Kim Young from Museums Wellington tells us where to go for some insights into the history and heritage that is uniquely Wellington.
"You don’t need money to feed your mind in Wellington – our city is living proof that the best things in life are free!"
Museum of Wellington City & Sea – Even if I didn't work here I would think that that this is the best place to start your visit to Wellington. A favourite is the timeline with intriguing snapshots for each year in 20th century Wellington – always fun to find your birth year and the corresponding event. For me it's a ‘sit-in’ by Vietnam protestors in Holyoake's office.
Waterfront Poetry and Heritage Trails – The best way to explore Wellington is on foot. Stroll along the waterfront and read the giant concrete poetry. There's Heritage Trail information along the waterfront and you can download one of the self-guided heritage trails: Old Shoreline Trail, Art Deco Heritage Trail or Maritime Trail.
Colonial Cottage Museum – Pack a picnic and hang out in the garden of the oldest original cottage (link to ) in Wellington. The small heritage garden is open to the public during daylight hours and there’s a free guide to the plants and their uses. You can sample some of the fruits from the garden while you chat to the chickens.
The NZ Film Archive – The best thing on a wet day (or any day if you love movies) is the media library at The NZ Film Archive. You can watch films for free from 12 to 5pm, Monday to Friday. There's every NZ feature film every made, TV commercials, home movies (some of these are hilarious), music videos, documentaries, experimental films…No booking is necessary, just turn up!
Cable Car Museum – It's fun to hop aboard one of the old cable cars and pretend you're a commuter in the 1900s. Downstairs there is the original winding room and a fully restored, pristine condition, grip car. Stroll back to the city through the huge Botanical Gardens along the Sculpture Trail. I like the huge copper Listening and Viewing device on Druids Hill.
Tell us all about your best cultural experiences.
Back to The Locals Top 5 - Wellington Style
