Wellington
by Ginger Dingus, CruiseCritic.com
Wellington, New Zealand's cosmopolitan
capital city, is located at the southern tip of the North
Island and at the physical center of the country. You could
say that all roads lead to Wellington -- as do all ferries
cruising over from the South Island, about 60 miles away across
Cook Strait.
According to Maori legend, the two main islands of New Zealand
are actually the great canoe of Maui (the South Island) and
the giant fish he caught (the North Island). Wellington harbor
is the mouth of that huge fish. So where did the city's name
come from? >From Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington
and British Prime Minster from 1828 to 1830.
Though a geographic hub, Wellington is surprisingly compact
-- it's nestled between the harbor and steep, forest-clad
hills -- and wonderfully walkable. The revamped waterfront
area leads from the cruise dock at the eastern edge of town
to the must-see Te Papa museum in the west. A stroll along
the quay is filled with surprises. There's a grassy playground
for kids, large-scale sculptures and fun wooden walkways.
Cross the street, and you'll have your choice of cafes and
shops.
Contact Ginger Dingus for full text.
|
