Guides explain
the natural
history that has
lead to exquisite
limestone
formations in the
Waitomo Caves.
Courtesy of
Tourism
Holdings.
The Weta Cave screens a behind-the-
There’s more Nature on view at the Botanic
In the Lambton Quay commercial
scenes look at Weta and interviews with
Garden, best reached by a cable-car ride
district, in the heart of Wellington’s
Weta co-founders Peter Jackson, Richard
(panoramic city views are a bonus). The
Golden Shopping Mile, is the city’s
Taylor, Tania Rodger and Jamie Selkirk. In
garden encompasses almost 62 acres of
iconic department store, Kirkcaldie &
the mini-museum are characters, props and
varied landscape, protected native forest,
Stains (think Macy’s in New York
displays from the movies and stories about
conifers, specialized plant collects and
City!). I was welcomed by a friendly
how they were created. For sale in the shop
colourful floral displays. It is classified as a
Commissionaire at the front door and
are limited edition hand-crafted sculptures by
Garden of National Significance by the
ushered inside, where browsing as well
the Weta artists; Weta-designed clothing,
Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture
as shopping is still relaxed and civilized.
jewelry and souvenirs; Doctor Grordbort’s
and is a Historic Places Trust Heritage Area.
Rayguns and books, DVDs, magazines,
Admission here is also free.
Courtenay Place, a virtual Restaurant
Row, offers all sorts of ethnic
posters and art from the world of movies.
Wellington is a great walking city. Along
flavors: Chinese, French, Italian, Indian
The company is named after the Weta, a
lively Cuba Street, there are restaurants,
– and more. Café culture is strong
cricket-like insect described as “a very cool,
bars and boutiques selling trendy fashions.
throughout the city, so it’s possible to
prickly little monster, unique to New
The Trawling Sea Market serves what may
sample the locally roasted coffee and
Zealand.” (The Māori name for the giant
be the best fresh-from-the-sea fish and chips
compare it with Starbucks (several
species is Wetapunga or “the god of the ugly
(the fish would be terakihi, not cod or
locations in the city).
things.”) The Cave is open 7 days a week,
haddock).
from 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; admission is free.