Ack, another early start as the ship was in early and will leave early. We chose to walk from the ship into town as that took us past things we wanted to see. First was the National Archives building to see the original Treaty of Waitangi. The display room also had a lot of other historic documents that gave an insight into the mechanisms of colonial governments - eg the petition for women's suffrage, abolition on the upper house of parliament.
Then we went to the Parliament complex for a guided tour, showing both the modern working elements and the restored historic parts. Very impressively done - good to see a restoration done with a past style and not merely as nostalgia.
Then we wandered further into the city centre and took a ride up and down the rebuilt cable car.
After picking up some lunch and eating it in the civic square we looked through a gallery in the old Wellington library building. The space had a contemporary international exhibition, which included some striking plastic scultpures by Chinese and Indian artists.
Then we ambled over to the large new museum space of Te Papa. There we saw their prize giant squid, displays explaining earthquakes, ancient geology+fauna of NZ and enlargements of the treaty of Waitangi (showing the translation issues). All in a very impressive use of space.
We wandered back along the water's edge and looked again for duty free liquor (a favour for Lee's sister). With none in sight we asked at a travel agent who said they're only at the airport.
Then we hopped on a shuttle bus back to the ship to rest. No need to walk back - we'd done over 13,000 steps for the day.
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