Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walks 2020
Walk 1: Walk to Talavera Terrace
Category: MODERATE. Several climbs.
Time: 40 mins
Guide: Kate Riddick
Leave Plimmer statue at 12.30 pm.
Walk up Plimmer Steps and continue up Boulcott Street. Once you cross the motorway bridge (on the left side) 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.
Historical Note: Talavera Tce is one of the “Soldier Streets” in Wellington named in honour of our first pioneers who went off to battle with Allied forces in Spain and Portugal in the early 1800’s. Other streets include San Sebastian and Salamanca.
Walk 2: Walk to Aro Valley Village
Category: MODERATE. Several climbs up steps.
Time: 50 mins
Guide: Julie Brixton
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 along waterfront to St Gerard’s Monastery
Category: HARD IN PARTS
Time: 1 hour
Guide: Steve Williams
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: 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.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walks
Walk 4: Walk to Stadium and back along Waterfront
Category: EASY walk is along the flat. Stadium walkway is exposed and can be windy.
Time: 40 mins
Guide: Kate Riddick
Leave Plimmer statue at 12.30 pm.
Cross the road and head north along Featherston Street to the Railway Station. En-route to the station take time to view the memorial to the Radio Operators who worked in the Pacific during World War 2 located in Whitmore Street. At the Railway Station, admire the fine architecture of the station building and look inside the entrance way to the offices on the East side and note the various plaques.
Then head along Platform 9 towards the Westpac Stadium. Observe the railway signal box then use the pedestrian ramp to access the elevated Stadium Walkway. View the exterior of the Stadium the return along the elevated walkway and turn left over the road bridge. Head towards the Customhouse and Statistics buildings and observe the rugby sculpture. Then head south along Waterloo Quay to just past the Bluebridge ferry terminal where you can access the waterfront.
Note just past Waterloo Quay wharf you will see the Kumutoto Stream outlet pipe which conveys water all the way from Victoria University in Kelburn down to the sea.
At Queen’s Wharf cross back to the city.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walks
Walk 4A: Hidden Steps down to Thorndon Quay
Category: EASY
Time: 50 mins
Guide: Ron Ross
Leave Plimmer statue at 12.30 pm.
Walk north to James Cook hotel and take the lift to The Terrace.
Cross “The Terrace “ and take the motorway path all the way to Hobson St.
By the German Embassy take the steps under the motorway to Thorndon Quay.
Walk back to the city along the ever-changing Thorndon Quay.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walks
Walk 4B: Commercial Art
Category: EASY
Time: 50 mins
Guide: Bev Dixon
Leave Plimmer statue at 12.30
In the 1980’s commercial buildings that incorporated art into their foyers were given extra benefits from the City Council such as having higher height restrictions.
Today’s walk explores the foyers of some of these buildings to enjoy the art and sculptures that are on display.
Walk south along Lambton Quay and then continue south on Willis St until you reach the Majestic Centre. Take the escalator to the 1st floor and view the “Majestic Earth” hanging from the ceiling. Exit out of the side entrance and walk to Manners St. Stop off at 50 Manners St and also 57 Manners St where you can view a drawing of the “New York” skyline. Now head to Mercer St and go inside the café to view wonderful photos of early Wellington.
Walk around the corner to Chews Lane. Walk through Chews Precinct and view the painting of early Wellington waterfront. Across from the painting is an art gallery which may of things of interest. Now hot foot it to Lambton Quay. View the art work at 117, 101 and 116 Lambton Quay.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walks
Walk 5: Walk to Waitangi Park
Category: EASY walk along the flat.
Time: 35 mins
Guide: Bev Dixon
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.
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.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walks
Walk 6: Walk to Historic Tonk’s Avenue
Category: MODERATE Initial climb up steps followed by easy walk.
Time: 55 mins
Guide: Kate Riddick
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, and 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
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walks
Walk 7: Walk the St Mary’s / Patanga Loop
Category: HARD
Warning: This walk has a lot of uphill steps and part is on a grassy track.
Time: 50 mins
Guide: Julie Brixton
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 driveway 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.
HISTORICAL NOTES: 31 Patanga Cres is the “Anchorage” named by the Holm family who lived there 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.
Number 14 St Mary St is Randell Cottage which is used by “Writers in Residence”.
