Landing in Wellington on Sunday morning almost felt like coming home after having been away for a long while.
As my flight from Auckland touched down at a very wind-swept Wellington airport, I nearly burst into tears, I was so happy to be back. Even the gale-force winds that nearly knocked me over in the parking lot couldn’t dampen my mood. (And the fact that it was warm and sunny despite the wind didn’t hurt, either.)
Lambton Harbor
I ended up spending the whole of that first day in downtown Wellington, just walking and walking and walking. I visited some of my favorite spots, and even some of my not-so-favorite-spots. I took note of what had changed, and what didn’t look any different from that November day in 2008 when I last bid Windy Welly farewell.
And, through this, I was reminded of the things I love about Wellington that I had nearly forgotten about.
Things I Forgot I Missed About Wellington
Cuba Street. I began my first day in Wellington walking from Courtenay Place to the New Zealand Parliament buildings via the main shopping drag of Lambton Quay. I thought this route was great — that is, until I later headed over to the pedestrian-only portion of Cuba Street and was reminded just how brilliant this part of Wellington is. Families were out on walks or shopping outings for Mother’s Day. People were sitting outside cafes and pubs nursing coffee or pints of beer. Kids were skateboarding. The Bucket Fountain was splish-splashing. And the buskers were out in full force, including an amazing classical guitarist. Cuba Street is just so VIBRANT. I could have sat there for hours, just watching people.
The waterfront. On such a nice autumn, weekend day, people were out enjoying their city. Wellington was alive. Locals and visitors alike were walking, cycling, roller blading along the waterfront. Boys were playing rugby. Children were clambering around on playground equipment. I love the way Wellington has transformed its waterfront into a family-friendly place.
The surprises. Any city can offer up surprises around every corner, so I wasn’t necessarily surprised to find new construction where there previously had been none, closed shops, and even the occasional graffiti. Wellington is a city, after all, and it does have its flaws. But, is there any other city in the world that can greet you on your first morning with a huge pod of wild dolphins? Wellington did just that, with over a hundred dolphins putting on a show in Lyall Bay.
The people. I’d almost forgotten how much I love kiwis. Sure, not all of them are going to want to become your best friend, but most are friendly and will strike up a conversation with you if you sit near them long enough. But my favorite thing about the people of this country, besides their hospitality? Their ATTITUDES. New Zealanders are incredibly laid-back, which I think probably only enhances that friendliness. No one is in a rush here; they like to chat over cups of tea, they will stop for any and all pedestrians on the road without the use of stoplights, and they even thank all the bus drivers.
Old Government Buildings
The colors. On a bright sunny day, Wellington comes alive with some of the most saturated colors you could ever dream of seeing. There’s the blue of the sky, the green of the grass, and the various bright hues of the buildings, houses, and people. I forgot how colorful Wellington could be on a day like this. I loved walking along the waterfront and looking up at the pastel-colored homes nestled into the nearby hillsides.
Along the harbor
Walking everywhere. Wellington is so accessible, as long as you’ve got two sturdy feet at the ends of your legs. Sure, you can drive a car or take a bus around the city, but, once in downtown Wellington, it’s so easy to just walk everywhere. I miss this. You can’t walk very many places in Ohio and be productive. So I spent all day just walking loops around Wellington, reveling in the fact that I could.
Civic Square
The clouds. The clouds in New Zealand are not simply white or blue or gray. They are also varying shades of purple, peach, and lightest pink. Even at mid-day, the clouds in Wellington are unlike any clouds I’ve ever seen in Ohio. And the sunsets? You can’t beat them here.
Just before sunset at Lyall Bay
After being reminded how much I love this place, I get the feeling that it will (once again) be very difficult to leave.
Do you ever find, after re-visiting a place, that there are things about it you forgot you loved so much?
Sounds like you’re having a blast! Love the photos. And Cuba St sounds brilliant. Can’t wait to get to Wellington now!
Jeremy recently posted..Two weeks in awe-inspiring Tasmania
Definitely having fun, even though the weather seems as though it may be out to get me! Haha. Cuba Street is so so great. Don’t miss it when you do make your way up to Welly!
Ah, what a wonderful post, it reads like a love letter to Wellington! I’m glad you’re having such a great time in your favourite city. I often find that when going back to a place, there are things I loved so much that I had almost forgotten about. Funny though that this isn’t necessarily true for the bad things about a place.
Christina recently posted..Discovering Vancouver- Coal Harbour waterfront walkway
No, you’re right, this usually only holds true for the things about a place that you love. Though, as I said, I am also able to make note of Wellington’s flaws, too. It’s definitely not “perfect.” But, then again, nothing ever is.
Thanks for reading, and I’m glad you enjoyed the post! My time in NZ has been great so far. No complaints!
What lovely pictures of Wellington – no wonder you missed it
I loved Cuba Street and the colors. I also thought people were very fashion conscious… with all those incredible thrift shops! I wasn’t very lucky the few days I spent there – it was rainy and windy – but still loved it and definitely want to go back.
Katherina recently posted..A Taste of Lac Léman
I definitely caught Wellington on a good day – very windy, but gorgeously sunny. It’s on days like those in Wellington that I can’t think of anywhere more brilliant.
And yes, people are very fashion-conscious here! I feel like quite a schlub in my jeans and tennis shoes!
Gorgeous post and so glad Welly gave you such a fab welcome back! It really is a special little city and I’m very grateful to call it my home. It was so lovely to meet you. The girls are still talking about you (& your accent!).
