Downtown Wellington occupies one of the few relatively flat areas in the region. Although it is not that big, it packs a real city punch and offers plenty to do for citygoers. The best way to explore the downtown is on foot.
We suggest starting in Thorndon, the original centre of Wellington. Visit Katherine Mansfield House on Tinakori Street to step back over 100 years. Then, walk over the motorway at Hobson Street and through pretty Katherine Mansfield Memorial Park to connect with Hill Road. this takes you into the government precinct centred around the Beehive and Parliament. There are short side trips to the relatively modern Cathedral of St Paul and Old St Pauls, a wooden cathedral dating back to the 1860s. The National Library is immediately opposite the modern cathedral. Head inside for the small but wonderful He Tohu exhibit of the Declaration of Independence (He Whakaputanga), Treaty of Waitangi and Women’s Suffrage Petition.
From the Beehive and Parliament, continue to the central railway station and Old Government House. From there, head back up Bowen Street to the City to the Sea Walkway, then follow this over the motorway to the Boulton Street Cemetery. This is now a historical site with lovely gardens overlooking the city. At the top of the cemetery is the Dick Seddon memorial, an early prime minister that famously described NZ as “god’s own country”, which eventually morphed into a “Godzone”. Continue along the Walkway towards the historic observatory and the Botanic Gardens. There are several walks around the gardens, but you want to end up on the south side at the cable car station.
The centre of Victoria University is close by, but otherwise, take the cable car down to Lampton Quay, the centre of the downtown commercial and shopping district. Head south to Willis Street, then take Manners to Courtney Place and Cuba Street, the main eatery and bar districts. At the south end of Cuba Street, head east beside State Highway 1 to Pukeahu National War Memorial.
An alternative is to walk along the harbour waterfront from the Railway Station to Te Papa, then follow Tory Street south to the war memorial. Return via Cuba Street for a well-earned break.
