I lived in Wellington in the 1970s. My wife and I loved it for all the reasons you mentioned. We bought a house in Maungaraki, overlooking the Hutt Valley. We had to move to Sydney in 1981 for work and while we built za good life here it never made us fall in love with it like Wellington did. You have grasped the essence of what is exceptional about Wellington and made me feel homesick again. Thank you
wow, i grew up as a kid in Maungaraki. You wont recognise it now, lot more houses and a lot more bush has grown through the gorse. They removed the lower level of the mainland power transmission line so upper hill people don't get their views blocked by that the lines anymore. Still as windy as anything especially in Northwesters, though when the closed the Gear meat works in Petone, you no longer got the offal smell when the wind was from the south.
@@user-uy6uc5ey5q I worked down in the Hutt Valley, so my wife could see my office window. If I said I was working late, I better have the light on in my office or there'd be hell to pay when i got home! When we moved in, I backed my trailer up to the house and soon as we got out of the car, the neighbour came over with a cold stubbie in his hand and said "You need this!" He was right and we got on like a house on fire for the rest of our time there.
Also wellington by far has the best transit in New Zealand, the city literally promotes healthy living, also I'm no sure if you knew this but Wellington, New Zealand often scores in the 3rd place for quality of life in the world happiness index, like in the ENTIRE world
If you lived in America for 1 year you would be raving about Wellington too! I don’t know that kiwis know how lucky they are to live in a beautiful and peaceful place.
I'm from Dunedin, but I think of Wellington as my '2nd home' because I lived there for a while - I love Dunedin, but I wish we could do something with our waterfront like Wellington has. It is a very beautiful city ❤️
I've lived in a few different cities and rural locations across the North Island. But Wellington is home. And honestly, I hope that it always will be. It's the only place I've found that I can truly be myself with no fear of judgement. One fantastic thing about Wellington that you didn't mention is the eclectic range of people that live here.
I’m an American! We’re desperately trying to leave for New Zealand for a better quality of life. Whenever I mention to my friends our desire to immigrate most people will say, “oh wow! That sounds amazing!” I think most people just feel daunted by the notion of moving so far away.
We love the fact that people want to come to our country , it’s a diverse country that we are so lucky to live in , top of the north island is sub tropical the bottom of our South Island is all mountainous and stunning , and I like to think that most kiwis will always make you feel welcome and not want to leave the land of the long white cloud aotearoa
I agree with all the things you’ve mentioned here that make Wellington so special! However, you forgot to mention the splendour of the marine life here in Wellington!! We get lots of little visitors in our harbour from stingrays, and dolphins to Orca whales, penguins and seals! It’s fantastic! I love seeing the harbour filled with marine life, it makes for such a wonderful walk around the waterfront
I have the best of both worlds - I live in another beautiful harbour city in Australia, Hobart, Tasmania plus my son and his family live in Wellington. Just waiting for the borders to reopen so I can come and hug my three grandchildren in person and enjoy visiting Wellington again.
I grew up in Upper Hutt in the 60's & 70"s & was in "town" (Wellington) every time I could get there on the train My first flat away from my parents was at 17 and was a five minute walk from Parliament House in Goring St I had to leave to work in Auckland in my mid 30's & although I've now done so much more than I could have done living in Wellington, I still miss every day I'm not there and I really do miss that city years Covid allowing I'll be back for a visit soon and I am looking forward to it Also very much looking forward to your video Best wishes for you and your family
@@Kiwiamericans I did enjoy that You make a great video I'm looking forward to your favourite places around town I was an Upper Hutt boy, so I'm biased to Kaitoke regional park where I helped cut in the first walking tracks in the late 70's, My dad helped with the first drivable track into the Orongoronga valley and it was the first place I ever met a giant stick insect face to face. My sister learned to scuba dive and brought home Kina, Paua & Crayfish when she & her friends didn't eat them on the beach It looks like you guys are really enjoying being in NZ I hope it is everything you want and more
Making me homesick, born in raised in Porirua, now living in San Jose California for a few decades, but my 70's, and 80's were in Porirua and Wellington, my father worked on the harbour and I would love walking from one end of the harbour to the other to get to different parts of the city. Loved swimming at the Oriental Parade swimming pool or the tiny beach next it, and you can get good food anywhere and finish it off with a tip top ice cream or a trumpet or a hockey pockey ice cream. What I miss most about home is food made from fresh ingredients with minimal processing. Welly was the only place I know that it was fun to walk and boring to drive.
