Walk Details-2012
Living Streets Wellington Lunchtime Walks
Walk 1: Walk along waterfront to St Gerard’s Monastery
Category: HARD IN PARTS It is flat to Oriental Parade but steep steps and a steep street to reach St Gerard's monastery.
Meet at Plimmer statue at 12.30pm, walk to Stewart Dawson’s corner, cross and walk up Willeston St, turn right and walk along Jervois Quay and then use the overbridge south of the Telecom building to get to Frank Kitts Park. Walk along waterfront to Waitangi Park and then to Oriental Parade, cross at first zebra crossing, take Prince Street steps, walk a little way up Roxburgh St and turn left into McFarlane St and walk past St Gerard’s and then take steps down to Oriental Parade and then head back to city.
History notes: From McFarlane St you can observe some historical points of interest. What is now called Oriental Bay was formerly called Clyde Quay which was named after an early immigrant ship that came to Wellington. The current fire station was formerly the site of Clyde Quay School.
The Clyde Quay wharf was built in about 1905 but was replaced by Overseas Passenger Terminal in 1963.
St Gerard’s: The church on the right was built between 1907 and 1910 (architect J C Swan). The monastery was built for the Redemptorist monks in 1932 and was funded by public donations during the middle of the Great Depression. The Redemptorists first arrived in NZ in 1883 and they required a base from which they could travel the country inspiring Catholics to a greater faith. The 3 storied monastery allowed the priests to accommodate guests and hold retreats. The monastery was designed by Frederick deJersey Clere, a well known architect who also designed St Mary’s in Boulcott St. It was built as an extension to the church. Increasing rates and declining numbers forced the redemptorists to sell the building in 1988. The proposed sale caused great concern, but this was relieved when it was bought by the International Catholic Programme of Evangilisation in 1992 for use as a retreat and training centre.
Walk 2: Walk to Aro Valley Village
Category: MODERATE walk. Several climbs up steps.
Leave Plimmer statue at 12.30 pm.
Walk up Plimmer Steps and then continue up Boulcott St. Get onto The Terrace and then head uphill (South) along the Terrace. Cross The Terrace and walk down the driveway between 214 & 216. Follow the path across the Terrace Motorway Tunnel; walk up the steps by Kumutoto waterfall and at the top by the squash club take the path to your left. This path is part of the City to Sea walkway. You then come out on Salamanca Road. Head downhill a short distance before crossing the road to walk up Wai-te-ata Road. Continue up this road until you come to Boyd Wilson Park. Skirt around the outside of the park. You will then reach Fairlie Tce and Devon St. Turn left when you reach Aro St. Take a shortcut through the Aro St Community Centre into Palmer St and just past the high rise flats take another shortcut into Abel Smith St.
Turn left into Willis St and then into Lambton Quay to get back to Plimmer Steps.
Walk 3: Walk to Talavera Terrace
Category: MODERATE. Several climbs.
Leave Plimmer statue at 12.30 pm.
Walk up Plimmer Steps and continue up Boulcott Street. Where Boulcott Street curves right, take the track that leads up to Kelburn Park. At the top of the track, turn right and walk down to Everton Tce.
Cross the road into Talavera Terrace. Admire the very interesting homes. At the end take the steps that lead down to San Sebastian, then walk down San Sebastian, cross Clifton Tce and take path alongside motorway until you reach the cable car.
Take the path back to The Terrace. Cross The Terrace and then head south along The Terrace back to Boulcott St and then down Plimmer Steps.
Walk 4: Walk to Stadium and back along Waterfront
Category: EASY walk along the flat. Stadium walkway is exposed and can be windy.
Leave Plimmer statue at 12.30 pm.
Cross the road and head north along Featherston St to the railway station.
Admire the fine architecture of the station. Then head along the Stadium Walkway, turn right and head towards StatsNZ (green) building. Head south along the wharf till you get to Queen’s Wharf.
Note just past Waterloo Quay wharf you will see the Kumutoto outlet pipe which pipes water all the way from Victoria University in Kelburn down to the sea.
At Queen’s Wharf cross back to the city.
Walk 5: Walk to Waitangi Park
Category: EASY walk along the flat.
Leave Plimmer statue at 12.30 pm.
Walk to Stewart Dawson corner, go across crossing and walk up Willeston St. Use pedestrian overbridge south of Telecom building to get to Frank Kitts Park. Walk along the waterfront to Waitangi Park. Take time to read the display panels. Inspect the propeller off the HMNZS Wellington. The propeller lies in a replica of the graving dock that once existed at the site. Do a circuit around Waitangi Park and observe the filtering system used to clean the water from Waitangi Stream (which is fed from Newtown area) before it goes into the harbour.
Check out all the new dining sites at the bottom of the Old Herd Street Post & Telegraph exchange which is now expensive apartments and flash cafes.
