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To say that things are really "shaking" in Wellington is not too far off the mark when you take it literally. Many of the central areas of the city are built upon land that was lifted substantially in 1855 thanks to a substantial earthquake. In fact, throughout this area of the city you can find markers showing where Wellington Harbour's edge was prior to the 1855 event; what's so unique about them is that they are located quite a distance from the current harbour's edge. Mild earthquakes do still affect Wellington from time to time, but the building codes take this into account so visitors are perfectly safe.
The active geology of the Wellington area has created a number of significant features in and around the city that are definitely of interest to holiday travellers. For instance, the magnificent hills stretching alongside Wellington Harbour are really the face of the largest fault line extending through Wellington. These hills are spectacular when viewed from the city and also are home to a number of scenic viewpoints where visitors can also take in a spectacular panorama of the city and surrounding areas. Some of the best of these include Mount Victoria, Mount Kaukau, Brooklyn Windmill, Wrights Hill, and more.
One of the more interesting sights in Wellington is located in the basement of the Old Bank Arcade. There you will find a building originally built as a bank, but with a unique difference; it was built on top of an old shipwreck. The original timbers from the ship are quite well preserved in the basement of the building and visitors can descend on the escalator into the old bank vault to get an up close and personal look.
There is no shortage of greenery and native foliage in and around Wellington, most notably in the Botanic Garden. This stunning area is filled with native plants, all laid out in a way that is peaceful and memorable. It is a very popular place for taking pictures and is easily reached via cable car from Lambton Quay or on foot via The Terrace and Salamanca Road. If you are looking for a relaxing location for a picnic, a nap in the shade or simply a break from a busy holiday itinerary, the Botanic Garden is a great choice.
For a harbour adventure, take the ferry from Day's Bay or Queen's Warf and head out to Sommes Island. This is a place filled with history, as it has played a role in the growth and heritage of Wellington for over a century. Among the many purposes it has fulfilled include a quarantine area for new immigrants coming to Wellington and a secure internment camp for detaining people deemed "dangerous" during World War I and World War II. It is well worth a stop to get a sense of the history made there.
When planning your visit to Wellington, keep in mind that it is typically a very windy place. You will need to bring along a variety of clothing that can be layered according to the conditions, especially if you plan to spend time walking along the beaches or open areas around Wellington Harbour. Be prepared, too, for warm weather in the summer as well as cool weather in the winter.
Air travel to and from Wellington is quite easy, thanks to nearby Wellington International Airport. There are many direct flights to choose from, offered by a variety of major air carriers such as Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and more. A unique aspect of the airport is its location between Mount Victoria and Miramar Peninsula, which often means strong crosswinds when coming in for a landing. Some travellers compare landing in Wellington to riding on a roller coaster! Once you have arrived, though, it is easy to find transportation into the city via taxis, buses, shuttle services, and the like.
Wiki:- Wellington
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