Wellington
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Wellington with a population of 430,000 is New Zealand’s capital city, and hence the seat of government – in the building affectionately known as “the Beehive”. Wellington is also a centre of excellence for arts and culture, including the country’s national museum, Te Rapa Tongarewa. Sport is also a very important feature of the city, and in particular one of the country’s main stadium’s is located here right down by the waterfront – a totally enclosed building called “the Caketin” because of it’s shape and metallic appearance.
Wellington’s history dates back to Maori tribes who moved gradually south to locate in the sheltered harbour area and formed pa (fortified) sites on the surrounding hills. In the early part of the 19th Century Maori tribes from the Taranaki region also migrated here and began to push out those in earlier occupation.
Significantly on a day in September 1839 a New Zealand Company ship – the Tory – sailed into the harbour and negotiations with the local incumbents led to land purchase agreements that enabled the ensuing waves of British settlers to gain a foothold in this part of the country. On 23 January 1855 there was a serious earthquake in the area, and one drastic effect was that the land along the shore was raised some 1.5 metres above the previous level, making it possible to develop transport routes somewhat easier around the coastal strip.
In 1865 Wellington was “awarded” the role of capital of New Zealand (previously held by Auckland) and Parliament sat here for the first time on 26 July 1865. The reasons put forward for the transition being the “favourable geography, sheltered harbour, and central location”.
Wellington has a natural deep water harbour, and is the stepping stone for many visitors who travel by road vehicle between the north and south islands. The inter-island ferry departs Wellington daily for Picton at the top of the south island.Outside the city you are never far from nature with lots of coastline with natural sandy bays and inland rolling hills. The four immediate areas that surround the city and make up the overall region are: Porirua; Kapiti Coast; Lower and Upper Hutt; and, Wairarapa.
Porirua lies to the north of the city, and provides some lovely walks alongside rugged coastline, but also inland are more serene rivers with parks and reserve land. Activities in this area include: walking, mountainbiking, horseriding, golfing, fishing, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, and diving.
Kapiti also lies to the north of the city, and is mainly remembered as a sandy beach coast with offshore island, although there are also inland areas with hills and mountains. Culture is a strong feature in this area with art galleries, music and local history being important.
Lower Hutt is a city of 95,000 people, which had early beginnings in the 1840’s settlement by the New Zealand Company at Petone. These origins are celebrated each year during the Wellington Anniversary Day (22 January) which was the date of arrival of the first immigrant ship the Aurora.
Upper Hutt is a separate city of around 38,000 people, located a little further out at 25 minutes drive from Wellington city. The Hutt Valley was named after Sir William Hutt who was a director of the New Zealand Company. Upper Hutt enjoys a splendid setting amongst bush clad hills alongside the Hutt River where trout fishing in wonderful clear waters is a popular pastime. Locals also enjoy numerous parks and recreational areas, great for walking, tramping and mountainbiking.
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