Now it is time to head back to Plimmer Steps.
History notes: Part of Waitangi Park has a replica of the “graving dock” that once existed on the site. Graving means scratching and refers to the place where ships were put into dry dock so that the ship could have the barnacles, rust etc scratched off.
Walk 6: Walk to Historic Tonk’s Avenue
Category: MODERATE Initial climb up steps followed by easy walk.
Leave Plimmer statue at 12.30 pm.
Walk up Plimmer Steps. At the top, turn left and walk down Boulcott St. Near St Mary’s Catholic Church take O’Reily Ave, left into Terrace Gardens and up the steps to Percival St. At the bend take the steps on the left down the Dixon St steps to MacDonald Tce. On the bend take the track down to Ghuznee St. Cross the road and follow the motorway path to Abel Smith St.
Skirt around Karo Drive and then cross the motorway at Victoria St lights to take a close look at the renovated houses.
Take time to look at “Tonk’s Well” which is situated on the other side of Karo Drive.
Return to the city straight down Cuba St, cross at the traffic lights by Michael Fowler Centre, take the lane by the old Town Hall and then the bridge way which takes you to Victoria St.
History notes: Tonk’s Well was sunk to provide water to houses that were situated in Tonk’s Grove. The well was constructed with hand-made bricks from the Tonk’s Brickworks factory situated just south of this area. The brickworks occupied 4 acres. One of the two houses was burnt down while the other one has been shifted across the road to the new Tonk’s Ave
Walk 7: Walk to St Mary’s / Patanga Loop
Category: HARD
WARNING: This walk has a lot of uphill steps and part is on a grassy track.
Leave Plimmer statue at 12.30 pm.
Walk up Plimmer Steps and continue up Boulcott Street. Continue along Clifton Terrace and then turn left into San Sebastian St. At the top take the steps on the right up to Wesley Road.
Walk down into Anderson Park and then skirt around the outside of the park and take steps down to Glenmore Street. Across Glenmore Street is Patanga Street. Walk up this steep street and then climb up the loop track which takes you around to St Mary Street which is another steep downward slope which takes you back to Glenmore Street.
Retrace your route back to Plimmer Steps.
History notes: 31 Patanga Cres is the “Anchorage” named by the Holm family who lived their after their grandfather who established Holm Shipping line.
Near the top of the lane is the original farmhouse probably built in the 1870’s.
St Mary St exemplifies the extraordinary use of available land.
Walk 8: Walk to Hobson Street
Hobson St has some of Wellington’s most historic houses and is now the home to many embassies.
Category: EASY flat walk but takes nearly a full hour
Leave Plimmer statue at 12.30 pm.
Walk north to James Cook arcade. Take the hotel lift up to Level H and then walk through the hotel to The Terrace. Walk down The Terrace, cross over to the Beehive then into Kate Sheppard Place.(Kate Sheppard was the founder of the suffrage movement in NZ and her work culminated in the Electoral Act of 1893 which made NZ the first country to give women the vote). On the right just past Environment House is a concrete building which is an electricity substation designed in the manner of an Elizabethan manor.
On the left-hand corner is the Thistle Inn. The Inn is one of NZ’s oldest hotels. Before reclamation took place it stood just metres from the shore and was very popular for those arriving by boat.
Opposite the end of Kate Sheppard Place is the National Archives building. This is the place to view a copy of the Treaty of Waitangi document.
Walk up Mulgrave St and view Bishopcourt (Bishopcourt was designed by W.C.Chatfield and was built from heart totara. The uniform quoins are characteristic of many timber buildings in Wellington, and were designed to resemble stone buildings) Next door is Old St Pauls.
Now turn right into Pipitea St which at the bend in the road becomes Moturoa St. The street is named after Ropiha Moturoa who was a chief at the Pa which is now hidden behind the large office block.
At no 18 Moturoa St is Lady Freyberg House.
Now turn left into Hobson St and admire the marvellous stately homes built by the pioneers of Wellington business owners.
20 Hobson St—home of artist Evelyn Page and her husband Frederick who was first Professor of Music at Victoria.
33 Hobson St- built for Arthur Pearce a Director of Levin & Co
39 Hobson St- an elegant house built for Alfred Miles a Director of the Preserving and Refrigerating Company. Note the leadlight windows.
48 Hobson St—“Cranbrook” built in 1906- an example of Arts & Crafts design
50 Hobson St—house was designed and built by architect James Hislop on land subdivided by John Harcourt of Harcourt’s Real Estate fame)
52 Hobson St- section was bought by Bishop Charles Abraham, who built Old St. Paul’s.
Queen Margaret College – colonial architect William Clayton (designed wooden Govt Buildings on Lambton Quay) built a concrete house on this site. He sold property to TC Williams the son of Henry Williams who was the pioneering missionary to NZ.
Take time to look at the display board opposite the German Embassy.