I've lived in London, Montreal, and Hong Kong...but Wellington is just always glorious. Thanks for your lovely videos - your perspective on life in NZ and some of the interesting cultural differences between NZ and the US are consistently great! Thanks again
I was born in Wellington and grow up in the Hutt Valley until 18yrs old, before moving to Hawkes Bay. Been back a couple of times in the 35 years since but don't recognise much from my younger days, Its changed so much! The botanical gardens and zoo was always a favorite and have taken my own kids there.
I love your enthusiasm for our city. It's easy to become complacent when you live in a place like Wellington, but it really is a great place to live. I love my coffee too and it's well known that our coffee is great. I think the fact that Wellington is so compact, and everything is more or less within walking distance is a great asset. Yes, we have the wind, but as my old neighbour once said, it makes Wellington the healthiest place to live, all the germs get blown away!
I'm Wellie born an bred, been all over NZ, and to other parts of the world, it still is my favourite city. The best coffee I have found is a little place in Bond St, under the carpark building, they roast their own beans on site, an Irish friend put me onto it, he reckons its the best hes ever had from around the world
Tara...Wellington is our favorite city in NZ too. We only live 2 hours away but wish we could find time to visit more often. Such a special place! WELLYWOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I used to live in Linden, it is a suburb next to Tawa, I loved it as a teenager, but the West Coast of the South Island is for me, thanks for your videos, interesting to know your views.
Until I retired I was a nurse at Wellington Hospital , overseas staff always said it was the easiest city in the world to make friends. They barely arrived and people were saying hallo and they were always running into people they met in cafes and just walking about. It’s A very easy city to get about in, great bus routes and suburban trains. I no longer live there but it will always have my heart
Visited Wellington once in early September of 2006. Winter was officially over but it was still cold, wet and windy then. Despite the less than favourable weather conditions, we enjoyed the stay in Wellington. Breath taking views of the harbour and city, great cafes, what’s not to like. Hope to visit once again when normal travel resumes.
This video reminds me of Portland, OR. It's my home town, but the high homeless population and riots have left it not looking so great. I miss the waterfront, the art districts and small foodie businesses. I hope to relocate to NZ for less stress, better education for my future children and work/ life balance... not to mention the lovely people. Wellington sounds like a great option. Thanks for sharing! :)
You should check out the Auckland Viaduct, it's now a lot bigger with more bars,cafes and restaurants,I was totally surprised when I saw it all in Feb 2020.
The biggest difference between Wellington & Auckland’s harbours is that in Welly the city encloses the harbour with parks and housing; whilst in Auckland the city part of the harbour is all industrial! You have to travel at least 4km along Tamaki Drive to get to housing and open parkland
@@davidthorne7712 And? Why would Auckland want to be like Wellington,incase you haven't noticed ,which obviously you haven't, Auckland has a different type of layout to Wellington, ,and it has bigger Industry than Wellington, and more people. It's 10 times bigger as well,your point has zero point, different entirely,and there are parks all over Auckland, Victoria Park is less then a block away from the ports, Albert Park is a 2 minute drive from the ports,as is Parnell Gardens,you don't know much about Auckland,and it shows.
There is so much to rave about the extended Wellington region like watch the sunset over the South Island from the lookout on top of Paekakariki hill road. Little blue penguins etc. Orca, Right whales and dolphins in harbour
I was staying in Wellington towards the end of January beginning of February 2020, we had a couple of days where the weather was stunning then that was it, it was windy, wet and very cold, we checked Hamilton weather and nearly cried it had full sun lol. However, I love Wellington, we looked like to lost Nanas trying to work out the bus system, amazing, friendly people offered to help us and one came on the bus to show us where to get off. You are right, it has a magical vibe about it that no other city has.
I’m so happy I’ve discovered your channel, I live in UK but my son lives in Napier Nz, I adore wellington, and totally agree with you about the harbour front and the vibe of the city, Love your videos on NZ x
The main thing that can be said for the Wellington wind is that it clears the cobwebs from your mind! Take a visit to the Ataturk memorial in a southerly to feel nature in its raw form.
Those are hills behind the city. The mountains are across the harbour. But you’re right about the beautiful vistas. I like the harbour on one side, the Strait on another and then the sea beaches on another.
Have never lived there but my son thought it was the bees knees. He lived there for a few years. I spent some time there and found it awesome, did a work period for a few weeks, after finishing my journalism course, at the Dominion newspaper. That was so inspiring, coming right into town each day and all the suits and gentle hustle and bustle. Loved the cafe culture and the concerts, and the general vibe of the place.