Love your photos – the cloud shot over The Majestic Centre is superb!
Enjoy the rest of your trip, Sarah, Dan & girls x
Sarah recently posted..Heaven is for Real
Thank you so much, Sarah – both for your kind words, and for opening up your home to me! Your family was absolutely lovely. And, who knows, maybe I still will take you up on that offer of staying with you again on my way back through.
You all are so lucky to call Wellington home!
so glad you got to go back amanda!!! i do understand this feeling! from revisiting so many of the places i used to live, and from argentina and thailand. it’s so clear from your photos why you love it there so much! the dolphins?! WOW and that last photo too- beautiful! and i agree about kiwis- have met some at other points and recently many in rarotonga who are so friendly and i keep in touch with still. have to get there. enjoy every minute!
Lorna – the roamantics recently posted..Life and Travel Lessons from Mom
Yes, you absolutely MUST get here, Lorna! It’s so amazing. And thanks for the kind words about my photos. It’s not difficult to take great ones here, though..
Great to hear that it’s just how you remembered it – I find that often just the opposite can be the case!
megan recently posted..Getting drunk on the road to Kathmandu
Yes, the opposite can sometimes be the case, unfortunately. But I’m glad Wellington hasn’t changed much. I like to be able to remember it this way.
It looks fabulous Amanda! So pretty.
Gillian @OneGiantStep recently posted..Coming Home- One Year Later
Fabulous is the perfect word to describe it, for sure!
It’s so much fun to read your posts; they’re so informative and the photos are beautiful. I’ll never go to Wellington (I have a fear of flying over the ocean), but this gives me a real feel of the place. Wonderful!
Thanks, Karen.
Hopefully I was able to bring a little bit of Wellington to you.
Aaaaw, lovers reunited. Glad to see you back in the place you love, Amanda.
jill- Jack and JIll Travel recently posted..Cueva de La Vaca – From Caving Virgins to Caving Addicts
Reunited at last! Haha. Thanks for reading, Jill!
Beautiful! I am so happy for you to be back!
I hope that I feel like this when I finally get back to Sydney too, I can’t wait and your post made me that much more excited!
Enjoy your trip!
Annie recently posted..Cliffs of Moher- Ireland
Thanks, Annie! I hope you feel like this in Australia, too!
It looks beautiful! I hope to be able to visit one day. Great people and just a great place to explore!
Jeremy Branham recently posted..Budget Travel deals of the week May 10- 2011
It’s a great city, and I hope you get to visit someday, too, Jeremy!
Looks like Wellington (and the dolphins) was welcoming you back too! Through your pictures I can see why you like Wellington. Add in the people (they actually stop while you cross the street??) and you have a very winning combination.
Debbie Beardsley recently posted..Historic Castles in the Czech Republic
Wellington was definitely welcoming me back. And what a great welcome it was!
And yes, drivers here just stop when you want to cross the street!! It’s insane.
All I can say is…. long deep sigh!
I haven’t been back to NZ in the last 4 years or so and these pictures gave me that itch to go back even more. Fortunately it is happening… exactly around Rugby World Cup time this year
A Kiwi in Chile recently posted..Local Customer Service
It’s been 2.5 years since my last trip to NZ… it was long overdue!!
And going back around the RWC should be insane, but so much fun! I’m jealous.
Civic Square is so empty, looks like everybody at waterfront
Vi recently posted..Is it safe to go to New Zealand now
I think a lot of people were out having Mother’s Day brunches, too. Haha.
You totally deserved this trip, your passion for New Zealand is quite evident. Hope you have an incredible time, beautiful photos by the way!
Thank you so much, Christine! I definitely love New Zealand, and you can expect a lot more gushy posts to come!
Wow Wellington is a lot nicer than I had imagined, I am a bit sorry I skipped it when I was in NZ.
Ayngelina recently posted..The cutest ghetto in Latin America
You skipped Welly?? I don’t think we can be friends any more… Haha, just kidding. A lot of people seem to write Wellington off and skip it when they’re in New Zealand. But it really is a great city!!!
I really love Wellington as well, its have been 4 years since my last visit. Its more then about time I get back there again
Can’t believe you saw dolphins again, I never got to see them, even thought I spend 11 months in NZ.
Tijmen recently posted..Kamchatka- The Land of Fire and Ice
It’s definitely about time you get back to Welly!!
And I saw even MORE dolphins in Akaroa!
Hello,
I think Wellington is a great city, at least – in my opinion. I like the landscapes very much, such pure nature. It looks very romantic, relaxing and pleasant. Looking forward to visiting Wellington, for sure! Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work!
Joshua
Joshua recently posted..Online Plumbing Courses
Amanda, if we see and photograph these as well, these things are never forgotten. Great photos and post!
fotoeins recently posted..Lunch at Madero Curitiba
I’m glad you enjoyed the post and photos. And, while I agree that these things are never really “forgotten,” sometimes it takes a return visit to remind us how much we really love a place.
Oh, Wellington! I visited there once in 2004 and have been dreaming of it since. Your photos are beautiful, and these details have reminded me just how I fell in love with that city (even though I have an entire New Zealand island still to visit).
Briana recently posted..Three in a Cafe
It’s such a wonderful city. Yes, you have to get past all the wind. But once you do, it’s awesome. Glad to hear you’re a fan as well!