Now head back to Plimmer Steps using the path alongside the motorway.
Walk 9: Walk along Waterfront to Boat Sheds and Beach
Category: Brisk walk on the flat.
Leave Plimmer statue at 12.30 pm.
Walk to Stewart Dawson corner, go across crossing and walk up Hunter St. Use pedestrian overbridge south of Telecom building to get to Frank Kitts Park. Walk along waterfront to the boatsheds at the start of Oriental Parade. Watch the whoosh bucket operating at the base of the Waitangi Stream. Continue to walk along next to the colourful boatsheds and then walk up steps to the footpath along Oriental Parade. As you walk along the esplanade look out for the sculpture entitled “Tail of a Whale”.
When you reach the band rotunda turn around and retrace your steps back to Plimmer Steps.
Walk 10: Walk to Kelburn Park
Category: MODERATE walk with some climbs and descents.
Leave Plimmer statue at 12.30 pm.
Walk up Plimmer Steps and then continue up Boulcott St. Take the Kumutoto Lane and then south along motorway path and up and over the Terrace Motorway Tunnel. Take the track up to the Kelburn squash club and at the car park take the City to Sea path to Salamanca Road. Head north along Salamanca Road to Kelburn Park. On reaching Kelburn Park walk clockwise around the perimeter of the park until you reach the house. On the city side of the house take the track which leads down towards the motorway and then along to Clifton Terrace. Walk along Clifton Terrace, past the school and then take the path opposite San Sebastian down to the Clifton Terrace car park and then on down to The Terrace. Walk along The Terrace till you reach the underpass to Woodward St. which takes you back to Lambton Quay.
Walk 11: Motorway Secrets--
Category: MODERATE walk with some steps.
Leave Plimmer statue at 12.30 pm.
Walk up Plimmer Steps, up Boulcott St and turn right onto The Terrace. Cross The Terrace at the lights and go down the path south of the motorway exit.
Take the path alongside the cable car. At the Clifton Tce stop on the Cable Car turn right and take the path alongside the motorway. Follow the lower branch of the walkway below passing under Aurora Terrace to Bolton St. Cross over the road to Easdale St. Enter the gate into the cemetery and take the path that winds down. Then take the first path that branches off to the right. This path will take you up to the Denis McGrath bridge which crosses back over the motorway and down to Bowen St.
Carefully cross over Bowen Street, wind through a car park and up wooden steps to Hill St, cross Hill St. and proceed along the walkway until you reach St Mary’s College. Cross Hawkestone St and then cross the bridge which takes you to Tinakori Road. Use the pedestrian crossing to cross Tinakori Road (by dairy). Just south of the dairy is a narrow path that runs between two houses. This path takes you through to Aorangi Terrace. Turn left and walk a short distance along Grant Road and turn left into Poplar Grove. The Grove is full of lovely cottages. Look out for the “Doll’s House” half way down the Grove.
Turn right and walk along Tinakori Road to the set of traffic lights at Harriett Street.
At the traffic lights, cross Tinakori Road and take path up to Hill St and then back down the steps to Bowen St and the Bolton St cemetery path under Aurora Terrace, emerging by the PSA building and going under The Terrace subway to come out at Woodward St.
Motorway walks
These were designed at the same time as the Urban Motorway in the 60s. When the Bolton St cemetery and Thorndon in general was to be bisected by the new road, plans were drawn up to maintain as much pedestrian access as possible. The walks are on Transit owned land which is maintained by Wellington City Council.
Walk 12: Walk to Rose Garden and Bolton Street Cemetery
Category: MODERATE First half of walk is uphill.
Meet at Plimmer statue at 12.30 pm
Walk up Plimmer Steps to The Terrace, cross The Terrace. Turn into the Clifton Terrace car park and take footpath alongside cable-car for a short distance and then turn right at Clifton Terrace Cable-Car stop sign.
Walk along this leafy walkway, taking a left fork until when you reach a seating area. From here take a few steps up to Clifton Terrace and then walk up San Sebastian, noting the Tulip Tree on the left (Notable Tree, NZILA) and take right-hand steps at end of the street up to Wesley Street. Take the alleyway by Number 3 Wesley Street, turn right into Clermont Tce and then across Salamanca St to the Botanical Gardens.
Walk down the slope past the Henry Moore bronze sculpture; circle the Lady Norwood Rose Garden starting with a quick view of the Peace Fountain and Tuwhare’s poetry slab. Go past the playing fields and the Seddon monument, Harry Holland’s rear view and through the romantic roses in the Bolton St cemetery. Walk over the Denis McGrath footbridge to Bolton St cemetery (east) then under the footbridge taking the path that emerges by PSA House in Aurora Tce. Walk down to the The Terrace, head south and use the subway to go under the The Terrace to emerge in Woodward St by the spinning top sculpture. This leads onto Lambton Quay opposite Midland Park.
