Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand. Known as much for being able to walk anywhere in the city as much as it is for being very windy all the time. Its also the site if the ferry terminal to cross the Cook Straight to reach the South Island. We stayed at hotel cause it was cheaper to split than a hostel. Pretty decent place too! Was kinda expecting a rats nest given the price.

Our first day into town, we toured some botanical gardens and came across a free outdoor concert. The band was decent and theres a new act every night during summer. The next day we wandered down Cuba street. Its an outdoor mall with plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, musicians, and fortune tellers. Theres also a fountain made of giant scoops like the ones at a bulk store called the Bucket Fountain. Makes for a good landmark when your lost.

Im not too much into the whole "Lord of the Rings" thing, but Wellington is the site of many filming locations for the movie. The world premiere for The Hobbit was held here in November at the Embassy theatre. Above the marquis stands a giant statue of Gandolf watching over a round hobbit house door. Its cool. I've never been to a theatre thats hosted a world premiere before, sold i sprung the extra
few bucks to watch it there. Enjoyed the film, and the venue was great too! The Embassy was built in the 30's, a time when seeing a movie was an event to be seen at, so the inside was all class.

Wellington had too many great places to spend the $$ so after a few great days, I jumped on the ferry to the South Island and a whole new adventure!