Hi,

Thanks to the discussion thread members, I have finished 90 percent of my New Zealand itinerary. We’ve (my husband and I) decided to base in Rotorua and make excursions to the famous caves, White Island and then fly out to Christchurch, then make a stop in Oamaru and finally arrive in Dunedin! In my previous thread, pretty much all my questions were answered, except I only received a couple of responses on what people thought about Wellington. Although I appreciate the 2 responses I received, it would be nice to get at least 5 responses so I can really make a comfortable decision. Of course, the feedback is a matter of perspective, but I am curious to see where opinion sways. This will influence my decision. My question was/is as follows:

At this point, visiting Wellington would be completely out of my way (currently it looks like I’d want to fly from Rotorua to Christchurch). However, I don’t want to miss an urban gem...Is Wellington reputed to be beautiful like Christchurch and Dunedin (2 of New Zealand’s highlight destinations) or is it more of a workaday city? If I came to New Zealand and didn’t see Wellington, would I be missing out?

Although I live in Nelson both of my adult children live in Wellington and we travel there frequently. It is the capital city of New Zealand so is home to Parliament buildings. It is a beautiful city completely different to either Dunedin or Christchurch. It is very hilly as opposed to Christchurch which is very flat. There is a beautiful harbour, gorgeous scenery, lots of cafes and great shopping. A smaller version of San Francisico in my opinion.

You don't really need a car to get around as the central shopping area is very compact. Te Papa is a great museum well worth a visit. The Botanic Gardens are beautiful, to get to the top you can take the cable car.

I lived in Christchuch for many years, and would rate Wellington a more vibrant city.

I loved Wellington. It's compact and easy to get around - it reminds me a bit of San Francisco, one of my other favorite cities. Te Papa is a wonderful museum, too.

Lee Ann

I love Dunedin, but several of my friends who have visited didn't find it all that attractive. I am a bit surprised that you chose the routing between Christchurch-Oamaru-Dunedin. It's probably one of the less scenic stretches in all of NZ.

Oamaru has a small historic area, about 1 hour's worth at the most, and the Whitestone cheese factory. (Also the home of Janet Frame but I wouldn't think that's a big tourist draw,and she also lived in Dunedin). The little blue penguins come ashore in Oamaru at dusk, you won't see them during the day.

If you have just a short time, it makes more sense to skip Oamaru and visit Dunedin, Mt.Cook, Queenstown, Fiordland, Arthur's Pass, etc.

mlgb,

Feel free (please) to also give your input on Wellington. Thanks for your input on the other towns.

I like Wellington, and especially Te Papa, but I agree that it tends to be out of the way for short visits.

It does have some interesting architecture and the downtown area is compact enough to be enjoyed in a short time.

I'm not sure I'd be looking for "urban gems" in NZ. There are some interesting districts(Christchurch around the Art Centre, Arrowtown, Napier's Art Deco area) but it's the mountain and coastal scenery that really stands out in my opinion.

Hello everyone,

You all have been so great in your input. I finalized my itinerary! Thank you so much for your contributions. Really, it is great to have this thread. I learn so much from it. Take care. Mary.

Marymaniaci, Having lived in Wellington for 20 years of my life and San Francisco for a further 18, I can safely say that Wellington is no SF but still a great city and worth a visit over Dunedin. I am surprised though that you have chosen to bypass the most beautiful and spectacular parts of NZ on the West Coast of the South Island. I would rate the trip from Greymouth through to Milford Sound (+Queenstown etc.) in the worlds top 10 drives. Only slightly below the German Alpine Road.