Walk 13: Walk to the Home of Katherine Mansfield
Category: EASY walk along the flat.
Leave Plimmer statue at 12.30 pm.
Walk north to James Cook Arcade. Take lift up to The Terrace. Cross the Terrace and walk down to Aurora Tce. By PSA House take the path that goes alongside the motorway.
Take this path as far as Hobson Street. At Hobson St turn left and walk across the bridge and then right when you get to Tinakori Road. Stop at No 25 Tinakori Road and view the birthplace of Katherine Mansfield Beauchamp New Zealand’s most famous writer. The house was also the home of Sir Truby King founder of the Plunket Society.
Return along Tinakori Road.
Walk 14: Waterfront round Queens Wharf
Category: VERY EASY walk. Short duration.
Leave from Plimmer statue at 12.30 pm.
Cross Lambton Quay and head north along Lambton Quay. On the corner of Hunter St you will see a sculpture by Phil Price which is titled “Protoplasm”. Walk along Lambton Quay until you reach the Anton Parsons Braille sculpture, titled “Invisible City”. Turn right into Grey St, then left into Featherston St. Turn right into Johnston Street and cross Jervois Quay at the lights. Walk up the ramp between the sheds. Shed 11 will be the Wellington Photographic and Portrait Gallery. Walk towards the water where the harbour ferry docks and turn right along the promenade, past Shed 5 restaurant and then turn right and walk under the sails. Pause to see the memorial plaque and drinking fountain to the dog named Paddy the Wanderer on Shed 7’s southern façade.
Walk along past Len Lye’s “Water Whirler” sculpture which generally performs on the hour, spraying water and lighting up at night. Continue over the bridge to the lagoon and turn right after the Rowing Club to explore the gravel garden. Walk past the Boat Shed and either walk up the steps or ramp to the City to Sea bridge pausing to admire Para Matchitt’s wooden sculptures reflecting the cultural diversity of Wellington.
Take the ramp to the right of the City Gallery, lined with giant Nikau Palm sculptures, and descend gently to Victoria Street.
Cross at the lights over to Chews Lane, which has been revamped, and go through to Willis St. Turn right and cross at the lights to get back to Plimmer Steps.
Walk 15: Urban walk through City Lanes and Old China Town
Category: EASY walk along the flat.
This unusual walk showcases some of the links between shopping centres, underground passages and the neat alleyways of Wellington’s Cuba Quarter. Hide your credit card and come for a brisk walk that will show you some new routes away from traffic and rain…
Leave from Plimmer statue at 12.30 pm.
Walk half way up Plimmer Steps and turn left into AA Centre and follow through to Grand Arcade, down escalator to Willis Street. NB If you went to the basement level, this links through to the BNZ Centre
Walk south along Willis St, crossing to the eastern side at the lights by Boulcott St. Take shortcut left through arcade just before a restaurant and before Dixon Street), emerging on Victoria St. Turn right and walk south to lights, cross Dixon St, pause to enjoy the Volunteers Garden seat.
Cross Victoria St to continue on east side of Victoria St. Just after Farmers, turn into pedestrian access to Left Bank. Emerge into Cuba St and turn right, cross Ghuznee St and turn right, walk along to Glover Park, and walk through it, enjoying its recent makeover.
Turn left into Garrett St, cross Cuba St into Swan Lane and emerge at Marion St, turn right and then cross Marion St, continuing east along Vivian St.
Cross Taranaki St and then head south along Taranaki to Frederick St, walk down Frederick St. Note the heritage buildings at 23 – Wellington Chinese Masonic Society ca 1925 and at 46, Chinese Mission Hall ca 1905.
Turn left into Tory St, cross Vivian St and then, third left, go down Holland St and emerge at car park behind Wesley Church in Taranaki St. Turn left and cross at lights into Ghuznee St and take second right into Leeds St and through Hannah’s factory into Eva St.
Cross Dixon St, Te Aro Park water feature and Manners St and enter Opera House Lane, left of the State Opera House. Turn left, cross Wakefield St at lights and walk between Town Hall and MFC into Civic Square, up steps and along ramp to Harris St by the Central Library.
Cross Victoria St, turn right and then go down steps into BNZ Centre food hall, go straight ahead and past LV Martin’s. Still underground, turn right and emerge in the Old Bank Arcade at the end of Lambton Quay.
Walk 16: Walk to Wedge House
Category: MODERATE. Several steep climbs.
Leave Plimmer statue at 12.30 pm.
Walk up the Plimmer Steps, continue up Boulcott St and cross the motorway bridge. Turn left into Everton Tce and continue up Clermont Tce to Salamanca Road. Walk down Salamanca Road and then into Wesley Road which goes into Anderson Park.