San Sebastian Street was named in honour of Arthur Wellesley (Duke of Wellington in England) who commanded Allied forces which captured the city of San Sebastian in Northern Spain back in 1813.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walks
Walk 8: Walk to Historic 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
Guide: Jackie Shorland
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. Note the bell tower on top of the main building. There is a very sad story about the ghost of Queen Margaret College and the ringing of the bell when their daughters fiancée ship came into port.
Take time to look at the display board opposite the German Embassy.
Now head back to Plimmer Steps using the path alongside the motorway.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walks
Walk 9: Walk along Waterfront to Boat Sheds and Band Rotunda
Category: EASY brisk walk on the flat.
Time: 50 mins
Guide: Ron Ross
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 Datacom building to get to Frank Kitts Park. Walk along the waterfront to the boatsheds at the start of Oriental Parade. Look out for where the whoosh bucket used to operate 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”.
Once around the point look out for the Charlesworth Houses (186 to 200 Oriental Parade). They were built in 1906 and designed by Joshua Charlesworth who was the architect of the Town Hall in 1904.
Further along on the left side is the band rotunda. The original band rotunda was moved from in front of the Town Hall in 1917 and was replaced in 1936. In 1981 the rotunda was enclosed and turned into a restaurant. It is now a liability. Go onto the roof to enjoy the view of the city.
When you reach the band rotunda turn around and retrace your steps back to Plimmer Steps.
http://www.mapmywalk.com/routes/view/196263738
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walks
Walk 10: Walk to Kelburn Park
Category: MODERATE walk with some climbs and descents.
Time: 50 mins
Guide: Ron Ross
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 path that leads down 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.
http://www.mapmywalk.com/routes/view/196265230
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walks
Walk 11: Motorway Secrets--
Category: MODERATE walk with some steps.
Time: 45 mins
Guide: Julie Brixton
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 for the Cable Car turn right and take the path alongside the motorway. Follow the lower branch of the walkway 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. At the end of the bridge turn hard left and take the path that leads down into the amphitheatre.
Above the amphitheatre you will see the lovely Chapel that contains interesting information about early Wellington plus the names of those buried in the mass grave at the base of the amphitheatre.
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.
The Denis McGrath bridge as well as the Aurora St bridge have been built with earthquake safety in mind. The bridge spans have been mounted on glide bearings and incorporate lead extrusion dampers which resist longitudinal earthquake reponses.
Walk 12: Urban walk through City Lanes
This unusual walk showcases some of the links between shopping centres, passages under buildings and the 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…
Category: EASY walk along the flat.
Time: 55 mins
Guide: Steve Williams
Leave from the seat adjacent the Plimmer statue at 12.30 pm. Walk south to Willis Street and head southwards along the west side. Just after crossing Boulcott St turn right into Flagstaff Lane. On the right is a side entrance into the Willis Street Village complex which we will pass through to get back onto Willis Street. Walk up to the junction with Dixon Street and cross to the east side using the traffic lights. Return down Willis Street to the entrance to a food court arcade (Precinct 151 Capital Markets) and pass through it to Edward Street. A passageway through a building takes us through to Victoria Street. Turn right and walk south to cross Dixon Street at the traffic lights. Observe the nearby Volunteers Garden seat from the junction before crossing Victoria Street at the same set of traffic lights.
Continue a short way along the east side of Victoria Street until just after the Elite Bakery, then turn into the pedestrian access way which leads to a shopping precinct called Left Bank. Emerge into Cuba Mall and turn right to head south. Cross Ghuznee Street and then turn left to enter Swan Lane which takes you through to Marion Street.
We now head back northwards by turning left along Marion Street. Carefully crossover Ghuznee Street and veer left to enter Leeds Street. Proceed to its end which takes you under the former Hannah’s Factory and into Eva Street. Note the old brick building with the arrow marks in the bricks. Carefully cross over Dixon Street and Manners Street beside Te Aro Park then walk down Opera House Lane which leads to Wakefield Street.
Turn left and walk to the traffic lights at Cuba Street to cross Wakefield Street and take the walkway beside the Michael Fowler Centre. Cross Civic Square and turn right into Victoria Street beside the Library. Cross Victoria Street at the Harris Street junction which directs you into Chew’s Lane.
