Wow Wellington!

From old Maori legends to the fantastical world of the Lord of the Rings films, from hip streets to the freshest produce at Sunday markets, the culture and culinary adventures of Wellington are as gusty and energetic as this windy little capital of New Zealand. 

- Anita Rao Kashi

The train rushed through dark tunnels carved into mountainsides, racing past lush meadows and thick greenery, as if in a hurry. And then suddenly, the greenery gave way to a rippling blue sea, its surface turbulent as if buffeted by winds. Even before I could feel it, New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, seemed to live up to its sobriquet of windy. Tagged the coolest little capital, everyone I met before arriving told me it had a vibrant cultural and culinary scene and I couldn’t wait to immerse myself in it. A short taxi ride took me from the train station to downtown Wellington. The waterfront, tall commercial buildings and shopping precincts all fled past in a blur. All too soon, I was deposited on Cuba Street, possibly the hippest street in the central business district and I was engulfed in a swarm of people. It was a bright, breezy mid-morning on a Saturday; there was a definite buzz in the air and music spilled out from shops and restaurants, adding to the general atmosphere of weekend revelry. I continued on Cuba Street right till the end and crossed over to the waterfront overlooking Wellington Harbour. It was more breezy and cold too, but the air was refreshing and I sat down to watch noisy gulls and enjoy multiple conversations flowing all around me.

MAORI MYTHS & LEGENDS