I live in Wellington, lower Hutt based, im glad you love Wellington it is a cool city to hang out, if you like track walks they have them, Bike tracks, lots to see. Nice vid.
I have to agree with you whole heartedly. Wellington is very special. Having traveled the world, I find big cities like Auckland (born and bred, unfortunately) very boring, everyone is stressed, busy and constantly worried about time and money. Wellington is by far the best city in New Zealand. As I've always said, Wellington is not too big and not to small, but still very cosmopolitan.
The only thing is those nice days are rare. The weather is often horrible. But yes, on a nice day it's hard to beat. Auckland has better and more stable weather.
Well! Wellington is so special capital city of New Zealand as I discovered from few minutes video show and also I wish to have an opportunity to live there. Thank you very much.
Girl, your getting a Kiwi tan, I live over the hill (not mountain) on the other side of the valley, One thing that you didn't mention or which you don't know about are the garden tours, usually run in summer are the garden tours I would recommend the Thorndon one when they run it again, it will amaze you with so much hidden beauty so close to the centre of town
I lived in Lower Hutt and worked in the cbd and it was great place to live I spent 6 months, but I prefer living in provincial New Zealand in Waikato unfortunately I had to come back to Canada and now I can’t get back to my wife and to our small town we’re we live but you put smiles on my face
@@Kiwiamericans I’ve had to come back to Canada since may 2019, I was supposed to fly back to Auckland on April 4 2020 but they closed the border on March 17th so it’s been almost 2 years that I haven’t seen my wife , and I’ve been video calling several times a day for the time we can ring
One thing that you didn’t emphasise about the “compact” nature of Wellington is thanks to the green belt, you can take a 15 minute walk from the shops of Lambton Quay and be lost in bush in the Tinakori Hill area of Thorndon
Wellington is amazing! I love the place. My brother lives there and I love it every time I make the trek from Auckland to Wellington. It’s exactly what you say it is. The traffic is nothing like as bad as Auckland.
I knew you were a city girl……there was no doubt in my mind 😂 never been to a farm in the states have you, or spent time in the country. Spending all my time in Milwaukee would make me want to move to Hong Kong!
When you have a city right on the water or harbourside view you be sure to explore & experience water activities happening while enjoying a latte or flat white. Your friend Christine be like🤔 "I commin' to NZ right now"!!!
You have never been to Northland for Laxing back and just watching the sea and being with the locals and the Tunga Ta Whenua. I'm not city person but Rural places are super cool and we have coffee as well. It's the silence ,the beach and waving to people walking past and going out to talk to them and find out they are kids of my fathers friend. And just being a local. If you were in Auckland,don't
Kia ora Team, I have watched a number of your reactions/blogs and love them! I think you should touch base with Tourism New Zealand or the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and become an official ambassador!! I think you sell Wellington better than Peter Jackson. :-) Nga mihi Patch
I do like (WINDY) Wellington but wasn't a fan of the One Way streets in the city, reminded me to much of Melbourne Australia. Still looking forward to your friend coming over to stay and make vids. Oh yeah check out Windy Wellington plane landings, they can be better than any roller coaster...lol
Wellington is awesome! You get to experience all 4 seasons in one day annnnnnd it's easy to get around. I'm in Upper Hutt and jumping on a train to head into the city is epic.
I do enjoy your channel but it's made me very curious about how you and your friend view America's political climate during the year's you and your family have been in NZ. Perhaps you could do a video of that, thanks for sharing and blessings to your family.
What, no mention of our "refreshing breezes"? :-) Actually, that wind does serve one good purpose - it blows a lot of bothersome insects away. It also helps pilots hone their skills: when you land into one of Wellington's "refreshing" northerlies, it's just the city's way of giving you a friendly welcome! And we know how to rock your world when you're on the ground too, thanks to our sometimes rather active tectonic plates! But the scenery is out of this world. (Those things you call "mountains" are actually hills though, but I guess if you come from mostly flat country, most hills would look pretty mountainous!) And I have been to a few other places, but you really can't beat Wellington on a good day! By the way, I find your accent quite fascinating to listen to, because although it has an unmistakably American flavour, I think you're picking up a little bit of the Kiwi twang as well. Back in the 1980s, I lived in the USA for two years, and when I returned to NZ, I had quite a strong American accent. I've long since lost it, but I think when you live somewhere for a while, it does affect your accent somewhat, or even quite a lot.