Cross Willis Street at the Chew’s Lane or Willeston Street traffic lights to head north up Lambton Quay back to the Plimmer statue.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walks
Walk 13: Walk to the Home of Katherine Mansfield
Category: MOSTLY EASY
Time: 50 mins
Guide: Bev Dixon
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.
[note you have to cross Bowen St, take some steps down to a car park and then take 80 steps up to Hill St., cross Hill St onto the next section of the path, walk alongside Te Kura and through the tunnel under Molesworth Street. The path then continues alongside Katherine Mansfield Park.
Cross Hobson Street, 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 is classified as a Category 1 historic place by Heritage New Zealand. Katherine Mansfield wrote a story titled “The Garden Party” held in the garden surrounding the house. The house was also the home of Sir Truby King founder of the Plunket Society.
Return along Tinakori Road. At Harriet Street cross at the lights and then at the same lights cross Tinakori Road and take the path up to Hill Street. Walk part way down Hill St and cut through the back of Parliament back to the city.
Walk 14: Maritime Walk
Category: VERY EASY
Time: 35 mins
Guide: Ron Ross
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. Head towards the railway station and then walk in front of the station and cross the pedestrian crossing onto the wharf area.
POINTS OF INTEREST ALONG THE WHARF
Shed 21: This was built in 1910 and was used to store wool.
Former Shed 17: This building was used by the waterfront Police. Police have been on the waterfront since the 1880’s coping with smuggling, common assault, theft and prostitution.
Old Eastbourne Ferry Ticket Office: The 2 storied weatherboard building was a ticket office for the Eastbourne Borough Council run ferry service which operated between 1913 and 1948.
Sheds 11 and 13: Edwardian industrial architecture. Shed 11 is now the National Portrait Gallery and Shed 13 is now a coffee warehouse.
Queens Wharf Offices / Shed 7
Memorial to Paddy the Wanderer:
Museum of Wellington: Completed in 1892 this was the architectural highlight of the central wharf area. It was initially the Bond store holding expensive items which customers were required to pay a bond before they were released. Upstairs was the Head Office of the WHB (Wellington Harbour Board)
Huddard Parker Building: Across the road from the Queens Wharf gates is the Huddard Parker Building which was built in 1924 for the Melbourne based shipping company that ran ships between Australia and New Zealand.
Queens Wharf Area: The double T of Queens Wharf was a bustling port in the early 1900’s.
Shed 5: Shed 5 has retained its name and is now an expensive restaurant with the Crab Shack at the southern end.
Shed 3: is now a restaurant called “Dockside”
Shed 1: is now a hanger for Wellington Helicopters and a sports arena.
Star Boating Club: This building has moved twice.
Wellington Rowing Club building: Another Clere design. Built in 1894 as a base for the Wellington Naval Artillery Volunteers. The volunteers were formed in 1879 after a Russian scare in 1877. It housed 2 naval cutters. The tower was for the lookouts.
Statue of Kupe: Originally sculptured in plaster by William Trethewey for the Centennial Exhibition of 1940 it was housed at the Wellington Railway Station. After a fundraising effort it was recast in bronze and installed on the wharf in 2000
St. Johns Bar: Was formerly the Wellington Free Ambulance HQ. The building is significant in having decoration on all 4 facades.
Odlin Building: This 5 storey brick building was built in 1907 and was the only private development on the wharf at that time. Odlins had a timber yard here until 1924. It now houses the NZ Stock Exchange with sharemarket prices flashed across the front of the building.
Shed 22: Is the southernmost WHB warehouse. Special feature is the Romansque arches above the windows. It now a bar and brewery.
Circa Theatre: The front façade is the original façade of the Westport Coal Company (1916) which was sited on the site where the BP station is now sited. The façade was moved across the road and forms the front of Circa.
Now return to the city via the City to Sea bridge. 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.
NOTES:
When the first New Zealand Company settlers arrived in Wellington in 1840 they settled on flat land in Petone. Soon deterred by shallow anchorage, strong tides, swampy and easily flooded land they soon moved to Lambton Harbour. The only problem was there was not much usable land.
WATERMEN: men who ferried goods to boats anchored in the harbour.
