Tag Archives: travel photography

Circumnavigating New Zealand — Arriving Wellington, 2019


“Fern 2” hanging above Te Ngākau Civic Square

Our next destination aboard Majestic Princess was Wellington, into which we arrived on 19 March, 2019 (we would return 10 March 2020, but more on that later in the series). On this trip Ursula and I traveled around on our own, and one of the stops we made this day was to Te Ngākau Civic Square at 101 Wakefield Street, just past the Wellington Central Library, 65 Victoria Street.

Wellington Central Library as seen from Te Ngākau Civic Square

The square itself is a very striking piece of scenic real estate:

Te Ngākau Civic Square

Here at Te Ngākau Civic Square one finds much in the way of art and beauty to photograph and enjoy. This is the “Te Aho a Maui” split pyramid sculpture:

“Te Aho a Maui” split pyramid sculpture, Te Ngākau Civic Square

The pedestrian footbridge adorned with wooden art connects the square with Whairepo Lagoon. This is the “City to Sea bridge“.

“City to Sea” Bridge, Te Ngākau Civic Square

Other works of art include this statue to the Rugby World Cup on the adjacent Jack Ilott Green:

Rugby World Cup statue, Te Ngākau Civic Square

Back on the main square, look up for the Fern 2 sculpture, which just last month was reinstalled of restoration and reinforcement to combat metal fatigue:

“Ferns 2” orb, Te Ngākau Civic Square

If you’re wondering about that intriguing building pictured above in the background, that’s Majestic Centre:

Majestic Centre building

It’s now time to leave behind Te Ngākau Civic Square, for we have a fun bit of public transportation awaiting us for Wednesday’s article. But to get there we’re going to pass a couple of interesting sights along the way. This is Chews Lane:

Chews Lane

And three minutes’ walk north takes us by Plimmer’s Steps, named after John Plimmer, the “Father of Wellington”. Not far from the base of the steps, strolling toward Lambton Quay (formerly Beach Street), is John Plimmer himself, and his dog Fritz:

John Plimmer and his dog Fritz

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Fun Photo Friday — Circumnavigating New Zealand; Christchurch favorites Cashel Street


Coat of Arms New Zealand on the Bridge of Remembrance

A last look at Christchurch:

In the Shadow of the Bride of Remembrance
Ice Cream Mural
A Van Named “Morris”
Remembrance Archway Framing Cashel Street
City Tour

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Circumnavigating New Zealand — Christchurch; Exploring City Mall (Cashel St.)


Bridge of Remembrance archway

You might think that with well over two dozen choices that we made Riverside Market our lunchtime venue. Alas, we did not. The sit-down restaurants with available tables did not appeal to us, and the common area tables at which one could dine from a stall were uniformly occupied. We would be heading elsewhere, it seemed.

Riverside Market

So, we exited Riverside Market, upon which I stumbled across this classic Morris Minor panel van:

Morris Minor panel van

North of Riverside Market lies Cashel Street. Sections of Cashel Street comprise a pedestrian mall known as City Mall. Other than foot traffic, the only thing you’ll have to dodge here is the tramway, telltale signs of which you can see here:

City Mall/Cashel Street

And here comes a tram now!

Christchurch Tram turning onto Cashel Street from Oxford Terrace

So, where to eat? Ursula is quite fond of Malysian hawker-style food, and we found just the ticket on Cashel Street just east of Oxford Terrace. This is Hawker & Roll, and it’s well worth seeking out for lunch. The food transported us right back to Singapore.

Hawker & Roll

Oh my goodness. Would you just look at the time. We have to get back to the tour bus for our return to Akaroa, so it’s time to head back over the Bridge of Remembrance. And considering that today is Armistice Day (now called Veterans Day here in the U.S.) I can think of nothing more appropriate than a shot of a World War I tribute:

Bridge of Remembrance

To all my fellow veterans, thank you for your valiant service in the defense of our nation. To veterans of Allied militaries (ANZAC, NATO forces, and myriad others), my thanks to you as well.

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