Did you see my pics? Well...that is what you get! Actually, the best pictures can be taken from…read moreacross the street so you can get the whole thing. Can't exactly give a 5 when you can't truly explore the place. When we visited the House of Parliament they told us to be sure to check out the original library. We got excited, but this is it. You get the pleasure of looking at a historical brick building. I am very happy it hasn't been torn down and managed to survive the earth tremors. On that note, it is currently closed due to pending earthquake strengthening. It would have been lovely to explore it inside, but you will have to adore her from the outside until further notice. Here is the history: It is the birthplace of New Zealand's national library. Alexander Turnbull built the house with his extensive collection of books, maps, and documents in mind. These items helped to create New Zealand's national library collection. In 1920 the house was opened to the public to display Turnbull's library and remained so until 1973 when the library was moved. The rooms have been open to the public since Turnbull's death in 1918. The only other closure until now was a period in 1955-57 for the strengthening and refurbishment of the building. Although the building is closed, what you can see and appreciate on the outside is the architecture. It is a combination of Scottish Baronial steep gables, Queen Anne red brickwork contrasted with white timber window frames with small panes, and medieval two story high bay windows. It is an easy building to find since it is across from the Houses of Parliament and directly across from the Beehive. If you are staying anywhere I the heart of downtown Wellington it is easy to walk to. Public transport is just a few meters away and there is parking along The Terrace and at the wharf. Plus, it is just a little walk to the Lambton Quay shops and cafes in the area. If you are going to the Houses of Parliament, then check out this historic building.

The Wellington Cenotaph was built in 1931 and dedicated later that year on ANZAC Day to commemorate…read moreto Australians and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac) who fought and died in the Gallipoli Campaign in World War I. After World War II, two bronze lions and a series of bronze friezes were added to honor those soldiers, too. Conveniently located across from the cruise boat shuttle stop, it was a nice place to stop for a few minutes to honor those who fought to protect their country. From the memorial, climb the stairs to reach the Parliament Buildings including the iconic Wellington Beehive.

The Wellington Cenotaph sits in the heart of Wellington, the capitol of New Zealand. It honors the…read moreNew Zealand war dead from the two great wars. It was initially erected in 1931 for WWI, with a youth on horseback of Pegasus. Two bronze lions were later added to commemorate WWII. The entire structure is 167 feet high, It also includes a carillon (musical instrument of bells) inside, weighing 70 tonnes, and is the third largest in the world (largest one being in South Korea).

Dedicated in 1943, the Pukeahu National War Memorial commemorates the New Zealanders who gave their…read morelives in the South African War, World War II and the wars in Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam. There are several structures but the tall one that is visible from quite a distance is the War Memorial Carillon which is closed for earthquake refurbishment until at least 2027. An Unknown New Zealand Warrior is interred in front of the Hall of Memories. The Pukeahu Park below the Carillon opened in April 2015. It has memorials from New Zealand and from New Zealand's allies. Below the park is a traffic tunnel that carries State Highway 1 for a short distance. There are a number of memorials and structures here. Some are particularly noteworthy including The Man with the Donkey that is based on a photograph from Gallipoli and is a "tribute to all medical personnel, stretcher bearers and ambulance drivers who served alongside New Zealand troops in wartime." Take your time to explore and appreciate those who served and sacrificed for our freedoms. [Review 471 of 2024 - 121 in New Zealand - 21503 overall]

As the seat of government for the country of New Zealand, the Parliament Buildings are comprised of…read more4 buildings in a 45,000 meter site in the capital of Wellington. The executive wing building is also known as the 'Beehive' and serves as a landmark for visitors trying to orient themselves. As our shuttle driver let us off, he remarked that get off/get on stop was intentionally across the street from the building so that lost visitors could find their way back by asking any local how to get back to the 'Beehive'. The building wasn't open when we came on an early Sunday morning, but its visitor center was scheduled to open at 09:30, with free public tours available throughout the day.