WHARFINGER: head man of a particular wharf gang. They did the hiring of watersiders
WATERSIDERS: Often called “Wharfies”. They belonged to very strong unions. Two major disputes occurred n 1913 and 1951.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walk
Walk 15: Walk to Rose Garden and Bolton Street Cemetery
Category: MODERATE First half of walk is uphill.
Guide: Kate Riddick
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 Terrace.
NOTE: the Tulip Tree on the corner of San Sebastian and Clifton Terrace is part of the Magnolia family and flowers in late spring or early summer. Unfortunately this specimen appears to be dying.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walks
Walk 16: Walk to Wedge House and “The Moorings”
Category: MODERATE. Several steep climbs.
Time: 45 min
Guide: Julie Brixton
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 Bowen 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.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walks
Walk 17: Walk to the politicians’ backyard
Category: EASY
Time: 35 mins
Guide: Bev Dixon
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.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walks
Walk 18: Walk to Te Aro School via Flagstaff Hill:
Category: MODERATE Parts of the walk are uphill.
Time: 50 mins
Guide: Steve Williams
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. In 1843 there was considerable alarm when news reached Wellington that there was trouble between Marlborough settlers and the natives (the Wairau Affray). The European settlers set up the Flagstaff Hills around the city to warn of potential attacks. 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.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walk
Walk 19: Circuit the Courts
Category: EASY. Only climb is Plimmer Steps
Time: 40 mins
Guide: Kate Riddick
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 Quay.
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 an 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.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walk
Walk 20: From a Pa Site to Queen Victoria
Category: Easy. This walk is along the flat.
Time: 1 hour
Guide: Bev Dixon
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 home to the waka belonging to Wellington. 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 Street, cross at the first pedestrian crossing and continue into Chaffers St. Cross Cable St and walk back to Plimmer Steps along the wharf.
Walk 20A: Antrim House
Category: Moderate
Time: 1 hour
Guide: Jackie Shorland
Meet at Plimmer Steps at 12.30pm.
Head up Plimmer Steps and at the top turn left and walk through the tunnel. Half way down Boulcott St cross the road and walk up to Antrim House.
Hopefully we can view the main hallway, lower staircase and former drawing room.
If we have time we will then head down Boulcott St and turn left into Willis St and look at the art displayed in the Majestic Centre.
INFORMATION ABOUT ANTRIM HOUSE:
Right in the heart of Wellington is Antrim House, a prominent landmark in what was once a predominantly residential central city street. Its historic significance arises from its origins as the home of successful businessman and founder of R Hannah & Co Ltd, Robert Hannah, his wife Hannah and their family.
Antrim House (named after the county of Robert's birth) was his last home, had all the latest conveniences including gas, electric light and bathrooms. It was designed in Italianate style by the firm of Thomas Turnbull & Son, which designed many other notable Wellington buildings. It has kauri panelling and staircase, stained glass windows (all different) and ornate ceilings by Wunderlich of Sydney. In the grounds are a stable block and conservatory.
Since Robert's death in 1930, Antrim House has been home to many people - as private hotel, public service hostel for young men. In 1979 Antrim House was given to Heritage New Zealand, for use as our headquarters.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walk
Walk 21: Walk to Rawhiti Terrace via Kumutoto Waterfall
Category: HARD. This walk has a lot of steps and is quite steep in parts.
Guide: Jackie Shorland
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 track through the bush where you will see 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.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walk
Walk 22: Measuring a Chain
Category: EASY. The initial walk up Plimmer Steps is steep but the rest is mainly downhill or flat.
Guide: Julie Brixton
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 Ranchood Tower use the stairs to make your way down to Lambton Quay. Head north and cross the road at the intersection with Whitmore Street. Cross Whitmore St and enter the “Old Government Buildings” through the Whitmore 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.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walk
Walk 23: Street Art Walk
Category: Easy
Guide: Julie Brixton
Meet at Plimmer Steps 12.30 pm
Julie will show us the best of Street Art on the walls of Wellington City buildings.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walk
Walk 24: Back Streets of Historic Thorndon
Category: Moderate
Guide: Jackie Shorland
Meet at Plimmer Statue at 12.30 pm.
Head north to James Cook Hotel and use their lift to get to The Terrace.
Walk north down The Terrace. Cross Bowen St and walk behind Parliament, cross Hill St and take the path up Selwyn Tce and then continue north until you reach St Marys 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
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walk
Walk 25: Cathedral Walk
Category: EASY- Walk is entirely on the flat.
