JASON'S RECENT SELF-DRIVE MINI TRIP OF WELLINGTON - AUCKLAND WEST COAST NEW ZEALAND:

DAY 1: Arrived on NZ754 Sat 05Aug MELWLG 1825/2355

Wellington:

I arrived around midnight on a Saturday night to a wet and windy Wellington, capital city of New Zealand and one of my favourite places on earth. A short taxi ride of around 20 mins and NZD$25.00 later, I arrived at the Novotel Hotel Capital Wellington.

Fact: According to the latest population estimate in June 2006, The Wellington region (including Kapiti, Porirua, Hutt Valley and Wairarapa) has the third highest population, containing 11.3% of New Zealand's population. Wellington city has 183,500 and the entire region totals 451,400.


Nightlife: I decided as it was a Saturday night that it would be a great time to experience Wellington’s nightlife at it’s busiest even though the winter rain and 10 degree celcius temperatures may have driven a few people away. I never felt uncomfortable walking around the city and it felt quite safe and friendly even at this late hour as people were out partying. Wellington has a great pub scene with a number of Irish and English style pubs to have a few pints of New Zealand’s great local ales. New Zealand has also excellent local white wines due to it’s climate.


Fact: Drinks generally cost between NZD$7-10 for beer and spirits etc. There is no tipping required in New Zealand and the taxes are included in all the prices! The NZD$ will give you about a 20% saving compared to the CAD$.

The pubs and clubs are mainly concentrated in an area called Cuba St and Mall and also along Courtenay Place (5 or so blocks away) which also houses many restaurants and funky cafés. There is a brilliant cinema complex on Courtenay Street too called Reading Cinemas that has Gold Lounge seating which are comfy recliner lounge chairs and delivery to your seat of drinks and food etc.











Cuba St Mall