This capital city is to some, the most beautiful of New Zealand cities and is often compared to San Francisco...hilly, scenic drives, and Victorian houses. Probably because of its Capital status, Wellington tends to be a bit pretentious which Americans find amusing! The airport is 6 miles... 20 minutes... south of city center.

City bus tour: The red coach with "sightseeing" on its side leaves from outside the Wellington City Corporation Public Relations Office on Mercer Street, daily at 2 PM. It's a 2 1/2 hour... 30 mile tour beginning with the financial and commercial district... Parliament (famous "Beehive" building)...heads to the look-out on Mount Victoria (where you'll learn why the city is called "Windy Wellington"), stops for afternoon tea, and then circles back into the city via View Road with great views of the city, hills, and beaches.

Cable car: Take the cable car from Lambton Quay... opposite Grey Street. At the top, you'll be in the 62 acre Botanic Gardens... with wonderful city views. Stroll downhill through the gardens... visit the Begonia House, and have tea in the restaurant at Lady Norwood Rose Gardens.

National Art Gallery: Houses New Zealand art, with special exhibitions. The major emphasis is on Pacific History, and the culture of the Maori. Hours are 10-4:45. Free. Take bus #1 or #3 from Railway Station to Basin Reserve and walk for 5 minutes. Located on Buckle Street.

Wellington Zoo: Wallabies, kangaroos, and a nocturnal house for kiwis. Take bus #11 from the Railway station to Newton Park. Hours 8:30-4:30.

Old St. Paul's Cathedral: This is one of the finest examples of a wooden church built in the early days by Church of England followers.

Alexander Turnbull Library: Contains a priceless collection of historic documents and many rare first editions.

Memorial Gates to the Second American Marine Division: These gates recall the 17 months spent here by this Marine Division. The older generation of New Zealand remains grateful to the Americans for their help during WW2.

Ferry to Picton: To the South Island. Ferry leaves from Aotea Quay, north of city center... 4 to 6 times daily. Trip takes 3 hours 20 minutes. The crossing is a jolly affair, with the majority of passengers in the lounge bar.

Old Wellington: A concentration of some of the city's loveliest Victorian homes... a nice walking tour for photos.

Author of this article is Gene Gill. For more information visit his website: www.genegillminiatures.com