Guide: Ron Ross
Meet at Plimmer Steps at 12.30 pm.
Walk north and enter the James Cook arcade. Take the lift to the hotel floor (button H). Walk through the hotel lobby and come out on the “The Terrace”. Walk north. Cross Bowen St and then walk down the side of the Beehive and across in front of Parliament. Cross Hill St and enter St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral. Note the sculpture behind the altar and in the back right window a sequence of dates.
Exit the Cathedral and walk around the side and on past the loaves & Fishes and then take the steps up to Anglican House. Continue up Eccleston St and enter the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Cathedral. Exit back onto Hill St and then take Guildford St and wind your way through to Selwyn Tce. Admire the wonderful homes at the top. From there take the Motorway path back to Plimmer Steps.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walk
Walk 26: Mo(o)re Sculptures
Category: MEDIUM- a large part of the walk is uphill
Guide: Kate Riddick
Meet at Plimmer Steps at 12.30 pm.
Walk up Plimmer Steps, walk up Boulcott St and cross the bridge. Continue up Everton Tce and walk under the cable car bridge. A little further up the street, take the path opposite Talavera Tce. Then take the first path on the right which takes you up past Weir House. Wind your way up to the east entrance to the Botanical Gardens which is near the Weather Office. Take Path 14 (Norwood Path). Stop and observe the “Body and Soul” sculpture, then continue down the path to check out Henry Moore’s “Inner Form” sculpture.
Walk back to the city.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walk
Walk 27: Walk to Elephant Rock
Category: HARD-
Guide: Steve Williams
Meet at Plimmer Steps at 12.30 pm.
Walk north and enter the James Cook arcade. Take the lift to the hotel floor (button H). Walk through the hotel lobby and come out on to The Terrace.
Walk down the Terrace and cut through the back of parliament and turn left onto Hill St. At the end of the motorway bridge take the path on the right-hand end which takes you to the traffic lights on Tinakori Road. Cross Tinakori Road and head up Harriett St, turn right onto Grant Road. On the left you will see a track up into the hills. This track leads to Elephant Rock.
Walk 28: Urban walk to Old China Town
Category: EASY walk along the flat.
Time: 55 mins
Guide: Bev Dixon
Leave from Plimmer statue at 12.30 pm.
Walk up to the top of Plimmer Steps, turn left into Boulcott St and head to Willis Street.
Walk south along Willis Street until you reach Vivian Street. Turn left into Vivian Street until you reach Taranaki Street.
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, and walk through Chews Lane and head back to work or play.
Walk 29: A Circuit of the University
Category: MODERATE
Time: 55 mins
Guide: Julie Brixton
Leave from Plimmer statue at 12.30 pm.
Walk up Plimmer Steps and then up Boulcott St. Before you reach the bridge over the motorway turn right into Kumutoto Lane and then a path which takes you over the Terrace Motorway tunnel. Cross over the tunnel and take the path upto Salamanca Road, cross the road and walk up the road to the Hunter Building which is the administration block for the university.
Enter the Hunter Building and walk up the stairs to Level 3. Head south along the corridor and exit into the courtyard. View the Adams Art Gallery which has recently been refurbished and then cross the courtyard to the student centre. Go inside and admire the modern facilities the students enjoy.
Now head down the path to The Terrace and then down The Terrace back to Plimmer Steps.
Walk 30: Sculpture Walk
Category: EASY walk along the flat.
Time: 55 mins
Guide: Kate Riddick
Leave Plimmer Steps at 12.30pm
Cross road and walk through Old Bank and go underground and emerge onto Victoria Street. Head south along Victoria Street until you reach the library. Observe the Nikau palm sculptures which surround the library.
Now enter the Civic Square. On the right is a raised grass area. Inside the area you will see the sculpture “Seven Steps to Heaven” 1999 (artist Mary-Louise Browne). These three-letter words move from ‘sea’ to ‘sky’. There are two words that don’t need to be there- ‘sad’ and ‘see’.
Now head to the left towards the harbour to look for the following sculptures which are found on the Jack Ilott lawn
“Axis to the Gate of Serendipity – The Four Winds 1997” (artist Bruce Campbell)
“Rugby World Cup”
Now return back towards Civic Square and view Prow and Capital 1991 (artist Matt Pine) which are at the start of the steps which leads to the bridge which goes across the road.
