Wellington is both the political and cultural capital of New Zealand, and it certainly lives up to its windy reputation. Thank goodness, though, as it was quite humid while we were there, with showers in the early morning followed by sunny and/or cloudy afternoons. It’s also quite a walkable city, helped by the fact that our hotel was set in the business district, near all the museums. I’m sorry to report that we didn’t visit the Te Papa, the main NZ museum, but only because we saw it 20 years ago. While I’m sure it’s changed quite a bit, I did notice that some of the exhibits were still there, including an amazing artistic rendering of a Maori meeting house. If you go online, I’m sure you can see more images and learn about the collections.
I’ve not commented much on the Maori culture. It is truly a fascinating culture, and on our first trip 20 years ago, we attended a welcome/dance event, where a Maori representative greets you by pressing their nose to yours followed by a warrior show of force. I feel pretty sure that in reality, when the first Europeans showed up on these shores, that the display was in reverse. We also attended a Hangi, in which the meat and vegetables are roasted/smoked in an oven created by digging a hole in the ground, layering the wood for the fire, and placing a rack on top with the food, before covering the whole thing to let the fire and smoke create a fall-off-the-bone scrumptious lamb, beef or chicken along with corn and kumara (a sweet potato). The original Maori were from Eastern Polynesia, who settled in New Zealand sometime between 1250 and 1300. You might have seen photos of Maori with full facial tattoos (moko), which represent a person’s social standing and family history. Maori wood and stone carvings are of remarkable diversity. We’ve been told that if we buy any greenstone (a type of Jade), you should have it blessed before you leave the island. While I can only comment as a tourist, it seems that the Maori have made great strides in reclaiming their place in the country, including land ownership, TV station(s) and government. Their language is on equal footing with English at all the museums and tourist attractions.
While we enjoyed viewing the main outlook at the top of a hill and walking through a botanical garden with a fantastic rose garden, we also took a scenic drive just outside the city, where we decided that we could happily take up residence, if New Zealand would have us. Sadly, immigration for anyone over 56 isn’t possible unless you have about $5 million dollars or are willing to start a business. If you’re under 56 and in good health with marketable skills, I get the impression that you’ll be welcomed with open arms.
The biggest highlight of our Wellington trip was a tour of Weta Workshop, which produced the sets, costumes, armor, weapons, creatures and miniatures for “Lord of the Rings,” “The Hobbit,” and many more Hollywood films you might recognize. The people who work there are truly creative geniuses.
Don’t forget to check in on Herman’s day-by-day photos: http://www.hermanator.net/NEW-ZEALAND-2018!
Trambling 
I’m so glad to hear that the Maori are reclaiming their rightful place in their own country – good on ‘yer! Loved the photos inside the LOTR museum – especially the one of Teresa sitting beneath a curious troll.
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I’m glad you came back and explained about your “future home”. I was thinking y’all had made a decision on that one!!! Wow $5 mil if you’re over 56 years old!!!!
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