Wellington

Wellington is New Zealand’s capital. It is the country’s political center. This is where the Parliament and other government offices and embassies are located. Wellington is located on the south western tip of the North Island on Cook Strait, which is the narrow stretch of water that separates the North and South Islands of the country. This city is named after Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington.

Whatonga, a chief of the Kurahaupo waka was said to have been the first who settled on the lands at the tip of the North Island, which was then called Te Upoko-o-te-Ika – ‘the head of the fish’. He named the harbor where Wellington is now located, Whanganui-a-tara, after his son Tara who was enchanted by the beauty of the harbor. More groups of people of Kuruhaupo descent began to settle in the area. They built several hilltop pa or fortified villages on strategic places around the harbor. During the 1820s, the tribes coming from the Taranaki region of the north moved south slowly pushing away the region’s original inhabitants.

In 1839, Tory, the New Zealand Company ship based in London, arrived in the harbor. It was aboard this ship that Colonel William Wakefield who represented the New Zealand Company and 16 Maori chiefs signed the Port Nicholson Purchase deed. The deed provided that 1/10th of the land purchased by the New Zealand Company would be allocated to these 16 chiefs and their families, and the other part would be then sold to British settlers. This included those who were still sailing on ships that would bring them to New Zealand. In 1849 waves of British settlers started to come to this new settlement, which was then called Britannia. The surveyor of the New Zealand Company prepared a settlement plan. Acres of land were drawn up and then allocated by lottery to the settlers. When the British settlers moved in, the Maori inhabitants were evicted from their lands. New dwellings and structures were constructed and the harbor town of Wellington slowly took shape.

A strong earthquake shook Wellington in 1855. It was of such high magnitude that houses and government buildings were leveled down. The town’s landscape was altered tremendously and its coastline rose by 1.5 meters. The floor of one of its biggest lakes rose. Most of the buildings that have been constructed after this destructive earthquake are made of wood including government buildings. Some of these buildings have been restored in the 1990s and one of them is regarded as the largest office building in the Southern Hemisphere. Although steel and concrete were subsequently used in buildings wood still remains to be the main component of houses in the city.

Things to see in Wellington

Wellington has parks with sparklingly clear rivers, river valleys and towering hills clad with bushes. Most of these parks have hiking or walking tracks that pass through coastlines, wetlands, swamps, forests, etc. Some forests in Wellington, such as the Pakuratahi, Akatarawa and Kaitoke Regional Park have up to 700 different plant species, and native fauna. Wellington has beautiful beaches that are great for swimming like Days Bay, Petone Beach and the Riviera-like Oriental Bay. Surfing and body boarding are good activities at Lyall Bay while for the more experienced surfers, Houghton Bay will not disappoint you. For a variety of water activities like sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming, Island Bay is the beach to go to. Wellington also has wildlife sanctuaries, such as Zealandia, formerly known as the Karori Sanctuary, which are safe havens for many of New Zealand’s endangered species of animals including the kiwi, the hihi or stitchbird, tui, saddleback, morepork, kereru, kaka, North Island weka and bellbird. Following clearly marked bush-walking tracks allow visitors to explore the sanctuaries and come face to face with animals that roam and fly in these well-managed sanctuaries. In the city’s botanic parks, Wellington Botanic Garde, Otari-Wilton’s Bush, Bolton Street Memorial Park and Truby King House and Garden you will be astounded to see rare plants and beautiful flowers, some of which are not found anywhere else.

Wellington is also the site of museums including a cable car museum, an observatory, a planetarium and one of the Parliament’s three interesting buildings each with their distinct style of architecture. The Beehive, so named for its beehive-like architecture is where the Prime Minister’s office is located. The building is the Executive Wing of the Parliament. It also houses the Cabinet Room. Bowen House is where the members of parliament and their support staff maintain offices while the Parliament Building is where the Debating Chamber, the Visitors’ Center, Speaker’s Office and Committee rooms are housed. Wellington is also where many galleries are located. The city also has old wooden structures that depict the 19th century Gothic revival architectural style.

Things to do in Wellington

The Colonial Cottage Museum showcases the oldest colonial cottage in Wellington as well as a heritage garden. The old wooden structures would give you a glimpse of Wellington’s past. The Cable Car Museum will delight children and adult visitors. The best way to learn the history of Wellington will be to visit the city’s museum, Museum of Wellington City and Sea at the waterfront. A visit to the Parliament House includes an educational tour of the Parliament Houses and the Beehive, which is one of the 3 buildings of the Parliament. The Carter Observatory’s Planetarium is the perfect destination if you are in for a virtual journey through space. There are also many cultural shows featuring Maori culture in this city.