@@Kiwiamericans We moved to Palmerston North because it was half the price to buy a house and we started a family so we thought it would be okay but nothing beats the Wellington culture and all our friends are still there so will definitely be moving back! Hopefully housing gets better cause that's usually the only reason why people leave Wellington!
Its hard to find a park. you are better to take the train. sincerly a wellingtonian. I love the rest of wellington region more. but still do appreciate wellington city! specially love the waterfront and all the cafes and resturaunts. Tepapa vibes. and bontanicle gardens. The views. The hiking tracks. beautiful harbour as for wider wellington. Eastbourne and days bay. beach, petone is semi nice many different tracks in the mountains. te whiti.. one of my fav closer by ones. approximateltly 20 minutes.. beutiful rivers and mountains. all the beauty even in average places.. nice smaller cities and suburbs... petone, kapiti, paraaraumu, porirrua.. etc Lower hutt, Upper hutt etc beaches, river walking tracks. nice rural spaces that are still within realistic driving range to the main cities. Wellington is pretty incredible..
I’m from sunny Gisborne NZ but have been living away in Australia for last 20+ yrs. Wellington Upper Hutt was the last place I live in b4 Moving to Australia
@@Kiwiamericans yes I do miss New Zealand, more so my family still living there. Australia has been nothing but good but I wouldn’t live here forever. There will be a time when I’m ready to return home.❤️
@@Kiwiamericans As I'm sure you are aware, we do have some real mountains not far way in the Tararua Ranges and you can also see the Kaikoura Mountains in the South Island on a clear day.
@@Kiwiamericans the Remutakas are a mountain range, the highest point is called Mount Matthews. And looking it up, I find they changed the name !! From Rimutaka to Remutaka in 2017. I never knew they changed the name until now en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remutaka_Range
I love Wellington, I am in Timaru no stress from traffic, I am surrounded by ocean then snow capped mountains in winter , it's really sheltered no wind , originally Te maru meaning place of shelter , maori landed in waka and liked the no wind aspect lol. Houses are really cheap too. Heaps of nature around I love outdoors ,hunting fishing ect , I miss wellington though the big city vibe , I must come back for a coffee hehe
@@Kiwiamericans yes you totally should, it's on the way to Otago. Small town and friendly people , I'm a city gal too. I've been here for a year and it's five minutes to drive anywhere lol. I miss the big city vibe of Wellington somtimes and fashion I love clothes but it's ok . I often go to Arise church conferences there
Hi, I love your enthusiasm of Wellington. We visit NZ every year for Christmas. Can't wait for the pandemic to be over. Have you been to Moore Wilson's? It is our favourite stores... you should do a post on it😀
It sounds like you're talking about Auckland! KIDDING!! (ducks for cover) 🤣 I've been to Aussie a couple of times and have never been to Wellington.. shame! So I'm most definitely gonna come check out the capital. 😁💚☮
You sound like you are also talking about Christchurch as well. Both are nice size cities. Milwaukee does not quite cut it. I prefer Minneapolis/St Paul
I lived in Wellington in the 1970s. My wife and I loved it for all the reasons you mentioned. We bought a house in Maungaraki, overlooking the Hutt Valley. We had to move to Sydney in 1981 for work and while we built za good life here it never made us fall in love with it like Wellington did. You have grasped the essence of what is exceptional about Wellington and made me feel homesick again. Thank you
Sorry to make you homesick! It is a special place. Thanks for watching.
wow, i grew up as a kid in Maungaraki. You wont recognise it now, lot more houses and a lot more bush has grown through the gorse. They removed the lower level of the mainland power transmission line so upper hill people don't get their views blocked by that the lines anymore. Still as windy as anything especially in Northwesters, though when the closed the Gear meat works in Petone, you no longer got the offal smell when the wind was from the south.
@@user-uy6uc5ey5q I worked down in the Hutt Valley, so my wife could see my office window. If I said I was working late, I better have the light on in my office or there'd be hell to pay when i got home! When we moved in, I backed my trailer up to the house and soon as we got out of the car, the neighbour came over with a cold stubbie in his hand and said "You need this!" He was right and we got on like a house on fire for the rest of our time there.
@@Kiwiamericans i am also coming here as a student
So totally very excited 🙂
I love Wellington. One of my favourite cities in the world, but oh boy, that wind!