The Bridge sculpture is by Para Matchett.
Now walk along the wharf to observe the following sculptures.
Albatross- fountain near Café Eiss on waterfront (artist Tanya Ashken)
Fruits of the garden 2001 – Frank Kitts Park (artist Paul Dibble)
Nga kina- near Kumototo wharf (artist Michael Tuffery)
Katherine Mansfield sculpture “Woman of Words”—corner Lambton Quay and Waring Taylor St. (artist Virginia King)
Shells sculpture- on the opposite corner of Lambton Quay and Waring Taylor St (artist Jeff Thomson 2002)
Walk 31: What’s on at the National Library
Category: EASY
Time: 35 mins
Guide: Kate Riddick
Leave Plimmer Steps at 12.30pm
Cross Lambton Quay and walk down the eastern side of Lambton Quay until you reach the Old Wooden Building. Walk up Molesworth St till you reach the National Library.
Check out the movie that is playing and any exhibitions that are on and if there is time check the Treaty of Waitangi document.
Walk 32: Wellington Culture
Category: EASY walk along the flat.
Time: 35 mins
Guide: Ron Ross
Leave Plimmer Steps at 12.30pm
This walk is not about Wellington’s café culture but is about art galleries and museums.
Head towards Victoria St and then enter Civic Square. The Wellington City Art Gallery is on the left. Stop off at the gallery.
Now cross the City to Sea Bridge and walk along the wharf to Circa Theatre and check on what is coming up.
Now cross the courtyard to Te Papa Museum. Ride the escalator to the exhibition hall.
Now head back along the wharf to Queens Wharf, which has the sail across the courtyard.
Enter Wellington Museum and check the latest displays. On the top floor is a recently opened “Attic” display.
Nearby is the Fine Arts gallery which often has exhibitions showing.
Shed 11 is the Portrait Gallery which often has great displays.
Walk 34: South City Churches
Category: Moderate
Time: 1 hour
Guide: Jackie Shorland
This walk visits the three notable churches in the Willis Street vicinity. The churches will be in use by worshippers so the group should take care to respect the sanctity of the environment.
Meet at Plimmer Steps at 12.30pm.
Head up Plimmer Steps and at the top turn left and walk through the tunnel. Walk
down Boulcott Street. On the left you will see the Central Baptist Church. Further down Boulcott St and across the road you will see St Mary of the Angels Roman Catholic Church on the right-hand side of the street beside O’Reily Avenue.
St Mary of the Angels
This is the third church built on this site and was opened on 26 March 1922. It is in the Gothic revival style and was one of the first to be built in reinforced concrete. A paper tour guide is available that will enable you to make the most of your visit that recommends that you commence your tour at the top of the left-hand aisle. Note the stained-glass windows around the building, the marble altar and the statues.
Head to Willis Street and turn right. Walk southwards to the Dixon Street intersection where you will find the entrance to St John’s in the City Presbyterian Church on the south side of Dixon Street.
St John’s in the City
This wooden church was built in 1885 and is also in the Gothic style. The exterior is kauri. It was designed by Thomas Turnbull who, earlier, also designed St Peter’s. Parishioners have included the families of James Smith, J. Kirkaldie, Alexander Turnbull and Robert Hannah.
You may find that the main section of the church is locked but the interior can be glimpsed through an interior window in a chapel on the west side that will be open. Continue around the west side of the building and down some steps and a pathway to a car park at the south end that will take you back onto Willis Street.
Head south to the Ghuznee Street intersection and cross over Willis Street to St Peter’s Anglican Church.
St Peter’s Anglican Church
This wooden church was opened in 1879 in this prominent location. Its interior is spacious with prominent kauri frames and the timber chancel screen at the end of the nave. Stained glass features in several of its tall windows.
Christian Science Church
Further up Wills St is this Ian Athfield designed church.
Walk back down Willis Street to reach Lambton Quay to return to Plimmer Steps.
Bus ‘n’ Walk A: Bidwell St, Central Park, Tanera Park and Aro Valley (please remember $2.50 for the bus fare/Snapper Card/Gold Card)
Category: MODERATE
Time: it takes 1 hour
Guide: Jackie Shorland
Meet at Plimmer Steps at 12.30pm
Cross Lambton Quay and walk a short distance north to the bus stop outside ANZ bank.