For a panoramic view of the city you can go to the top of Mount Victoria or the Te Ahumairangi Hill Lookout. You can also go for a cable car ride to have a good view of the city.

A visit to the different botanic gardens and sanctuaries in the city will familiarize you with the native flora and fauna of the country. If you are adventurous you can go rock climbing or kayaking along the harbor.

Like in almost every tourist destination in New Zealand you can take hikes which could be short or long depending on your choice and stamina. Different hike sites passing through different ecological environments can be found in Wellington.
It is said that Wellington has a vibrant café culture. Good coffee is available in a lot of cafes in the area. Wellington is often referred to as a culinary capital with over 300 cafes, restaurants and bars some of which are award-winning. If you are a foodie head for Courtenay Place or Cuba St. and there you will find a wide selection of the world’s best cuisine.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is situated on a rocky peninsula in New Zealand’s South Island jutting out from verdant farmlands at the foot of the mountains. Kaikoura is beautifully situated at the point where the majestic Seaward Kaikoura Mountains, a branch of the Southern Alps, meets the sea. Because of the proximity of the mountain to the sea it is said that it is not at all impossible for you to be skiing in the morning and enjoying the sand and sea in the afternoon in this town. Inhabited by Moa hunters some 900 years ago, Kaikoura is a Maori name, which means “meal of crayfish” for which the region was traditionally known for and is still known for even today. Because of the abundant supply of food in this area many Maori were attracted to settle here. Several pa sites of the Maori can still be seen in the area.

In 1770 Captain Cook, the British explorer and navigator who circumnavigated New Zealand discovered the peninsula but thought it was an island. Due to the abundance of whales in the area and the high commercial value of whales during that time, a Scotsman named Robert Fyfe set up the first shore whaling station in the area by the early 1840s. This also signaled the start of a European settlement in the area. After the first whaling station several other whaling stations were established in the area. At one point in history over 100 men from the Kaikoura area alone worked in the whaling industry. Other workers employed in the whaling industry were from Great Britain, France, Germany, North America, India, Hawaii and nearby Australia. The foreign whalers married the native women of Kaikoura and their descendants now live in the area. The very active whaling industry led to a sharp decline in the whale population after 1850 and the exportation of whales no longer became economically rewarding. Whalers then turned to farming and occasionally still hunted for whales. It was in 1964 when whaling operations finally saw its end. In 1978 the Marine Mammal Protection Act gave full protection to whales, seals, dolphins and porpoises. Kaikoura then became part of the Southern Hemisphere Whale Sanctuary.

Things to see in Kaikoura

Several varieties of whales like the sperm, humpback, orca and pilot whales are sighted from Kaikoura’s shores at different times of the year. The huge sperm whales however are ever present since they thrive well because of the abundant supply of food in the area. The sperm whale is the largest among the toothed whales. It can dive to a depth of three kilometers and is capable of holding its breath for two hours. It is said that Paikea the great Maori ancestor was led to New Zealand by a sperm whale centuries ago. His descendants now live in Kaikoura. Dusky dolphins are also found in huge numbers in the area; the same with fur seals which almost reached the point of extinction in the past. In the azure skies sea birds like the albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters fly and feast on marine food that the sea offers.

Aside from the Kaikoura’s scenic coastline, reefs, and surf areas, Kaikoura also has a rocky terrain and majestic mountain peaks where visitors can try a wide range of activities to explore the area and marvel at its beauty. It has snowcapped mountain peaks, ski areas and mountain trails where one can get a close view of different forms of wildlife. Despite the increasing number of tourists who flock to Kaikoura, the township’s distinctive charm has remained. Old buildings showcasing the architecture of the past have been restored and transformed into motels, cafes and restaurants. The town’s strikingly beautiful landscape and wildlife have been the inspiration of many artists who have visited the area.

Things to do in Kaikoura

Kaikoura is best known for whale watching and sea-bird watching. There are local tours that bring tourists by boat, flight or by land as close as possible to observe these wonderful and interesting creatures. Visitors can also dive in the ocean and join the seals and dolphins for a swim. Wet suits are provided by local tour operators for those who want to have this novel experience. You can also go scuba diving to witness the beautiful world under the sea. Kaikoura has one of the best reef diving sites in the country. Kaikoura is also a good surf site all year round and has produced a good number of national champions in surfing. If you want to learn how to surf there is a local surf school that would gladly assist you and shops selling surf gear and surfboards abound in town.

