Out and About to Wellington

I had a day out recently, which was very enjoyable.  When I saw this Tranzit day trip advertised, I knew I really wanted to take part.  It was a trip to Wellington, to visit the Te Whatu Stardome, Observatory and Planetarium.  Robin and I had been there with friends, more years ago than I can remember.  The small coach collected me from Levin, on the way down from Palmerston North,  and I climbed aboard, settled down to enjoy what the day would bring.  After stopping at nearby Otaki for morning tea, off we went to Wellington.  

It was a picture perfect May day.  As we drove along  along the coast road, I spotted Kapiti Island off the coast.  And if you look carefully at the horizon on the left, you can just make out the mountains of the South Island away in the distance.

Kapiti Island

A little later Wellington, the capitol city of New Zealand,  came into view.  There is a saying in these parts, "You can't beat Wellington on a good day".  And this day certainly was a good day.  Wellington sometimes shows a quite different face. Because of it's position in the "Roaring Forties" and being located beside Cook Strait, the city acts as a natural funnel for passing storm systems.  It is not named "Windy Wellington" for nothing! 

Wellington, on a good day

Up, up, up the bus climbed, right to the top of the Wellington Botanic Garden in Kelburn, and close by the Cable Car Terminal.  Just look at that wonderful view, looking over the city and the harbour.

Stunning view

This sign on the path guided us on our way.  Just a short walk and we were there.

Walk this way

And here we are

Our group was warmly welcomed, and we were free to wander around to check out the exhibits, before it was showtime in the Planetarium.  

There were plenty of interactive boards, press buttons to discover the full story.  

Myths tell of the god Maui fishing up the North Island.  But I hadn't heard of this story of Maui and the sun before.  In ancient times, the sun raced across the sky very quickly, leaving very little time for the people to hunt, gather food, weave and cook their meals before it was dark again.  Maui decided to catch the sun, weaving magical ropes out of harakeke (flax).  Maui and his brothers travelled to the pit where the sun rested at night.  As the sun began to rise, the men threw the flax ropes, tangling the sun in a snare and holding him fast.  The sun thrashed and struggled, scorching the men holding the ropes fast.  Maui left forward, beating the sun with his enchanted club, until the captive cried out and begged for mercy.  Maui demanded that the sun slow down and never again dictate the length of the day.  The sun agreed, the ropes were loosened, and the sun crept slowly across the sky, leaving the land with longer days.

The story of Maui and the sun

I climbed up the stairs to check out the historic Thomas Cooke telescope, manufactured in 1867.  This is used on clear nights when the public can come and look at the heavens

Thomas Cooke telescope

Then it was time to go and see the show.  We were ushered into the theatre, sit anywhere, we were told.  The seats sloped back to enable us to look at the dome above us when the film started.  We were shown a film about the moon landing in 1969, and the build up and planning to make it happen.  "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind".  I certainly remember those words when we watched the wonder unfold on our TVs way back then.  My camera was put away, no photos allowed during the show.  I must say, the film was most enjoyable, reminding us again of this momentous happening. 

  

Inside the theatre

 Those reclining seats were necessary to tilt us back to gaze at the dome, but goodness me, was I in pain when it was time to leave, both my back and neck were rather sore.  But then, we all know I'm not as young as I used to be!

A short walk to the bus, but I just had to stop and take another photo.  There was a cable car waiting to make the downhill journey.  This is such a fun trip, but not on the agenda for our group today. 

Wellington Cable Car

Down we drove to the bottom of the gardens.  We were booked in to have lunch at Picnic Cafe, and our tables were set up and waiting for us.  Our choices had been prebooked so the service was quick.  After lunch we had time for a look around, or just to sit and enjoy the sunshine.  Then it was all aboard for the last time and we were homeward bound.

Transport for the day

I certainly enjoyed my day out, my first with this company, and will check to see what other day trips they have on offer.