Take the path down to Bolton St, cross over the street and then take a path down to Sydney St West. At 194A Sydney St West you will see the home of Rita Angus (Fernbank Studio) who was one of New Zealand’s finest and most popular artists. Take the steep path up Ascot St past some well preserved homes. Number 22 was home to composer Douglas Lilburn but is now used by a composer in residence scheme. Number 30 is Granny Cooper’s cottage named after the school mistress of the school that was based at this site.
Turn right at the Sheppard’s Arms (hotel is situated on an old sheep droving route) and walk down Tinakori Road. Numbers 304-314 are Wellington copies of San Francisco style “Painted Ladies”. Note corrugated iron sides used to combat fire. Two of the houses are 5 stories.
Turn right into Glenbervie St. On the corner is number 251, a small worker’s cottage built in the 1850’s one of the oldest houses in Thorndon. Walk up this steep street. [Glenbervie was one of the first New Zealand Company ships to arrive in Wellington]
Look out for No. 31 which is called the “Moorings”. The Moorings was designed by the architect J.S. Swan as his family home. He was the commodore of the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club. Swan was the architect of Skyline kiosk, CML building on Customhouse Quay, St Gerard’s Monastery and Erskine College. The house used to have an unparalleled view of the harbour. The exterior and interior design were inspired by the shape of a ship. On the next corner is the “Wedge House”. Study the amazing shape of the house. It is now the home of well-known architect and heritage conservator Chris Cochrane.
Walk on down Tinakori Road, paying respect to the Prime Minister whose Wellington home Premier House is on the opposite side of the street.
Turn right into Hill St and then take pedestrian access behind Parliament and then onto Lambton Quay and back to Plimmer Steps.
Historical Notes: Thorndon, Wellington’s oldest suburb occupies an area just north of what was Lambton Harbour beach. The land was purchased by the New Zealand Company in 1839 and the first European settlers shifted here in 1840 after being flooded out of their first settlement in Petone.
The original New Zealand Company plan allotted settlers one town acre with 100 country acres. The town acres were at Thorndon and Te Aro. As part of the terms of purchase of the land from local Maori, they allocated a tenth of the land to Maori- hence he Wellington tenths trust.
The pressure on land in Thorndon forced subdivision of the original town acres. Workers rented or owned cottages in lanes off the main roads.
Walk 17: Walk to the politicians’ backyard
Category: EASY
Leave Plimmer statue at 12.30 pm.
Walk north to the James Cook arcade. Take the lift to The Terrace. Cross The Terrace and take the path alongside the motorway. Take the path that leads down to Bowen St, cross Bowen St and walk around the outside of the Beehive and parliament and view very pleasant garden area behind the General Assembly library.
Now walk up Hill St, turn right at Selwyn Tce Enjoy looking at the houses on the flat at the top of the rise before heading down the steps back to the motorway path. Use the motorway path to head back to Plimmer Steps.
Walk 18: Walk to Te Aro School via Flagstaff Hill:
Category: MODERATE Parts of the walk are uphill.
Meet at Plimmer statue at 12.30 pm; walk up Plimmer Steps to the seat and tiles commemorating the Brig Gertrude’s arrival. Turn left along Boulcott Street through the subway and cross the street near St Mary’s. Turn right up O’Reily Tce and left along Terrace Gardens to Flagstaff Hill. Continue along to the steps that go up to Percival St, noting the Plischke designed Dixon St flats to your left and the steps leading down to the left. Turn right into Dixon and cross The Terrace, taking a path to the left just before the traffic lights. This path leads to the Student Union building at Victoria University, Kelburn Campus. Turning left just before the building, following the City-to-Sea arrows, leads to one of the best views in the city in Mount St Roman Catholic cemetery.
Follow the City to Sea orange arrows through the romantically overgrown cemetery to Waiteata Rd and follow it uphill until it reaches the Hugh Boyd playing field, which is the site of Terrace Gaol). A mound shows the site of the Governor’s house. Turn left before the Te Aro school and head down steps to The Terrace, crossing and turning left. Enjoy the new mural by Ellen Coup at the corner of The Terrace and Vivian St. Turn right into Vivian St and cross the road to join a path that rises over the motorway which dives into the tunnel. This path emerges in MacDonald Cres, at the foot of Dixon St steps. Turn right down Dixon St then turn left at the lights and stroll along Willis St to the city centre.
History of Flagstaff Hill: there were 3 Flagstaff Hills in Wellington. The Flagstaff Hill above Massey University was the site of a gun emplacement. In 1843 there was considerable alarm when news reached Wellington that there was trouble between Marlborough settlers and the natives. A volunteer Corps was formed and a gun battery was built mounted with two 18 pounder guns.