If you want to get a good view of the scenic coastline you can go kayaking around Kaikoura’s shores. You can also walk on Kaikoura’s scenic coastline and see crystal clear rock pools and long stretches of clean empty beaches regarded by some as the “world’s cleanest ocean environment.”

For those who go for long walks, Kaikoura offers different hiking trails that match almost any fitness level. There are trails that would take just thirty minutes and some which would take half or a full day to complete. Those who opt to explore the mountain trails are in for a wonderful treat as they get a spectacular view of the area below them and pass through dense forests and come face to face with rare species of animals including the hutton shearwaters that lay their eggs in such high altitudes. Trail maps are provided by the Kaikoura Visitor Information Center for those who are interested to take the adventure.

The snowcapped mountains of Kaikoura also offer another exciting option–skiing. Less than an hour from Kaikoura’s town proper is a fully operational ski field, Mt. Lyford. Open from June to October the ski field is a sunny ski area where one can learn how to ski and for intermediate and advanced skiers to try the more challenging runs of the ski field. There is a day lodge, restaurant and car park conveniently located in the area.

For those who do not want to go on long walks or skiing, other activities like four wheel motor biking, horse trekking and star gazing would also be worth trying for the excitement they offer. For a taste of history one can visit the Fyffe House that is the town’s oldest building. The Fyffe House is a reminder of the town’s whaling industry in the 1800s. Painted in its original pink hue, the house’s foundations are made of whale vertebrae. Visitors can see for themselves how small a whaler’s cottage was and they can get a chance to see and touch whale bones and baleen and smell the fragrance of whale oil.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is located in the vast wilderness in the heart of Te Wāhipounamu, which is the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area in the South Island of the country. This recognition of the natural beauty and value of the area was granted by UNESCO in 1990. Te Wāhipounamu is a Maori name, which means “the place of greenstone”. This vast area covers 1.2 million hectares, which is 5% of New Zealand’s total land area. In this vast area is found Aoraki or Mt. Cook, Westland or Tai Poutini, Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks. It is an area of snowcapped mountains, deep pristine lakes, rivers of ice, breathtaking fiords and tussock grasslands.

Fiordland National Park was established in 1952. In the 1960s Fiordland became the center of one of the most important conservation debates in the country. There was a proposal to raise the level of Lake Manapouri, which is in Fiordland by 30meters so as to improve hydroelectricity production in West Arm. This proposal was met with nationwide protests. The Save Manapouri Campaign is considered as an important milestone in the country’s environmental protection history. After over a decade the government after considering petitions passed a bill that gave Lake Manapouri statutory protection.

Fiordland was declared a World Heritage area in 1986. In this vast area are mountains, lakes, fiords and rainforests all under the administration of the Department of Conservation. A great part of the area is inaccessible by land. The township of Te Anau serves as a gateway to this enchanting area.

The national park’s breathtaking beauty was described perfectly by an author who he said the valleys and mountains compete against each other for a spot, where rain is bountiful and the scenery can give one a myriad of emotions. During the past centuries there were people who ventured into the Fiordland but could not endure the wet climate, steep terrain and isolation from the other parts of the country. Early Maori hunted and fished in the area. They also came to its rivers to gather pounamu, which is the New Zealand jade. There were whalers and sealers who came to the area to seek shelter in the fiords and build small settlements in different locations.

The different areas in the park have become the habitat of a diverse collection of animals and plants. Because of the park’s relative isolation some of the species of plant life and creatures have evolved and become completely very unique and indigenous to the area. Examples of these are the takahe and the kakapo. Both are flightless birds with bodies much larger than the other birds from their taxonomic group. It was thought that the extremely rare takahe no longer exists but in 1948, some were found living in Fiordland. There are now about 160 takahe birds under at the park. The breeding of the takahe and the kakapo are now under the auspices of the conservation department of New Zealand. The kakapo breeding is very closely monitored by conservationists and volunteers. As of June 2011, there are 131 adults and juvenile chicks, although two adult females have died on September 2011.

