Claude Monet and the Giant Squid at Te Papa
Where to Stay and What to do in Wellington During Impressionist Show
Mar 31, 2009
Wellington is the world’s southernmost national capital city. Clinging to the south-eastern tip of the North Island, its tiered suburbs are built on rolling hills that rise steeply from Wellington Harbour. Wellington boasts spectacular natural scenery, a vibrant café scene and a wealth of arts and cultural activities.
Monet and the Impressionists at Te Papa
Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum is situated on the waterfront just a short walk from boutiques, specialty stores, restaurants, bars and an assortment of accommodation from backpackers to five-star hotels. Currently on display at Te Papa is “Monet and the Impressionists”, the largest and richest collection of Impressionist paintings ever seen in New Zealand. The exhibition in the Platinum Gallery, Level 4, is open from 10:00am to 6:00pm every day and until 9:00pm on Thursdays until May 17 2009. Te Papa is also hosting a variety of complementary activities. While entry to Te Papa is free, there is a charge of $15.00 to enter the Monet Exhibition.
The Colossal Squid on Display at Te Papa
Also at Te Papa is the largest squid specimen on display in the world. This colossal squid was captured on a longline by fishermen in the Ross Sea in 2007. The squid, weighing 495 kilogrammes was hauled on board, frozen and transported to Wellington where it was gifted to Te Papa by the Minister of Fisheries. Scientists have since studied the colossal specimen in detail and it is now part of a fascinating interactive exhibition open to the public until 2011.
Over its five floors, Te Papa offers visitors an exploration of New Zealand’s art, culture, history and heritage. Learning about the geological forces that shaped the country, the world of the Maori, and native flora and fauna is made more interesting by the use of interactive activities and exhibitions. Te Papa is at 55 Cable Street; mail@tepapa.govt.nz; Ph: +64 (0)4 381 7000.
Transport and Accommodation in Wellington
Air New Zealand, Qantas and Pacific Blue have direct flights from Australia into Wellington every day. There are also direct flights from New Zealand’s main centres as well as from some regional airports. Wellington Airport has a luggage storage facility and is a 15-20 minute drive from the city with a full range of taxis, shuttles and buses available. Buses are an economical way to get into the central city, with a stop in Courtenay Place just a short walk from Te Papa. Wellington city itself is very compact and walking is an easy and enjoyable way to traverse the downtown area. Guided walking tours are a popular way of seeing the central city and waterfront with walks to museums, galleries, heritage sites and the botanic gardens.
Where to Stay in Downtown Wellington
Many downtown hotels offer special weekend break rates. Two of the more economical are the Bay Plaza 40-44 Oriental Parade, Ph 0800 731 444 reservations@bayplaza.co.nz and the West Plaza, 110-116 Wakefield St, Ph 64 4 385 7799 reservations@westplaza.co.nz .
At the higher end of the scale is the Duxton Hotel 170 Wakefield Street, Ph +64 4 473 3900 res@wellington.duxton.co.nz and the Museum Hotel 90 Cable Street, Ph 0800 994 335 info@museumhotel.co.nz
Downtown backpackers include Base Wellington Ph +64 4 801 5666 wellington@basebackpackers.com and Wellywood Backpackers; 58 Tory Street,Ph +64 4 381 3899 info@wellywoodbackpackers.co.nz.
Because of its location in the roaring forties and proximity to the winds coming through Cook Strait, Wellington is often called the “Windy City” by New Zealanders. It pays to take at least one item of warm clothing as temperatures can be chilly.
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