Also wellington by far has the best transit in New Zealand, the city literally promotes healthy living, also I'm no sure if you knew this but Wellington, New Zealand often scores in the 3rd place for quality of life in the world happiness index, like in the ENTIRE world
Love Wellington. Love Lower Hutt, and Porirua, and Upper Hutt, and the Kapiti Coast. Absolutely beautiful place 😍
Couldn't agree more!
wow Ive never heard anyone say what a great place Porirua is - born and bred there but never heard any outsiders saying "how great Porirua is" lol
@@bodybalanceU2 sup girl
I've never heard a Kiwi speaking like this about Wellington, that's great that you like it,you should be the Mayor, haha👍
Totally agree!
@@Kiwiamericans haven't been down there for a few years, it definitely has a pretty cool vibe,but that Wind,my Goodness 🙂
I love Wellington 🥰 born & bred, still live here
If you lived in America for 1 year you would be raving about Wellington too! I don’t know that kiwis know how lucky they are to live in a beautiful and peaceful place.
I'm from Dunedin, but I think of Wellington as my '2nd home' because I lived there for a while - I love Dunedin, but I wish we could do something with our waterfront like Wellington has. It is a very beautiful city ❤️
I've lived in a few different cities and rural locations across the North Island. But Wellington is home. And honestly, I hope that it always will be. It's the only place I've found that I can truly be myself with no fear of judgement. One fantastic thing about Wellington that you didn't mention is the eclectic range of people that live here.
I've always thought American's would look down on New Zealand as boring cause we don't have places like Vegas or NYC, this is so refreshing
I’m an American! We’re desperately trying to leave for New Zealand for a better quality of life. Whenever I mention to my friends our desire to immigrate most people will say, “oh wow! That sounds amazing!” I think most people just feel daunted by the notion of moving so far away.
Cool. I'm an American and want to visit New Zealand so bad. In a few years, perhaps.
We love the fact that people want to come to our country , it’s a diverse country that we are so lucky to live in , top of the north island is sub tropical the bottom of our South Island is all mountainous and stunning , and I like to think that most kiwis will always make you feel welcome and not want to leave the land of the long white cloud aotearoa
Let me know how I can help!
I agree with all the things you’ve mentioned here that make Wellington so special! However, you forgot to mention the splendour of the marine life here in Wellington!! We get lots of little visitors in our harbour from stingrays, and dolphins to Orca whales, penguins and seals! It’s fantastic! I love seeing the harbour filled with marine life, it makes for such a wonderful walk around the waterfront
We just have to look after our kaitiaki moana! Not let them get stranded :(
@@henriblakeley5185They strand due to unknown reasons possibly due to the lie of the land and not due to human intervention.
Did you mention the arts cinemas with sofas, great coffee and no popcorn!
Wellington is a great place to live. Especially on the days when the ground stays still ;-)
The wind isn't that strong
@@stephenlitten1789 I think he means earth quake
@@dylanwahapa6703 doh!
I live in Porirua and I love catching the train into town to hang out with friends.
I have the best of both worlds - I live in another beautiful harbour city in Australia, Hobart, Tasmania plus my son and his family live in Wellington. Just waiting for the borders to reopen so I can come and hug my three grandchildren in person and enjoy visiting Wellington again.
That is the best! Thanks for watching.
@@Kiwiamericans Hobart being Tasmania"s capitol city has a mountain you can't miss called Mount Wellington.
@peterlyall2848
Yes, and through Winter it's often snow capped, something you won't see in other major Australian cities.
I grew up in Upper Hutt in the 60's & 70"s & was in "town" (Wellington) every time I could get there on the train
My first flat away from my parents was at 17 and was a five minute walk from Parliament House in Goring St
I had to leave to work in Auckland in my mid 30's & although I've now done so much more than I could have done living in Wellington, I still miss every day I'm not there and I really do miss that city
years
Covid allowing I'll be back for a visit soon and I am looking forward to it
Also very much looking forward to your video
Best wishes for you and your family
Chas - thanks for reaching out and sharing your story! Hope you like the video :)
@@Kiwiamericans I did enjoy that
You make a great video
I'm looking forward to your favourite places around town
I was an Upper Hutt boy, so I'm biased to Kaitoke regional park where I helped cut in the first walking tracks in the late 70's, My dad helped with the first drivable track into the Orongoronga valley and it was the first place I ever met a giant stick insect face to face. My sister learned to scuba dive and brought home Kina, Paua & Crayfish when she & her friends didn't eat them on the beach
It looks like you guys are really enjoying being in NZ
I hope it is everything you want and more
Me too, Kea Grove Upper Hutt, 1975-1980.
