Wellington

    Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and is home to it's Parliament and most Government buildings (not including the U.S. embassy).  Aside from being a political city, it is noted as being the "windy city" and is also built on fault lines.  It is located at the southern most port of the the north island.
Accommodations
Take a look here:  Wellington's Victoria University Halls of Residence

Landscape

  *
 
 

   * 

                Beehive                               Edwardian Neo-classical style building

New Zealand's Parliament is comprised of the three buildings shown above and below.  We were able to tour two of them.  We began in the basement of the classical style building to examine the steel cylinders developed to prevent damage from earthquakes by being able to stretch 1 ft in each direction.  We then learned our the meaning of each meeting room and the government processes that take place.
 

Parliamentary Library

 
 

   * 
Oriental Bay is an area of cafes and fashionable restaurants.  It also allows a great recreational area for running and swimming.  On the right above is Chris D and Ryan who swam out to a diving platform.

    The best views in Wellington can be found atop Mt. Victoria.  On a clear day it is possible to see the whole city and sometimes tip of the south island.  Below are some breezy shots from the highest point in windy Wellington.

   * 

                                                                                                    Abby, Francsesca, Megan P, Laura N,
                                                                        & Megan M.

Top: Ryan, Chris D, Abby, Laura N, Mike
Bottom: Val, Larissa, Francesca, Dana, Kathryn, Melinda, & Adena




   * 
Another great group shot                                NATALIE & KEANE!!
 

Keane's Party:  Unfortunately as we departed the North island we had to leave our fabulous bus driver Keane with it.  He was our guide and insight to the land and the culture.  We gave him a little going away party.

  * 

  Group with Keane                                        Here Keane is honoring Mike who
                                                                     was our warrior for the Marae stay in
                                                                     Rotorua.

  *
Keane singing us the song he wrote             Keane had also played for the
about our group, he was such a                   national Rugby team, the All Blacks,
genuine man.                                              so we all signed a rugby ball for him
                                                                  to remember us.


One last group moment with Keane


Breeze through Wellington below:
http://www.wellingtonnz.com/
http://www.wcc.govt.nz/
http://www.weirhouse.co.nz/
http://www.wellington.net.nz/