Things to see in Fiordland National Park

A great part of Fiordland National Park is inaccessible by road. Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park. This township lies by Lake Te Anau, which is the largest lake in South Island and in the country in terms of volume of water. Some parts of the lake are 400 meters deep. Guided tours to Milford Sound depart and end at Te Anau. This town is known for its fine restaurants, hotels, motels, homestays and campsites. This town is also known for the Te Anau caves. This network of caves is 12,000 years old and is considered relatively young by geological standards. The force of the river that flows through these caves continuously carve them resulting in a twisted network of limestone passages, whirlpools and underground waterfalls. Deep inside the cave is a hidden grotto, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves that can be reached by taking a short ride on a small boat. This grotto is inhabited and lit by thousands of glowworms whose glow makes the place truly enchanting. The tiny glowworms, arachnocampa luminosa are only seen in New Zealand.

Te Anau is the town that connects Queenstown to Milford Sound by road. The famous Milford Road that provides access to Milford Sound and into the heart of the national park begins right at Te Anau’s center. Milford Road is regarded as one of the best alpine routes in the world. The road brings you face to face with nature’s splendor. The first of the wonderful sights you would witness when you pass this road is Eglinton Valley. Once covered with glacier the valley has steep sides of rocks and a floor covered with golden tussock, which is a kind of grass. Farther down the road are the Mirror Lakes from which you can see a perfect reflection of the Earl Mountains on a still day. A puzzling sight awaits you as you pass the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain wherein because of an optical illusion the approaching mountain appears to get smaller rather than bigger as you head closer to it. Stops along the road are allowed so visitors can take time out from the trip and take photos or even short walks.

To get to the famous Milford Sound one passes the Homer Tunnel, which cuts through 1,270 of solid granite. This tunnel took almost 20 years to complete. Milford Sound is an enchanting place of majestic peaks with crystal waterfalls cascading down the depths of the fiord. Close to the shore of Milford Sound is Mitre Peak, one of the most photographed mountains of New Zealand. It is its shape, which is likened to the mitre, the headwear of Catholic Bishops that gave it its name. Rising just over a mile from the water of Milford Sound, the mountain’s peak that appears as a single peak from accessible viewpoints is actually a group of five peaks. For those curious of the marine life in the sound, there is an underwater observatory where you can get a close up view of the very rare 11 legged sea stars, delicate anemones, and the black coral.

Another famous sound in the Fiordland National Park is Doubtful Sound, which is the second most accessible and visited fiord in the park. Captain Cook upon reaching the inlet that leads to the fiord named it Doubtful Harbour in 1770 because he was uncertain if the sound was navigable under sail. Whalers and sealers who frequented the area later renamed it Doubtful Sound. This Sound is three times longer and ten times larger than Milford sound. Doubtful Sound has an unusual feature in that the water in the sound has two distinct layers that hardly mix. The top layer, which is a few meters deep, is fresh water from the surrounding mountains. This layer of water is brown because of the tannins that are washed down from the forests. Below the layer of fresh water is a layer of cold, heavy saltwater from the sea. Because of the dark tannins sunlight cannot easily penetrate the water so many deep-sea species of plants and animals thrive in the shallow parts of the sound including the black coral tree, which is usually seen in the deep parts of the sea. Doubtful Harbour is famous for a population of bottlenose dolphins numbering about 70. Over a long period of observation none of these dolphins have left the area and no new ones have joined them. They have a very strong social grouping, which may be partly due to their habitat, which is much colder than the habitats of other bottlenose dolphins like them. Other forms of wildlife that have can be seen in Doubtful Sound include fur seals, dolphins and a variety of large whales. There is also an abundance of different types of fish, starfish, sea anemones and corals. New Zealand’s biggest starfish has seven arms and grow up to 75 centimeters or 29.5 inches.

Things to do in Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park has countless wonderful sights for one’s eyes to feast on. Nature’s beauty in all its grandeur is at its best in this national treasure. The best way to explore the vast national park is by going on one of the day or overnight boat cruises along The Sounds. Kayaking in the open sea is also a popular activity in this area. To have an aerial view of the park one can brave the heights and go flightseeing. There are a number of commercial operators that offer helicopter, fixed wing and float plane flights over Te Anau and the Milford Sound.

Mountaineering is also another activity that some tourists visit this park for. There are glaciers that remain in the Darran and Wick Mountains. These mountains are possible destinations to consider if you are an experienced climber or mountaineer. Fishing and hunting but with restrictions are allowed in certain parts of the park. Licenses or permits have to be secured for these activities.

The Fiordland National Park is a good destination for backpackers. The park has well established walking tracks, the most famous of which is the Milford Track. This track, which begins at the northern part of Lake Te Anau, is described as the finest walk in the world. This track passes through paths in the wilderness, which are rarely trod on. Aside from Milford Track there are numerous other tracks, some a lot shorter and others longer than this famous track.