You can't deny that the Te Whare Mīere building that houses the modern wing of the New Zealand…read moreparliamentary offices looks like a Beehive. It took 12 years to complete, finally opening in 1981. The prime minister's office and the cabinet meet on the 9th floor (though there are also four floors below ground). Other than a silhouette of a Kiwi bird, it is one of the most recognizable shapes that represents New Zealand. Some parts of the building are open to the public, subject to the usual security screening. This sure isn't the state house in Austin Texas or Olympia Washington where firearms are permitted. Americans, eh? There are four buildings here that host the executive and legislative branches of government, including Parliament House, the Parliamentary Library, the Beehive (also known as the Executive Wing), and Bowen House. The grounds are open and clearly host protests regularly when the government is in session. [Round number review 500 of 2024 - 149 in New Zealand - 21532 overall]

It turns out that there is also a Picton Memorial in Wales which commemorates Lieutenant General…read moreSir Thomas Picton. He was the highest ranking British officer to die at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. And yes, the town of Picton New Zealand is also named for him. This memorial includes the names of 31 soldiers from Picton who died fighting the War to End All Wars. Additions were added to the memorial to honor additional 20th century conflicts, including World War II and the Vietnam War. The bright white memorial has a place of honor overlooking the Picton Harbor. [Review 446 of 2024 - 98 in New Zealand - 21479 overall]

Picton War Memorial was dedicated in 1925 and can be found on the edge of Picton Harbor . This…read morelovely location in Picton Memorial Park overlooks "Queen Charlotte Sound "and was actually chosen by the local citizens here honoring Marlborough Sounds Serviceman whom were killed or missing during World War l and World War ll. We walked up the steps to the top of the monument and saw names of soldiers whom lost their life fighting for King & Country. This memorial reminds us that "Freedom" comes with a price, and should not be taken for granted ! Thanks for reading ! Live/Love/Travel !

The Public Trust building was built in the Edwardian Baroque style. It was completed in 1908 and is…read morethe only surviving building made of New Zealand granite from the Tonga Bay. It is believed to be New Zealand's first steel framed office building. After the earthquake in 2013, there were concerns about the structural integrity of the historic building and safety of the occupants. The building was sold and earthquake strengthened. The renovation of this beautiful historic landmark has been recognized with architectural awards. A nice site to see along the walk from the Parliament Buildings to the Wellington Cable Car.

New Zealand's national museum is "Te Papa" which is Māori for 'the treasure box' and it does look a…read morelot like a jewelry box. I did want to see the Gallipoli exhibit but it was slammed all three times I walked past. Instead, lots of art and history. There's a space on the roof with a patio and a fabulous view. I spent over two hours. It was a great time. Oh, and it's free. [Review 479 of 2024 - 129 in New Zealand - 21511 overall]

I read really good reviews on the museum but me and my husband aren't really museum people, however…read morewhen it started raining in Wellington we knew we needed to try something indoors! The museum is very neat and large- has multiple floors. They have many interesting exhibits that can entertain all ages! Also recommend going to their top floor and the view outdoors is beautiful! They do allow the ticket to be valid for 48 hours so we were able to go back the next day when it was raining again and finish the museum! I would recommend if you need an indoor activity- the whole area is nice, the walking area is pretty and walkable to the downtown food scene as well.

My son and I stayed for 9 days with hosts Willie and Kathleen in November 2014. It was a perfect…read morestay, with all you would hope for. They welcomed us into their lovely historic home (built in the 1870s) - and were so helpful in figuring out public transport, things to see, and the cultural differences you encounter as a non-resident. (The bus picks up right by the house and goes directly down to CBD. It is less than 10 minutes down to Te Papa.) The rooms were just beautiful - with a considered antique feel. The beds were comfortable, and there was plenty of room to store clothing. In the evenings when it is warm, they have a lovely veranda with table and chairs. And there is also a comfortable common room if that is what you like. The breakfast was always well-prepared and on time - they even happily accommodated some dietary restrictions we had. We will return to see Willie and Kathleen next time we are in Wellington. You should consider this gem of a place if you are visiting Windy Welly!