After spending the day before in the rugged high-country landscape and mountainous scenery of the…read moreHakatere Conservation Park, we sailed to New Zealand's capital city, Wellington, also known as "the coolest little capital." So, we asked what makes this city "cool?" And we set out on a 15-minute shuttle bus ride from the Port of Wellington (Aotea Quay) into the CBD, where we noticed the architectural mix of Victorian structures and adventurous modern designs, beautiful and colorful murals with British historical and Maori influences, high-end international and local designer stores mixed in between fast-food cafes such as McDonald's and shawarma cafes. Before getting off the shuttle bus, our guide mentioned the historic yet updated Wellington Cable Car as a popular attraction and pointed out its tucked-away lower station off Lambton Quay, a shopping street. He cautioned that many residents and University students use it, so we might have to "squeeze in" during peak hours, but assured us that during the ride up, we'd be treated to a cool light show similar to 70s disco flashes. At the top of the hill or Kelburn Lookout, there would be a panoramic view of Wellington CBD, a cute museum and cafe, public washrooms, and a free shuttle to Zealandia Bird Sanctuary, Victoria University, and the suburb of Kelburn. As it turned out, after hearing from our shuttle bus guide, four other fellow passengers and their spouses decided to follow us by browsing on Lambton Quay, riding the Cable Car, and going to the Wellington Botanic Garden. I suddenly felt "stressed" because these eight others put their faith into our navigational skills, even though we told them this was our first time in Wellington. We each purchased a single or one-way ticket ($6.50 NZD), waited a few minutes for the funicular railway car to pull into the lower station, and boarded. Along the short, under 8-minute (we stopped at 3 stations along the way) journey, the "cool experience" traveled through 3 tunnels of blinking colored lights, made stops at 3 intermediate stations along the railway, where most of us either craned our necks or contorted our bodies to catch the picturesque views along the way. After exiting the cable car, I rushed over to the lookout area by the cafe took a photo while the others looked for the restrooms. I told them to meet in the museum then we'd regroup then look for the botanic garden. Meanwhile, I asked the store cashier for a map of the city, and she obliged with a free one, even pointing out access to the Wellington Botanical Garden across the street. I breathed a sigh of relief as I regrouped with my husband and the rest of the gang to "lead the way" to the Wellington Botanic Gardens and more. Riding this cable car was a short, scenic, and fun experience which I'd love to return to.

The Wellington Cable Car is both public transportation and super fun tourist attraction in the…read moreheart of Wellington CBD. You can get the low end right in downtown; it has a handful of stops up the mountain which crosses highways and allows you to avoid a plethora of stairs. It runs constantly so you're never waiting more than a few minutes. The upper end is at the top; you'll find botanical gardens, a cafe/restaurant, the free Cable Car Museum, and free shuttle to Zealandia Eco Sanctuary; all these things are must-visits if you love birds and flowers. Tickets are reasonable, and they have student and monthly passes if you live in town. You can buy one-ways or round-trips depending; if you plan on the Botanical Gardens you only need a one-way as it's all downhill back into the city. At the top station there's also a small display from Weta Workshop, which is a fun addition. It's also a great photo location with panoramic views of the city and bay below. This is a must-visit spot in Wellington.

I did a LOT of riding the Metlink, Wellington's bus network. As the capital city and since it is…read morequite spread out, there are over 100 bus lines, the funicular, some ferries and even a few suburban trains. Some of the buses are diesel and some are electric, most of the buses have bike racks on front. It is the most used public transportation system in the country. As well, the city's hilly network makes a public transport system quite the lifesaver. Metlink converted from paper tickets to a tap in / tap out debit card system though it is still possible to purchase fares from the driver with cash. The card system is called "Snapper" and the cards can be loaded online (if you have an online account) or from kiosks around the city. When you "tap in" the cost for your fare is displayed and how much credit you have remaining. Easy to use and relatively inexpensive. I found the bus frequency to be plenty often - I never waited more than ten minutes. And it was pretty awesome to have up-to-date information displayed on the screen at the bus stop. [Review 494 of 2024 - 143 in New Zealand - 21526 overall]

It's a charming vintage guest house . For the price I give high marks as well . Paint on walls were…read morenewly done . Bedding was new . Comfortable . Refrigerator , coffee tea pot with food amenities . Situated close to many excellent restaurants . 6 minutes by car to Ferry . 15 minute walk to museum . 10 minute walk to Happiness Restaurant an excellent Asian restaurant .Safe neighborhood . It's a very quiet guest house with about 12 rooms . I will come back if I visit Wellington in the future . Medicine Woman

This place is weird but I guess you get what you pay for. The owners were extremely rude to me…read moreabout being an hour late at checkout , despite every other room being empty and no one waiting for a room. I explained my ride was running late by an hour but was on the way to one person and a few minutes later another came down and banged on my door shouting " WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO LEAVE?" . I was quiet and respectful both nights I stayed here so I didn't understand why you would treat someone who is paying you that way. The rooms are small and dingy and the whole place is super creepy as well. Stay here if you want rude service by scary people.

there is something magical about a 3 PM check in and don't try it at 2:55. That is unless you have…read moreone of the most expensive rooms in the hotel because regular customers -- people have to wait until the clock strikes exactly 3. The people stuttering at the desk trying to explain why my room wasn't ready but would be at exactly 3 PM. Hate mid level hotels that try to be oh so much more then kind, clean and helpful. I would never stay here again ...... especially in a city with lots of other choices.

This hotel is starting to look tired and dated. The room was clean and spacious. But the decor is…read morenot as modern as other hotels. The frosted glass of the bathroom that looks into the bed area was weird. The bed was comfortable and big. The kitchenette has a frig and microwave, as well as an electric stovetop. Parking is very limited. I had to park my vehicle at the street. It was cheaper since it was a friday and the staff said it's free on weekends. I'm not sure how safe it is though, so better take out all the valuables.