We arrived in Wellington late in the afternoon of 5th February. We were staying in the Copthorne Hotel in Oriental Bay with views looking across the road to the harbour and the Sky Stadium. The significance of that will unfold. The Copthorne was, by far, the most expensive accommodation I had arranged, but there was a reason for that. Until our arrival in town I had assumed that accommodation was at a premium because February 6th is Waitangi Day, a public holiday with lots going on. I felt there was a certain attraction, being in the capital on such an important day in New Zealand’s calendar. That was not the only reason, though, that accommodation had been so hard to come by. Queen were in concert at the Sky Stadium.
Angela had been in touch with the aunt and uncle of our daughter-in-law, Kelly, and had arranged to meet them for dinner. As we left to go to the Yacht Club for an early evening meal with Aunty Kay and Uncle Jim, we left the other three pondering what they would do for the evening. Part way through our meal I got a photo message, “Guess where we are?” As much as I enjoyed the company of Kelly’s aunt and uncle, I think I would have enjoyed Queen more! Having done our family duty we listened to Queen through our open bedroom window.
The following morning, over breakfast, we heard how great it was, what a fabulous concert, great atmosphere etc. etc. etc. I didn’t want to know.
It was only a short walk to Te Papa Museum, and, despite it still being quite early, there was a throng of visitors already there. Te Papa is a great museum, one of my favourites, for the range and quality of its exhibitions. The detail regarding the geological creation of New Zealand, its volcanic origins and its evolution through time is fabulous and makes it very easy to absorb. Its uniqueness in the world is highlighted by examples of all the wonderful species that live there, and only there.
Then there is the human history, the Maori sailing in from south sea islands. What enticed Europeans to venture to the other side of the world, how hardships forced them to take a journey of faith and exploration. The only disturbing exhibition is the two versions of the Waitangi Treaty. The Maori version was worded differently to the English version. By changing a few words, the Maori were cheated out of so much and the English overlords grabbed everything they could. Yet another example of British colonial mismanagement.
Having spent most of the morning in Te Papa, the rest of the day was free to enjoy the free music concert in Waitangi Park (not Queen, but enjoyable all the same), wandering the waterfront, drinking and eating. Wellington has such a relaxed atmosphere and is a great city to chill out in.
