In my original plan I was arriving and departing from Wellington in the same day without seeing much if anything! I am so glad I changed my plans!

Everyone I’ve met in New Zealand so far has been incredibly friendly, but the folk in Wellington even more so. I have only good things to say about the city and the people. The weather on the other hand…

Wellington is called Windy Welly for a reason and when those gusts get you be ready! Tuesday and Wednesday spoiled me with the weather, glorious sunshine and if not warm, it certainly wasn’t cold either. Thursday? Thursday I thought I was going to get blown into the water on numerous occasions!

There is so much to see and do in Wellington so choosing what to leave out was difficult! If you ever find yourself with time in Wellington I highly recommend the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa. For New Zealanders, and those living here, it is free to enter, for me it was $35 (about £17) but that gives you two days admission which I think is very good value and I still didn’t see it all. My friend Maria who lives in NZ highly recommended this museum and she was right!

Those of you who have been stuck with me for years, will probably remember that I have an interest in the First World War and the museum has an incredible exhibition on Gallipoli. It is called: Gallipoli: The Scale of our War and the scale models are 1:2.4 (I think the guide said – these models were so detailed and, if I’m honest a wee bit intimidating. I thought I was going to end up in the movie ‘Night at the Museum’ at some points!

What I did find really interesting was when I purchased my ticket. The guy was early twenties if that, and I said the Gallipoli exhibition had been recommended to me. I found his response quite sad if I’m honest. He said he wouldn’t enjoy time looking at something celebrating war. If I had thought quicker, I would have responded but as ever, these things come to me after the event! In my opinion we have to keep remember and keep teaching so that wars and conflict don’t happen again. It is not about celebrating war, it is about learning from it and if we stop teaching it and museums no longer do exhibits like this then all that history is lost.

The Botanic Gardens

I was swindled (again) on this trip – bloomin’ return ticket on the cable car! I do get quite excited about a cable car, it is just such a different way to travel! I think the last time I was on a cable car was Scarborough! Mind you, I think Scarborough has a lot to learn from Wellington!

If you plan to go on the cable car to the Botanic Gardens, just get a one way ticket. The gardens are in the hillside and you end up coming all the way back down the hill while in the gardens!

The gardens are however stunning. There is so much to see and I know I didn’t see all of it. Even in winter the gardens are beautiful.