One Day in Wellington

Editor's Note: This B&B has since closed.

An amazing bed-and-breakfast located in historic Thorndon, it has rooms for NZ$135/night, including full breakfast. This B&B has three rooms and a common area/kitchen. My room had an ensuite bathroom and included a TV and alarm clock. The house was clean, modern inside/historic outside, and airy. The host, Christine, provided a hot breakfast when requested and made up the room every day. The B&B was within walking distance of the train station, bus station, and port activities. It is on a hill, so don't plan on walking your luggage there, but a NZ$9 taxi ride will get you there from the train/bus. This was one of the most comfortable and enjoyable places I stayed in NZ.

Many people told me that this was the must-see activity in Wellington. I think that if you are interested in the cultural history of the Maori, then it is MUST-see. It is also FREE!!! It is the national museum of New Zealand that includes a permanent collection dedicated to Maori history and changing exhibits that included New Zealand painting, the history of the shawl, and Italian immigration to New Zealand. It is too large a museum to really see in a day. But it’s a great place to get to know the history of the Maori people. It is located right on the wharf and provides a beautiful place to sit and watch the boats on the harbour. The gift shop, though REALLY expensive, has some beautiful Maori-inspired jewelry.

It’s only a couple of dollars, and you can take the cable car to the botanical gardens. There is a small cable car museum (which is free) that explains the history of the cable car. It's a quick, fun activity, and I'm sure kids would love it.