Activities:
Te Papa/Museum of New Zealand - The six floors took me three hours to get through. There were exhibits on nature, people, earthquakes, and war to name a few; another well thought out museum, and free as well!
Botanic Gardens - Large variety of plants and greenery, biked there from the hostel with their free bikes. Be warned of the steep terrain if biking.
Zealandia Ecosanctuary - Large eco-park with hiking trails, wildlife, and a hanging bridge. Shuttle there from the city runs about every hour.
Lord of the Rings - Started by visiting filming sites such as the secluded Rivendell and learned about the filmmaking process. At one location there were bushes full of fresh blackberries, at another there was a hanging suspension bridge similar to those in Costa Rica’s rainforest. In the afternoon we toured Peter Jackson’s movie studio, Weta Cave. It was full of cool and very real props from various movies produced. Various warehouses around this part of Wellington have been quietly used for filming for many years.
Lodging:
The Marion - Shortly put it was the best hostel I've ever stayed at in 35 countries worth of traveling. Very unique and quirky, social but not too loud, curtains around beds, lockers, lounges, pancake nights, just to name a few things. #themarion
Eateries:
Mt. Vic Chippery - Fresh fish n’ chips, best I’ve ever had. Went three times within my eight days there.
Mama Brown - Milkshakes and malts. One complaint was their hours/prices were inconsistent with those posted on their website.
Pickle & Pie - Gourmet meat pies, selection varies.
Zambrero - NZ burrito chain, not quite as good as Chipotle in the U.S. but close!
Tank - NZ smoothie chain, great selection.
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