What you're missing in Wellington and Marlborough...

By Emily Kennedy

I recently rushed back to Auckland from a trip to Wellington and Marlborough in time to hear a talk by A.A. Gill, travel writer for the Australian Gourmet Traveller. Gill explained that he detested how most travel writing “excludes the reader” in a “I’m here, your not” kind of way. Instead, Gill says he attempts to bring the reader along, rebelling against the usual “you don’t know what you’re missing” condescending approach to travel writing.

As much as I think Gill’s heart is in the right place, I disagree. Many a person was given a good ol’ kick in the pants
(and out the door) by envy’s big green boot!


So, in hopes of getting you good and jealous — at least enough to get off your seat — here’s my bragging run-down of what you’re missing in Wellington and Marlborough.


We took the Overlander train from Auckland to Welly and I wholly recommend doing this at least once. Here’s why: locomotive attendants provide running commentary during the eight-hour journey including when to get your camera ready, history of the rails you’re travelling over, and even recommendations of where to go if you ever come back to the towns you’re passing through; the caboose has a huge window great for snapping photos and enjoying the unobscured view while playing cards; and with a history dating back to 1865, you’ll easily be inspired to travel by the pioneer dream that led to New Zealand’s longest running passenger train.

Sunny view from the Overlander train as it crosses a bridge.

Wellington’s Treasure Chest
Arrrg matey! Where's my map leading the way to Wellington’s treasure chest? Ok fine, you too can find copies of The Cuba Book Trail, which takes you through four used-book stores all packed with page-turners and steeped in whimsical bookstore charm. Pick up a map for yourself at any of the bookstores along the trail: Pegasus Books, Arty Bees Books, The Ferret, and Quiltmakers Bookshop. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for in any of the used-books stores, check out the new books at Unity Books, where you can also score a map.

Browsing the used bookstores along Wellington's hidden treasure: The Cuba Book Trail Click to go find it!

Road Meat
Of course, when you tell someone you’re going to Kaikoura (“the meal of crayfish” in Maori), the first thing they tell you is that you have to eat some crayfish. What they don’t tell you is how damn expensive a crustacean it is! Well, if you’re like me and fall somewhere between not wanting to cook it yourself (cheap) and not wanting to put on heels for the occasion (fine dining) then road meat (or rather, “road cray”) is where it’s at! Savour a sweet, buttery scrumptious full or half crayfish at the Original World Famous Kaikoura Seafood BBQ along Fyffe Quay.

"Road cray" is an economical way to taste Kaikoura's "meal of crayfish." Click to go find it!

“Insider” sites (i-SITES)
How did I learn about "road cray"? I-SITE. How did I find free parking in a busy downtown? I-SITE. How did I get the inside scoop on just about any topic in every town I visited? I-SITE. The folks at i-SITES are insiders: locals there to share tid-bits and travel gems to help you make the most of your time in their home town. They’re like having a best friend in every city who just happens to have an ever-increasing collection of free brochures. If you’re not sure where to go, i-SITE staff are a great resource for free, local advice.  

Airplane safety videos and clever lollies
It had been a few months since my last Air NZ flight, so I was prepared for some changes...but whatever they’re doing over there, I hope they keep doing it! On my flight back up to Auckland, not only did I see a grandma streaking through the in-flight safety video, but I also got lollies in the shape of…wait for it…AIRPLANES! Genius.

Just "plane" lollies aboard Air NZ.

Well, I hope my shameless boasting inspires you to get out there. And when you do, don’t feel bad about spending a solid afternoon writing postcards bragging to the brim about the places where everyone else isn’t.

By the way, you can now book accommodation and write reviews about your stay through Jasons!