Another week is coming to an end and I am completing my journey through the North Island. You can read in the following text, what I can say about Wellington and how I managed to avoid a big blun
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Palmerston North
Because of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing I had to travel a long distance to Wellington. Therefore, I first visited Palmerston North and maybe the most beautiful lighthouse in Castlepoint. Palmerston North is an important city even in early ages. In the city central you can see old picture of the historic days. The city was never nice looking and it didn’t get better in recent years. It’s a settlement build for the industry. After my brief stay, I ventured to the other side of the coast to Castlepoint.
Castlepoint
Despite my big detour only for this lighthouse, in the end it was worth it. If the weather wouldn’t always be horrible, I could really see everything what this small town offered. Lighthouse is standing proud on his steep cliffs. Because of the weather, my first glance was from my camp. The weather didn’t get any better on the next morning, but I still wanted to see the lighthouse in all its glory. I cannot say how often I was standing in such a strong wind. Unfortunately, in the late evening hours the weather didn’t improve and a picture of the shining lighthouse was not approved.
Wellington
On my first day in Wellington, I visited the Weta Caves. The perfect place for those who love movie props. Unfortunately, taking photos is not allowed on the tour as Weta does not have the rights to their own creations and the film studios have a strict no-picture policy. My brief visit to the city made me realize there wasn't much to see in Wellington, so I decided to book my ticket to Picton for Saturday morning.
I traveled from my camp to Wellington by train on Friday. I made the decision to walk along the coast. Following a 16 km round trip and multiple phone calls about a potential job in Christchurch, I decided to visit the national museum Te Papa. The museum's origins lie in engaging with children, a legacy that is still evident today. Despite their lack of knowledge about infrastructure and road traffic, you have to admit that the Kiwis offer many activities tailored for children. Having witnessed what was likely the most unpleasant exhibition ever, a special display on the war in Gallipoli, I returned to the station. Of course, I hadn't taken an umbrella or rain jacket with me and got soaked up to my toes.
The next morning I actually wanted a day off where I could do everyday things, but a glance at my ferry ticket at 6:55 a.m. showed me that I had booked for Saturday and not Sunday as I had thought. Check-in closes at 7:15 a.m. and it takes me at least fifteen minutes to get to the station. My trip to Wellington involved me wearing my pajamas and discovering that the speed limits are more guidelines than actual rules. I made it to my destination without incident and am now writing this on the ferry.
I'm leaving for Christchurch, and from there, my South Island adventure unfolds.
As always, you can view more pictures in the gallery.
