Wellington is no sleepy layover town where you catch the ferry across the Cook Strait. I immediately fell in love with New Zealand’s capital. It’s one of those cities I could actually live in. Who knows, maybe some day… Before I got to Wellington, I spent a couple of very lonely days on Cape Palliser, so a little city life didn’t turn me off. I decided to stay for two full days.

I spent most of my days strolling the city along the beautiful bay, sitting on one of the side walks along the way with a good cup of strong coffee.; no visit to the city is complete without a walk along the waterfront.

Up from Mount Victoria Lookout you have get a panoramic view of city and harbour. You can watch the ferries sailing in through the harbour and aircraft taking off from Wellington Airport. It’s also one of the city’s most popular visitor sites. And for LOTR fans, it’s also quite a special place; some of the very first footage for The Lord of the Rings Trilogy was filmed here. “We found a really good, spooky-looking road for the scene where the four Hobbits run and hide under the tree roots as the Black Rider approaches” Sir Peter Jackson says of the site on Mount Victoria, which was used in the famous ‘Get off the road’ scene. Unfortunately I came across this only after I left Wellington, so I have to return some day – which is on my agenda for 2015 anyway.

The view of Wellington from Mount Victoria Lookout.

Walking along the waterfront of Wellington is an absolute must for every visitor.

Paddling along the waterfront in a Kayak is also a good way to experience Wellington a different way.

Mount Victoria in Wellington is a well known spot for visitors and looks like a nice area to live in.

Downtown Wellington viewed from the top of Mount Victoria.

Street artist have done some amazing graffiti work in the centre of Wellington.

Exploring Downtown Wellington was a real highlight.

I love street art because it’s available for everyone at any time of the day.

Take off at the ferry terminal if the Interislander in Wellington.

The ferry ride across Cook Strait was a real highlight. Especially when reaching the South Island.