Wellington

Arrived in Wellington Sunday afternoon, and are staying in a serviced apartment downtown. The weather has cooperated so far with several sunny days - although the temperature hardly ever gets above 70 deg. Being back in a city again - even if it is Wellington - is a bit of culture shock after the rural places we've been staying.
Been exploring the pretty city on foot. Took the cable car up to the botanical gardens the first day and then meandered downhill back into the city. The city straddles a range of hills which makes it both scenic and a challenge for walkers. There don't appear to be many level stretches of road - it's either uphill or downhill.

Rita among the roses

In the Botanical Gardens

Today we took advantage of the beautuful weather and jumped in the rental car for a scenic drive around the seaside peninsula just south of the city. The coastline was quite dramatic in places - reminded us of the California coast near Monterey but without the development.
As you can see from the photo below, there are some rather unique local road hazards to be aware of. Seems that along about sunset every evening blue penguins come ashore, cross the beachside road, and nest under the houses across the street. Guess they make quite a racket when there are chicks in the nest.

Local Course Rules - in Maori as well




Along the way we stopped at a Marine Reserve Park to hike around the point. Between May and August this stretch of beach hosts a colony of around 250 seals, but today as you can see we had it pretty much to ourselves.