On the waterfront

Our trip on the train to Wellington wasn’t quite as straight forward as it should have been, as work was been done on the rail line further down the track.  It was a matter of “Everybody Out” at Petone.  Buses were replacing the trains on this section, so the passengers departed the train, and climbed aboard the big yellow bus to complete our trip to Wellington.

All aboard the bus at Petone

The weather was warm so we decided on a nice walk along the wharves to get to our destination of Te Papa. We were very interested in checking out the Motorhome Park now operating on the waterfront.  Not only is this handy location close to the  inter-island ferries, but also the shops, cafes and theatres of central Wellington.  Wellington is such a compact city that travellers can leave their campers at the Motorhome Park, and explore the city on foot.

The new motorhome park in central Wellington

Priced at $50 for a powered site per night, it offers well appointed ablution facilities.  The manager advised that sadly caravan owners like us are at a disadvantage, or motor homes for that matter over 7 metres, as these could not be easily accommodated. As we would require two sites to accommodate both the caravan and tow car and therefore two parking fees.  Yet another ill conceived camping area that makes no allowance for locals and is run by a parking company rather than a camp operator.  If only consultation had taken place before conception a facility may have been constructed that locals could use as well, its all for the foreigners and not Kiwis. If campsites are made to the NZS standard then they should be able to accommodate all but the very largest of rigs. However, for motorhome travellers under 7 metres passing through Wellington, it seems a good idea to be able to park up in safety so close to the city centre for a night or two.

  Facilities available at the motorhome park

The police launch Lady Elizabeth was in port and wash getting a wash down by one of the crew.  The Police Launch Services started in 1941.  Under wartime regulations, the Government requisitioned a launch being built in Picton from Fred Musgrove, who  had been building a 38ft pleasure launch for use in the Marlborough Sounds. Fred had named the launch Lady Elizabeth after his grandmother - and not after royalty as many presumed.  This is the fourth police boat of the same name.

  Police launch Lady Elizabeth

The wharves are well used by the public and we came across a group of youngster having fun on their skateboards.  Up and down the steps they raced, making it look so very easy.

Skate boarders hard at work

The yachts were out on the harbour, sailing elegantly past.  Being on the coast, Wellington always has plenty of wind to drive the yachts along.  We wondered if they were taking part in a regatta or just out having fun.

Yachts on wellington Harbour.

This bronze statue of Kupe the explorer, his wife Hine together with Pekahourangi pointing to the land of Aotearoa, (New Zealand), after their epic voyage across the Pacific in their canoe Matohourua, stands proudly on the waterfront.  Originally created in plaster of Paris by sculptor William Trethewey, it  featured in the 1940 NZ Centennial Exhibition.  It later stood for many years in the foyer of Wellington Station.  In 1999 the statue was cast in bronze as a millennium project and unveiled in March 2000 as a tribute to all who have come to these shores.

First sight of land

Also on the waterfront is the Plimmer’s Ark Restoration Project.  In 1840s the ship “Inconstant” was entering Wellington Harbour and foundered on rocks.  The wreck was later sold to John Plimmer who refitted it and used it as a floating shop for some time. 

Drawing of Plimmers Ark

The long forgotten remains were rediscovered in 1997 under the Old Bank Arcade in Lambton Quay.  The Plimmer’s Ark Restoration Project is conserving the remains of this historic piece of early Wellington history.

Robin looking at the remains of Plimmer’s Ark

This is the largest ship in New Zealand ever to be conserved.  Water plays over the timbers to stop them from drying out.

Timbers being sprayed with water

There is much of interest to see on the Wellington waterfront.  Years ago it was a no-go area full of cargo ships, their loads and huge cranes, and public entry was not allowed.  These days the whole of the waterfront is an open space much enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.