History of the Terrace Gaol: was established in the early 1850’s to replace the Te Aro goal which was damaged in the 1848 earthquake. By the turn of the century the goal and grounds covered 12 acres and held 120 prisoners. The gaol was known as the Hotel De Garvey, named after the prison governor of 20 years. Prisoners were used to excavate Woodward St and the cable car tunnels. Less capable prisoners were used to make bricks at Mt Cook (every brick had an arrow). These bricks were used to build Mt Cook Gaol on corner of Buckle and Tasman Sts. The large mound by the school was the site of the Governor’s residence and was created when it was demolished and the site bulldozed.]
Ernst Plischke
Ernst Plischke was an Austrian architect who came to NZ in 1939 to escape the Nazi regime. The Dixon St flats that you view on this walk were designed by Plischke and built between 1940 and 1942.
Other important designs in Wellington by Plischke are the Sutch House in Brooklyn and Massey House along Lambton Quay, which was Wellington’s first modern high-rise with its glass curtain walls.
Walk 19: Circuit the Courts
Category: MODERATE. Only climb is Plimmer Steps
Meet at Plimmer Steps at 12.30pm, walk up the steps and then up to The Terrace. Head north (downhill) along The Terrace and then take the escalator down Lambton Square to Lambton Square.
Cross the road and just past the Occidental Hotel on the corner of Lambton Quay and Ballance St walk a short distance and you will see the Wellington District Court. Don’t linger here but cross the road and inspect the new Supreme Court building which was opened by Prince William in January 2010.
Walk inside the building and look through a viewing window into the ovoid shaped courtroom which is clad with 2,294 diamond shaped panels of Southland silver beech. The panelling represents a kauri cone.
The outside bronze façade represents the protection the justice system provides to New Zealanders. The red glass inserts represent the flowers of the pohutukawa and rata trees.
Walk around the block and see the old High Court building.
Now head to Molesworth St and inspect the new High Court. Go inside and look at the photos on the inside walls.
From here walk a short distance up Molesworth St and view the Court of Appeal building.
Return back along Lambton Quay.
Walk 20: From a Pa Site to Queen Victoria
Category: EASY. This walk is along the flat.
Meet at Plimmer Steps at 12.30pm.
Head south along Lambton Quay and cross over at the corner with Willis St. Walk south to Chews Lane and duck down the lane, cross Victoria St and head up the sloping path beside the library, cross over the City to Sea bridge and from the bridge admire the new Wharewaka which is to house a waka. Stroll along the wharf till you reach the Taranaki St exit by Circa Theatre.
As you head south up Taranaki St and just before you reach Courtenay Place corner you will see Te Aro Pa. Go inside and look at the display.
Te Aro pa was on the shoreline of Te Whanganui a Tara—the Great Harbour of Tara. It was once the largest settlement when Europeans first came to Wellington. Now head south up Taranaki St , take a shortcut down York St (just before the Methodist Church), then along Holland St and cross Tory St before continuing along Tennyson St until you come to Cambridge Terrace. Just to your left along the island between Cambridge and Kent Terraces you will see the magnificent statue of Queen Victoria.
Continue to walk north along Cambridge Terrace. Opposite Downstage theatre you will see the welsh Dragon Bar. This bar was formerly a public toilet.
Turn left into Wakefield St. Cross at the first pedestrian crossing and continue into Chaffers St. Cross Cable st and walk back to Plimmer Steps along the wharf.
Walk 21: Walk to Rawhiti Terrace via Kumutoto Waterfall
Category: HARD. This walk has a lot of steps and is quite steep in parts.
Meet at Plimmer Statue at 12:30 pm; walk up Plimmer Steps to the memorial seat to John Plimmer. Cross Boulcott St and walk down Boulcott St until you reach Church St. Walk up the Church St steps to The Terrace. Cross over to the other side of The Terrace.
Between 214 & 216 The Terrace, there is a public access to Kelburn Park. Follow the path as it goes above the Motorway Tunnel, heading towards a rather ugly wire fence by a hidden waterfall. This is the Kumutoto waterfall – the stream’s last view of sunlight until it escapes from its culverts into the harbour near Shed 5. This site is significant to tangata whenua.
Beside the waterfall, steps lead up through shady bush to the car park of the Kelburn Club a squash club built on the Town Belt. Go straight across the car park and take steps heading up to the left of the Club’s entrance. These lead to the croquet club’s grounds. Follow the hedge round to Salamanca Road and cross at the zebra. Turn left towards Kelburn Parade and almost immediately right into an alleyway that passes some grand old Kelburn houses, up to Rawhiti Terrace. Take a sloping path to the right, emerging near the top of the Cable Car.
Enjoy the wide and magnificent view from the look-out. Take the path to the north of the look-out down to Salamanca Rd. Cross the road and head right for a few metres, then left down Gladstone Terrace towards Weir House, an attractive hall of residence. Take the pedestrian access to Salmont Place and then right into Clermont Tce, which becomes Everton Tce. Cross the motorway bridge into Boulcott St, back down Plimmer Steps to Lambton Quay.
This walk has quite a few steps.
