The day started with chipping the ice off the car on a gloriously clear but very cold day. By the time we arrived at Glenmore St and finally found a park (one side is now a cycleway) we started off this walk in the Botanical Gardens, where there were signs of spring everywhere. Some of the Magnolias already in flower were magnificent. We then climbed up the hill to the cable car lookout before ducking into the Victorian Perfumery where we were given a brief lesson in how perfume is made, including how distillation happens.

We then made our way down to Kelburn Park and through the bush to Salamanca Road where we climbed up to Mount St Cemetery, the first Catholic Cemetery in Wellington. We stopped for a quick morning tea and admired the harbour views before heading to Aro St. From here we walked along Webb to Taranaki St and made our way to Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. We spent a bit of time here looking at all the different countries memorials. It was great to see that earthquake strengthening is finally happening to the Carillon. Hopefully we can soon hear it in action again!

We then walked down the middle of Kent and Cambridge Terraces to see the Greek Memorial and Queen Victoria was looking the best I have ever seen that statue. We commented again on how wide the cycle lanes were that have been added here, once again taking away a lot of parking.

Our lunch stop was beside the Waterfront Market, giving a chance to grab a coffee or something to eat if needed. After a 30-minute break, we walked along the waterfront, past the Gandhi statue in front of Wellington Railway Station and up the hill past Parliament where a forces band was out practising. We had a quick stop at Wellington Cathedral to admire the Dossal behind the alter. This is made of thousands of mosaics and quite amazing. From here is was a quick walk up to Tinakori Road where we called into the Shepherds Arms for a coffee or for some a beer before returning to our cars. It had been cold all day but everyone had seemed to enjoy this walk I had made up.

Trip Leader - Judith O’Leary

Walkers – Mark & Helen, Lorraine, Anne-Marie and Lynn