New Zealand Part 2: Wellington Walk Part 1

A good pair of walking shoes can really take you far in Wellington. It’s a very easy city to navigate on foot (and I confess I’m a bit intimidated by strange bus systems). Walking also allows you to find some hidden gems and notice the finer details.
My home base was in Oriental Bay, easy distance from downtown.  The seawall and walkway run between downtown and around Oriental Bay; windy, but gorgeous. Grab a latte or an amazing Gelato from Kaffee Eis, 236 Oriental Parade and enjoy the stroll into town. 

There’s a charming wishing well and public art adorns the walkway.  Giant Norfolk Pines, well actually normal size, but in Canada we only get the dwarf houseplant variety, line the walkway and at night they are beautifully lit.  As you get closer to town the beautiful Pohutukawa, sometimes called the Kiwi Christmas tree take over. 

Pohutukawa

As you reach the Freyberg Pool, look across the street and you’ll see Parade Cafe, my favourite of the cafe’s I visited.  Sadly, rumour has it, they may close as their location is being torn down for a real estate development. I’ve included their website address below. Check them out – you won’t be disappointed. 

Past the pool is a small marina, a place to rent bicycles, and  a children’s park.  There’s a bridge crossing a small waterway and then you are in the parking lot that on Sunday’s is home to the local farmer’s market.   New Zealand has an amazing array of produce and well just food in general.  I was not expecting Macadamia nut products from Hawkes Bay or Olive Oils from Hastings.  I picked up Macadamia nut butter for my dad and brought home two bottles of Waiohiki Olive Oil for myself.  The Frantoio is a classic smooth olive oil which I am enjoying in my daily cooking, but the Koroneiki has an almost green smell. It’s tangy and a beautiful base for salad dressings.  

Farmer's Market with Te Papa in the background.

I love farm tours, markets and trying local produce.  I was lucky enough to visit the Wellington farmer’s market twice on my trip. Try the wood fired margarita pizza with fresh basil or the chocolate Brioche.  I also discovered a good source for fresh and reasonably priced tofu.  I honestly don’t know how the Kiwi vegetarians make out.  The restaurants usually have options but as far as what we are used to, they have little variety or availability of tofu, tempeh and other meatless alternatives.  Yves veggie cuisine should open up shop! 

Carrying on, the large building in front of you is Te Papa Museum that I referred to in my last post. Veer to the left and you’ll arrive at the front door or follow the water around the back side for a spectacular look at the harbour.  Please spread your visit over two days so you can truly enjoy it. 

All this walking and coffee, you probably have to pee.  Don’t worry.  New Zealand is blessed with an abundance of gracious, clean, public toilets – and I’ll go into great detail in a later post. 

Peace to you, and if you can spare a dime, the people of Haiti could really use our help. 

http://www.wellingtonnz.com/sights_activities/freyberg_pool_fitness_centre 

http://www.paradecafe.co.nz/