Walk 22: Measuring a Chain
Category: MEDIUM. The initial walk up Plimmer Steps is steep but the rest is mainly downhill or flat.
Meet at Plimmer Steps at 12.30 pm.
Walk up Plimmer Steps then continue up Boulcott St before heading north downhill along The Terrace.
At 39 The Terrace by Greenok House use the stairs to make your way down to Lambton Quay. Head north and cross the road at the intersection with Bunny Street. Cross Bunny St and enter the “Old Government Buildings” through the Bunny St car park entrance. Straight ahead, by the Tow Away sign is a sign about the “Wellington Chain Mark” New Zealand’s first national standard chain mark was laid on the this site outside the office of the surveyor-general in 1879. There were 18 standard chain marks in NZ.
Now walk around the back of the building which has undergone extensive restoration including the repiling of the building because the original totara piles were rotting away. Enjoy looking at the gargoyles on the gates. Enter the ground floor and look at the public display about the structure of the building and then climb the staircase to look at the room used by the Cabinet in the early days.
Return along Lambton Quay to Plimmer Steps.
Walk 23: StreetArt
Category: MODERATE. The initial walk up Plimmer Steps is steep but the rest is mostly flat.
WARNING: Unfortunately a lot of Wellington Street art has been damaged by taggers
Meet at Plimmer Steps at 12.30 pm.
Walk up Plimmer Steps and at the top head downhill on Boulcott St.
Cut across the steps of St Mary’s church and then (to be continued)
Walk 24: Museums Galore
Category: EASY Walk is entirely on the flat.
Meet at Plimmer Steps at 12.30 pm.
Cross the road and walk through OLD BANK arcade. Glance up at the historic petal clock that hangs from the ceiling. On the hour the clock petals open up in sequence and reveal the history of Wellington harbour.
From here we make our way across to the Frank Kitts Park on the waterfront. As we head north glance up and look at the mast from the Wahine.
The first museum we come across is the Plimmer Ark museum.
The next museum to check out is the Olympic museum which has wonderful displays of New Zealand’s Olympic heroes.
The final museum to look at is the City to Sea museum.
Bus 'n' Walk
Bus Walk A: Bidwill St, Central Park, Tanera Park and Aro Valley
Category: MODERATE Some steps and walk on grass
(Please remember $2 for the bus fare, Super Gold Card holders travel free)
Catch the Number 11 (Seatoun) bus anywhere along Lambton Quay. It leaves the railway station Platform B at 12.30pm. For those meeting at Plimmer Steps we just need to cross the street and catch the bus at 12.33pm. You will need $2 for the bus. The bus takes us to Wallace Street by Massey University. Cross at lights and walk up Bidwill Street, then walk down the sloping lawn of Central Park until you reach a small wooden bridge. From the small wooden bridge turn right and then veer left uphill to Ohiro Road and then enter Tanera Park, [note the community gardens on your right]. From the park take the steps down to Epuni Street and then right into Aro Street and past the community hall into Abel Smith St and then left into Willis St which takes you back into the city.
Bus Walk B: Charles Plimmer Park
(please remember $2 for bus fare, Super Gold Card holders travel free)
Category: MODERATE Several climbs and descents.
Catch the Number 3 bus anywhere along Lambton Quay. The bus leaves Stop J at the north end of Lambton Quay at 12.30pm..
For those meeting at Plimmer Statue at 12.30pm, cross the road and head to the bus stop outside ANZ bank. The bus leaves this stop at approximately 12.35pm.
Leave the bus at Courtenay Place. Walk up Majoribanks St and at the top enter Charles Plimmer Park.
Take the track which arches to the left and walk across the ridge.
You will come out on Moeller Road. Take the steps down by St Gerard’s and make your way down to Oriental Parade.
Make your way back along the waterfront to the city.
Bus Walk C: Central Park
Category: MODERATE Steep in parts, includes steps
(please remember $2 for bus fare, Super Gold Card holders travel free)
Catch the Number 11 bus anywhere along Lambton Quay. It leaves the railway station Platform B at 12.30pm. For those meeting at Plimmer Steps we just need to cross the street and catch the bus at 12.33pm. You need $2 for the bus. The bus takes us to Wallace Street. Get off the bus at the Massey University stop. Walk south from the bus stop and cross the road at the zebra crossing. Walk up Hargreaves St and into Prince of Wales Park. Walk across the park diagonally and then up the steps at the far corner of the ground. Exit the Prince of Wales Park into Bidwill St, cross Brooklyn Road and then walk up Brooklyn Road and enter Central Park near the top of the Park. Walk down through the park passing by the new playground, exit back onto Brooklyn Road, walk behind the flats to Aro St and then cross the street to the Aro Valley Community Hall. Take the path that is to the left of the community hall and it will bring you on to The Terrace. Walk along the Terrace to Dixon St and then take steps down to Willis Street.