Catch the Number 3 bus. If you don’t have a Snapper Card or Gold Card you will need $2.50 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 left 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.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walks
Bus ‘n’ Walk B: Charles Plimmer Park
(please remember Snapper card or Gold Card or $2.50 cash for the bus ride)
Category: Several climbs and descents.
Time: 60 mins
Guide: Steve Williams
Catch the Number 1 bus anywhere along Lambton Quay. The bus leaves Stop A at Wellington Railway Station at 12.33pm.
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 12.38pm.
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.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walks
Bus ‘n’ Walk C: Central Park (please Snapper Card or Gold Card or $2.50 cash for the bus trip)
Category: HARD. Steep climb up Hargreaves St
Guide: Jackie Shorland
Catch the Number 3 bus anywhere along Lambton Quay. It leaves the railway station Stop B at 12.30pm. For those meeting at Plimmer Steps we just need to cross the street and catch the bus at 12.34pm. If you don’t have a Snapper Card or Gold Card then you will need $2.50 for the bus. The bus takes us to Wallace Street. Get off the bus at the Massey University stop. Walk north from the bus stop and cross the road at the pedestrian crossing. Walk up Bidwill St , cross Brooklyn Road and then enter Central 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. Wind your way behind the community hall till you reach Willis St. Walk down Willis St back to Lambton Quay.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walks
Bus ‘n’ Walk D: Pukeahu National War Memorial Park (please remember $2.50 for bus or Snapper Card or Gold Card)
Category: Easy
Guide: Jackie Shorland
Catch the Number 3 bus anywhere along Lambton Quay. It leaves the railway station Stop B at 12.25pm. For those meeting at Plimmer Steps we just need to cross the street and catch the bus at 12.30pm.
Leave the bus just before Karo Drive and walk up to the park.
Spend time wandering around the park, cross over to the Carillion and also the tomb of the unknown soldier.
Walk up to the NW corner of the old Dominion Museum and you will find the memorial to the prisoners from Parihaka in Taranaki. The prisoners were held at the Mount Cook Barracks in 1879. They were later sent to South Island Jails.
Seek out the sculpture of ‘Simpson and his Donkey’.
Returning down the steps view the statue of Hinerangi. It is a woman with a beautiful cloak looking up with sadness at the National War Memorial. She represents the people who stayed behind during times of war, their grief at losing loved ones and their hope for peace in the future.
Also view other countries sculptures acknowledging Gallipoli.
Towards the Basin Reserve you will see the restored Pukeahu Education Centre. It was formerly the Home of Compassion Creche being built in 1914. It was designed by John Swan and allowed the Sisters of Compassion to continue their pioneering creche service begun by their founder, Mother Aubert.
Return to the city via Taranaki St.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walks
Bus ‘n’ Walk E: Bus trip to Nairn St Cottage
(please remember $2.50 for bus or Snapper Card or Gold Card)
Category: Moderate
Guide: Jackie Shorland
Meet at Plimmer Steps at 12.30pm.
Walk across the road and north to the bus stop outside ANZ.
Catch the Number 7 bus which should arrive about 12.39pm.
The bus heads up Brooklyn Road. Get off the bus at the stop opposite the Tennis Centre.
Walk up Nairn St which is just south of the bus stop and at the crest take a right into Hankey St. Walk to the end of the road to see the magnificent Te Kohanga Reo head office.
Walk back down Hankey St and turn right into the downhill section of Nairn St.
At Number 68 Nairn St you will see the Nairn St Cottage.
Continue downhill and on the right you will see a project to rejuvenate an urban area.
Cross the street and continue not Willis St. At number 335 Willis St you will see a rundown Dransfield House.
Continue to walk down Willis St till you reach Lambton Quay where the walk ends.
HISTORICAL NOTES:
The Te Kohanga Reo Trust national office is known as Anderson House.
It was built in 1875. The Anderson’s were a prominent merchant family.
The house was used by the military during WWII.
It is a fine example of an early Wellington large scale homestead.
Nairn St cottage is Wellingtons oldest original cottage which was built in 1858. It is now a museum.
