Choose Cheap Mini Bus Hire In Wellington To Explore The City
Wellington is a beautiful city in New Zealand, with so much on offer in such a small capital. There are loads of family friendly attractions to suit all budgets and interests. If you are planning a family trip anytime soon, make sure to choose cheap mini bus hire in Wellington to visit these attractions.
Birdwatching At Zealandia Eco Sanctuary
An area that was once a part of water catchment is now flanked with a pest-proof boundary, resulting in a beautiful natural reserve featuring diverse bird life, including the largest assortment of kiwis. There are several walking tracks within the sanctuary, and it’s a great spot for family picnic anytime of the year. The natural appeal of this place is satisfying to say the least. Free shuttle services to and from Zealandia are available from various spots in the city.
Wellington Cable Car Museum
Certainly one of the most popular and busiest tourist activities in the city, the Wellington Cable Car takes you on an exciting ride across the top sightseeing venues in the city. A convention that was overhauled in 1979, has been revived in the original cable winding station that is now home to a small museum, housing loads of information regarding the design and construction of these cable cars. Perfectly set on two levels, the Museum offers a golden opportunity to sit aboard one of the vintage vehicles, see the winding gear operate and watch documentaries about the most iconic transport system that existed in Wellington.
The Parliament
For anyone who likes iconic buildings, the famous executive building of New Zealand’s Parliament, Beehive is a must visit. An hour-long parliamentary tour is available throughout the week. With four floors submerged in the ground, there are a total of 10 storeys with the entrance decorated with translucent glass ceiling, stainless steel mesh wall panels and marble floors. The topmost level is occupied by the Cabinet room, with the Prime Minister’s office on the 9th floor.
Wellington Botanic Garden
Overlooking the glimmering city is the Botanic Garden perched nicely on top of a hill. With several walking trails within the garden and natural attractions, this is an ideal place for families and kids. Enjoy a beautiful sunny day as you soak up the expansive views of the city on a clear warm day. There’s a dedicated playground and a Children’s Garden for the kids, as well as a visitor centre. Pack your lunch boxes, stock a few nourishing drinks and enjoy the beauty of nature with your loved ones!
Te Papa Museum
The national museum of New Zealand is the best place to explore each and every aspect of history, right from the Maori heritage and culture to the modern times. It’s great to know about the first inhabitants of this place, especially when they are presented through interactive touch screen displays. There are hands on play stuff for kids as well. One of the key attractions here is the skeleton of Phar Lap, a horse that was born in New Zealand, with his heart and skin in Australia. Entry to this place is free of cost, although you need to buy tickets for some areas.
Space Place at the Carter Observatory
Known to be the first observatory in the city alighting pretty on the hill, the Carter Observatory is a great place for kids with a space themed centre and planetarium. Travel through the southern skies, and explore the exhibitions to decipher how space technology influences life on earth. Look at the wonderful night sky through the Thomas Cooke telescope, and get to know about Charter, the man behind the formation of this national observatory dedicated to people of Wellington.
The state of the art digital experience takes you on a virtual space voyage through the solar system to discover the origin of universe, right from the Big Bang theory to the Maori’s concept of formation. It also explains the importance of star cluster and Matariki for Maori New Year. Journey through the Space Place’s own black hole, watch video stories, launch a rocket and handle a space rock.
Frank Kitts Park
The best way to feel a pleasant weather is to take a stroll across a waterfront location that has all the makings of an ideal family day out. Frank Kitts Park, completed in 1980s, is one such favourite destination. The park has a tiered amphitheatre-style seating arena for picnics and outdoor events. There’s a dedicated play area with swings and a slide in the form of a lighthouse. Don’t miss out on the famous artworks including the likes of Sundial, Water Whirler Sculpture, Fruits of the garden sculpture and the Albatross sculpture.
Named after the city’s mayor Sir Francis Joseph Kitts, the park’s construction and design is heavily influenced by the annual car races that were conducted during those times.
Princess Bay Beach
Located in the South Coast next to the Houghton Bay, the sheltered sandy Princess Bay beach is an ideal place for surfing, swimming and exploring rock pools. Tucked nicely between the Te Raekaihau Point and the Houghton Bay’s headland, it has panoramic display of Taputeranga Island. The inlet is essentially a part of Taputeranga Marine Reserve, which aims to bring back the marine life to a more normal form, by increasing the supply of fish. Here, you can also have a non-gas or open fire barbecue, provided you have the permission.
Getting Around The City
When you are out on a trip with your family, one of the best ways to explore the city is to navigate your way through the cobbled laneways and the streets on foot. The sidewalks and the footpaths are well laid out, wide and smooth, perfect for wandering across the downtown. If you are staying anywhere near the central business district, you have got plenty to see and do within a walking distance. However, if you are thinking of going on day trips, hiring a cheap mini bus is smart choice as it will be affordable while helping the entire family travel comfortably.