Cable Car 'n' Walk
Cable Car A: Sculpture Walk through Botanic Gardens
Category: MODERATE Steep in parts
(please remember $3.50 for one-way Cable Car fare, Super Gold Card holders travel free)
Meet at Plimmer statue at 12.30pm.
Walk north to Cable Car Lane where we catch the 12.40 cable car.
You need to purchase a one-way fare $3.50 (Super PlCard Holders travel for FREE)
From the top of the cable car the walk will take in the following features within the Botanic Gardens:
The Krupp Gun
The Sundial of Human Involvement
Cork Oak
Rudderstone Sculpture
Listening and Viewing Device sculpture
Peacemaker Sculpture
Dell
When you leave the cable car head north and follow the Kowhai walkway [note the Kowhai flower emblem in the paving circles]
Take the right-hand turn near the Observatory and head up towards the weather station. Near the weather station there is the Krupp gun and also a magnificent view of the harbour. Walk back down the same path and take the right-hand path by the observatory.
Stop and check the time at the Sundial of Human Involvement. You need to stand on the correct date and turn your back to the sun. Clasp your hands together above your head and they will cast a shadow onto the correct time.
Continue along the path until you reach the Northern Walkway track. Turn right and walk along to the viewing platform. The platform overlooks part of the Australian garden.
Continue along track and then take road that goes up to the MET Office. Just as you reach the buildings take the left-hand side track (Scrub Path 28)
At the end of Scrub Path take Manuka Path downhill. On the right you will see Remembrance Ridge and further down you will see Rudderstone Sculpture. Opposite Rudderstone Sculpture you will see a track. A few metres down the track you will see a Cork Oak tree.
Return to Manuka Path and walk down to the Listening and Viewing Device sculpture, the Peacemaker Sculpture and then down to the Dell.
From the Dell walk past Anderson Park and take the Reserves Path just past the Seddon memorial, veer left to Observatory path which leads onto Fowles Path.
Cable Car B: Walk Along Upland Road and Exploration of Botanic Gardens
Category: MODERATE Steep in parts, includes steps
(please remember $3.50 for one-way Cable Car fare, Super Gold Card holders travel free)
Meet at Plimmer statue at 12.30pm.
Walk north to Cable Car Lane, admiring the cast metal sign on the Lambton Quay footpath.
Purchase a one-way fare for $3.50 (Super Gold Card Holders travel for FREE)
Catch 12.40 cable car to the top. Walk along Upland Road, resisting several nice cafes. Turn right into Boundary Road and enter Botanic Gardens.
Stop to have a look at James Hector Pinetum and Memorial, then go down “fern path”-a small path (parallel to south edge of the gardens) through a bush gulley. At the bottom stay within the Botanical Gardens and take path uphill called Kew Way and then Gorse Path which takes you up to the top of the cable car.
Take City to Sea walkway below the Skyline restaurant to Everton Tce then take steps down to Kelburn Parade, cross Salamanca Rd to Kelburn Park and go down route to Everton Tce and to Boulcott St
Cable Car C: Walk through Botanic Gardens to Duck Pond
Category: MODERATE
(please remember $3.50 for one-way Cable Car fare, Super Gold Card holders travel free)
Meet at Plimmer statue at 12.30pm.
Walk north to Cable Car Lane where we catch the 12.40 cable car.
You need to purchase a one-way fare $3.50 (Super Gold Card Holders travel for FREE)
At the top of the Cable Car have a quick look at the Cable Car museum.
Then take path called Grass Way which then continues as Myrtle Way which then joins as William Wakefield Way. This will bring you to the Treehouse Visitor Centre.
From here head down to the duck pond and then along main path towards the main entrance.
Take path that goes up over the ridge and into the Lady Norsewood Rose Garden.
Now head back to the city over the motorway overbridge and Bolton St cemetery.
Cable Car D: The Back Way into the Botanic Gardens
Category: MODERATE
(please remember $3.50 for one-way Cable Car fare, Super Gold Card holders travel free)
Meet at Plimmer statue at 12.30pm.
Walk north to Cable Car Lane where we catch the 12.40 cable car.
You need to purchase a one-way fare $3.50 (Super Gold Card Holders travel for FREE)
Walk along Upland Road and then walk down Glen Road and enter the Botanic Gardens to check out the flower beds.
Just before the main entrance gates to the gardens take the uphill path that leads to Anderson Park.
Now head back to the city over the motorway overbridge and Bolton St cemetery.
End of Year Walk:
Tuesday 27th November is the last lunchtime walk for the year.
We leave Plimmer Steps at 12.30pm
To celebrate we are going to walk to Aro Park and use the tables in the park to have lunch at.
Please feel free to either bring your lunch or to buy some lunch at the nearby food places in Aro Street.
LUNCHTIME WALKS WILL RESTART ON 5th FEBRUARY 2013