Dransfield House is an example of a substantial wooden house designed in the Italiante style. Joe Dransfield was prominent in Wellington business and political life. Over time the house has been used as a middle-class residence, boarding house and doctors house/surgery.
It is currently used as a restaurant/wedding venue.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walks
Cable Car ‘n’ Walk A: Sculpture Walk through Botanic Gardens
[Note ride on Cable Car costs$5.00 if using cash
Snapper card $3.60
Gold Card holders travel FREE ]
Category: EASY
Time: 55 mins
Guide: Jackie Shorland
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 $5.00 (Super Gold Card 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 Space Place and head up towards the weather station. Near the weather station there is the Krupp gun (captured in France and brought to NZ in 1918) and also a magnificent view of the harbour. Walk back down the same path to Space Place.
Take the path to the north of Space Place (right) and 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 (sun permitting).
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 the Northern Walkway 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- sign post is on the ground).
At the end of Scrub Path take Manuka Path downhill. On the right you will see Remembrance Ridge and further down on the right you will see Rudderstone Sculpture (Denis O’Connor 1997). 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 (Andrew Drummond 1994). Return to Manuka Path and continue down to the Peacemaker Sculpture (Chris Booth 1991) and then down to the Dell (a large picnic area with stage used for performances.
From the Dell walk past the Begonia House and café, the Lady Norsewood Rose Garden, and past Anderson Park. On the right opposite the Rose Garden is a small sculpture in memory of Sir Charles and Lady Norsewood.
At the Seddon Memorial enter the Bowen Street cemetery and take the Reserves Path immediately on your right. Veer left to Observatory path which leads onto Fowles Path.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walks
Cable Car ‘n’ Walk B: Walk Along Upland Road and Exploration of Botanic Gardens
[Note ride on Cable Car costs$5.00 if using cash
Snapper card $3.60
Gold Card holders travel FREE
Category: MODERATE
Time: 60 mins
Guide: Kate Riddick
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 $4.00 (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 path down to Everton Tce , cross bridge over motorway and then cross The Terrace back to Boulcott St to the Plimmer Steps.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walks
Cable Car ‘n’ Walk C: Walk through Botanic Gardens to Duck Pond
[Note ride on Cable Car costs $5.00 if using cash;
Snapper card $3.60;
Gold Card holders travel FREE]
Category: EASY
Guide: Jackie Shorland
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 $5.00 or use your Snapper Card or use your Super Gold Card
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.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walks
Cable Car ‘n’ Walk D: Urban Kelburn and the Secret Entrance to the Botanic Gardens
(note ride on Cable Car is $5.00 cash/ $3.60 using Snapper Card/ Free if using Gold Card)
Category: EASY
Guide: Jackie Shorland
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 $5.00 (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.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walks
Cable Car ‘n’ Walk E: Camellia Walk
(note ride on Cable Car is $5.00 cash/ $3.60 using Snapper Card/ Free if using Gold Card)
Category: MODERATE
Guide: Jackie Shorland
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 $5.00 (Super Gold Card Holders travel for FREE)
After getting off the cable car take the “Grass Way” path that heads down to the children’s playground.
Now take path 5 “Myrtle Way” which takes you past the succulent garden. Take the path on the right which takes you through bush down to the old stables buildings.
On the right take the Camellia Valley path. Note the camellias planted in memory of Kate Sheppard. Walk to the top of the hill. On the left you will see The “Listening Device”.
Join the main path down the hill and go through the “Herb Garden” and then take the path down to the Rose Garden.
Cross the Rose Garden and then take the path around Anderson Park, through Bolton Street cemetery, cross the bridge down to the city.
Living Streets Aotearoa Lunchtime Walks
End of Year Walk:
This is the last lunchtime walk for the year.
We leave Plimmer Steps at 12.30pm
To celebrate the end of the 2020 walk season we are going to walk to Frank Kitts Park and find a place to sit and eat lunch and discuss life.
Please feel free to either bring your lunch or to buy some lunch at the nearby food places such as Tuatua Café or Café Eiss which sells wonderful gelato.
LUNCHTIME WALKS WILL RESTART ON TUESDAY 2nd FEBRUARY 2021
I would welcome feedback on the walk programme and any ideas you may have for new walks etc.
Wishing you all a happy and safe holiday season and a Merry Christmas
Ron