Day 15 - Two’s Company

26th December – Boxing Day

Pat and Chris plan to spend the day with one of Chris’ old friends, so we would explore on our own today.

"Boxing Day was traditionally a day on which the servants had a day off from their duties. Because of this the gentry would eat cold cuts and have a buffet-style feast prepared by the servants in advance. " As we had no servants we had to make do with the Duxton’s buffet-style breakfast.

Cable Car and Botanical Gardens (Again)

Packed our Animal rucksack and headed off for the sights of Wellington. The sun was shining and we were bouncing along. In contrast to Christmas day most of the shops were open and the streets were full of people. A bookstore has familiar titles, but surprisingly Jamies Oliver seems popular here. Hopefully, the Fecking chef doesn't start selling his stuff here as well!. We reached the lower cable-car ticket office and paid the NZ$3 fare and boarded the quaint red train. Video camera at the ready to record the journey, disappointment was in order as most of the lower journey is through tunnels.

Out into the open and a stunning view over Wellington.

We do the tourist stuff and visit the cable car museum (free entry) and gift shop. We stroll through the gardens and down to the main shopping centre/ commercial district. Along the way we stop and marvel at the Tui birds in the Christmas trees, with clicks and cackles and the ability to mimic other birds like the Bellbird and human voices and even mobile phone rings. The unusual possession of two voiceboxes enable the Tui to perform their comprehensive repertoir.

We get lost, which must be difficult in such a small city. Starbucks to the rescue, where we drink coffee and get our directions sorted out: Flat white and latte please.........



Lunch and Sleep It Off

We return to the hotel for lunch in our room, the view is worth every penny. Out again for a stroll along the side of the harbour we missed yesterday. We visit The Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa along with 10,000 kids, their parents, aunts, uncles and grannies. The huge squid is a big attraction. We take a quick look and head for a child free zone outside. Further along we find a small beach and rest our eyes while sunbathing. It’s hot and we need a drink. A seaside bar beckons and we try their beer and white wine. Sitting in the bar we can see across the beautiful bay at Wellington. Must have walked 6 miles today.

Indian and Pictures
There is a cinema complex called the Reading Courtenay near to the hotel, so we check out what is on before heading for our room.

The film we want to see is not on until late evening, so we find an Indian restaurant and enjoy a great meal washed down with wine and beer. It seems strange going to a late night screening in daylight on Decmeber 26th. Ready for the film, The day The Earth Stood Still disaster sci-fi with Keanu Reeves as an Alien who saves the world with eye candy provided by Jennifer Connolly. Since Bruce Willis retired from saving the world the good guys don't seem as believable anymore. Pretty unforgettable film, but it filled in the day nicely in what was a strange Boxing Day that turned out to be a very pleasant and unforgettable one.