Windy Welly impressions

New Zealand is not about the cities. At least for us. It is about the breathtaking power of nature that can compare to nothing else in the world. But this time, the city was calling. So here are some impressions of the trendy, charming, compact, walkable, little treasure box of "Kiwilandia", the capital of New Zealand. Where the wind never stops blowing your hair - Wellington. Aka Windy Welly, probably the windiest city of the world. :)

Inspiration through the power of the wind. Reflections of the sun.
​And the iconic statue of the "Solace in the wind".

So what did I like about Wellington the most? That it's small and compact. Tidy and clean. Easy to walk through and accessible by foot. No need for a car downtown. There actually is a downtown. Probably the most European-like city in NZ. Trendy cafés and the waterfront. A promenade running through the city along the shore for long kilometres, the perfect place to have a stroll or a bike ride, and playgrounds all the way. Topped with a cool marina. 

THE ice cream spot :) with a view...

The cute and colourful houses. Mixed with some modern buildings. The iconic palm trees downtown.  A touch of culture and style, and the people - fashionable, artsy, hipster. This city definitely has a special vibe. 

This is Te Papa Tongarewa, the National Museum, just by the waterfront, with a great natural and cultural/historic collection. It was built on a site the size of 3 rugby fields. A truly Kiwi way to relate to size, where the rugby culture is so significant. :) And amazingly, with plenty of little inspirational corners for kids on every level. NZ is so absolutely kid friendly! The story goes, once it rains in Wellington, and it does quite often, the museum is totally full because all the families with kids go to play and explore there. :) Btw the entrance is free. 

Some evening atmosphere...

And the vibrant Sunday market. 

If you are wondering now where Wellington is actually located - it is on the Southern end of the North Island, claiming its fame as the southernmost capital of the world! :) Right in the middle of a long pathway, Te Araroa, leading all the way up to the tip of the North Island, to a fascinating place called Cape Reinga where the two seas meet, and further down to Bluff the other way, all together 3000 km. This is when one realises how big and long this country really is...

​Some more interesting facts:
- Wellington is located exactly on an active geological fault, between the Australian and the Pacific Plates. Meaning a high risk of earthquakes. We were surprised to see the signs indicating how far one eventually has to climb up on the hills to reach a safe zone in the event of a tsunami. 

- Apparently, people don't pay for water here, there is no water bill... The advantages of rainfall? :)
- The wind really blows from everywhere, and even when the sun is out, it feels chilly and fresh. But it also makes your hair go play loose and free :)
- And for the Lord of the Rings fans: this is the Middle of Middle Earth. Look who will greet you at the airport once you decide to visit :)

And this view. Beautiful lush green hills surrounding. Setting a frame and giving a structure to the city.  With plenty of options for a relaxing bush walk.

​As they say, you can't beat Wellington on a sunny day. This is how it looks like from the Southern end with the clear blue sky. Amazing, isn't it?
​The land of the long white cloud...

***Got inspired? So happy if you share ;)