s shopping capital. Definitely worth checking out.

Wellington Freebies

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 13:30:00 +1300

Spending time in a capital city anywhere in the world inevitably involves spending money. So what is there to do in Wellington (declared the coolest little capital in the world for 2010 by Lonely Planet) without spending a cent?

Top 5 cool things to do in New Zealand's capital that just happen to be free....

1. Cuba Street Window Shopping

Newsbie Pix

An exquisite vintage dress, a rare LP, a delectable coconut meringue, some Pasifika art, whatever you are looking for you will more than likely find it at Cuba Street. From the fabulous range of eateries, cafes, music venues and bars to the specialist and retro shops, Cuba Street has it all. Even the infamous bucket fountain, that (if we are honest) isn’t particularly attractive, but there would be blood on the streets if the council had it removed. It is quintessential Cuba Street.
A stroll up Cuba Street is free with the bonus of the city’s best people watching spots dotted along the way.

2. Mt Victoria Lookout

Kristina Hoeppner

For a panoramic view of Wellington head to the Mt Vic lookout. There are several lookouts that overlook the natural amphitheatre of downtown Wellington and Mt Vic provides one of the best spots. Walking up to Mt Victoria doesn’t take too long, but if you are pressed for time you can hire a mountain bike or simply jump on a bus. The lookout is actually a part of a longer walk, 'The Southern Walkway' that takes you from the city centre to the south coast of Wellington at Island Bay.

3. Te Papa – “Our Place"

Chris Daish

New Zealand’s national museum and art gallery (Te Papa) roughly translates as "the place of treasures of this land". It was officially opened in February 1998. Building it on the waterfront on reclaimed land next to one of the country’s main fault lines has drawn some controversy. As has the interactive nature of the exhibition spaces, with some art critics describing it having a funfair ambience. However, for those of us who are not art for art's sake types, Te Papa is well worth a visit. Outstanding exhibits on all aspects of New Zealand’s geographical, historical and cultural make-up mix with temporary exhibitions from around the world.

4. Waterfront hotspots

Marie Laflamme

How about a million dollar view while you catch up on email, facebook or your travel blogs? The Wellington City Council recently enabled hotspots for free WIFI around the Wellington Waterfront between Frank Kitts Park and the railway station. The spots give free internet access for 60 minutes and then an option to pay $5 for the rest of the day.

5. Wellington Botanic Garden

Andre Goble

25 hectares of beautiful landscape including protected native forest and specialised flower and plant collections make up the Wellington Botanic Garden. Established in 1868 it features some of New Zealand's oldest exotic trees and offers fantastic views looking over Wellington. It is easy to get to from downtown Wellington by walking from The Terrace through to the Bolton Street Memorial Park. The main entrance is on Glenmore Street. This is the ideal place if you're in need of some chilling out time in tranquil surroundings.