I am in Upper Hutt now, not much changes around here, just lots more traffic =)
Making me homesick, born in raised in Porirua, now living in San Jose California for a few decades, but my 70's, and 80's were in Porirua and Wellington, my father worked on the harbour and I would love walking from one end of the harbour to the other to get to different parts of the city. Loved swimming at the Oriental Parade swimming pool or the tiny beach next it, and you can get good food anywhere and finish it off with a tip top ice cream or a trumpet or a hockey pockey ice cream. What I miss most about home is food made from fresh ingredients with minimal processing. Welly was the only place I know that it was fun to walk and boring to drive.
I've lived in London, Montreal, and Hong Kong...but Wellington is just always glorious. Thanks for your lovely videos - your perspective on life in NZ and some of the interesting cultural differences between NZ and the US are consistently great! Thanks again
I was born in Wellington and grow up in the Hutt Valley until 18yrs old, before moving to Hawkes Bay. Been back a couple of times in the 35 years since but don't recognise much from my younger days, Its changed so much!
The botanical gardens and zoo was always a favorite and have taken my own kids there.
Yes love those places - thanks for watching.
I love your enthusiasm for our city. It's easy to become complacent when you live in a place like Wellington, but it really is a great place to live. I love my coffee too and it's well known that our coffee is great. I think the fact that Wellington is so compact, and everything is more or less within walking distance is a great asset. Yes, we have the wind, but as my old neighbour once said, it makes Wellington the healthiest place to live, all the germs get blown away!
So true... love that.
I'm Wellie born an bred, been all over NZ, and to other parts of the world, it still is my favourite city. The best coffee I have found is a little place in Bond St, under the carpark building, they roast their own beans on site, an Irish friend put me onto it, he reckons its the best hes ever had from around the world
I’ll be moving to Wellington in mid February for work. Can’t wait 😍
Oh my goodness awesome! I am here if you need help! www.kiwiamericans.com/new-zealand-training-hub
Tara...Wellington is our favorite city in NZ too. We only live 2 hours away but wish we could find time to visit more often. Such a special place!
WELLYWOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES!! Thanks for watching.
I love this City it's now my home
So much to see and great friendly people
I used to live in Linden, it is a suburb next to Tawa, I loved it as a teenager, but the West Coast of the South Island is for me, thanks for your videos, interesting to know your views.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
I grew up there as well between 1952 and 1962, and have great memories of my time at Linden School.
@@CapitalVideo My son went to Linden School
thank you so much for your glowing reference on our wee city! will totally give you a hi-5 if/when i see you wandering around! :)
Yes please!
I live in Lower Hutt. Walked past you in the street last weekend. You were talking to others so I didn't say hi! Am enjoying your videos.
Oh really!?? Bummer.. wish I could have met u. Thanks for watching!
A humble well meaning gesture
Practised Humility ✌
Until I retired I was a nurse at Wellington Hospital , overseas staff always said it was the easiest city in the world to make friends. They barely arrived and people were saying hallo and they were always running into people they met in cafes and just walking about. It’s A very easy city to get about in, great bus routes and suburban trains. I no longer live there but it will always have my heart
Visited Wellington once in early September of 2006. Winter was officially over but it was still cold, wet and windy then. Despite the less than favourable weather conditions, we enjoyed the stay in Wellington. Breath taking views of the harbour and city, great cafes, what’s not to like. Hope to visit once again when normal travel resumes.
I hope you get to visit again!
It's so cool to see you and your family are happy to be here in Aotearoa you are very welcome God bless and have a great day 😁
Thanks for watching - so thankful to be here.
Hey!!! You missed out the seafood!!! Wellington area is known all over NZ for diving and seafood... And fishing...
This video reminds me of Portland, OR. It's my home town, but the high homeless population and riots have left it not looking so great. I miss the waterfront, the art districts and small foodie businesses. I hope to relocate to NZ for less stress, better education for my future children and work/ life balance... not to mention the lovely people. Wellington sounds like a great option. Thanks for sharing! :)
It is very much like Portland! Sorry to hear it is not looking great. Thanks for watching!
You should check out the Auckland Viaduct, it's now a lot bigger with more bars,cafes and restaurants,I was totally surprised when I saw it all in Feb 2020.
Looks awesome it got a facelift for the America's Cup 👍🏾
The biggest difference between Wellington & Auckland’s harbours is that in Welly the city encloses the harbour with parks and housing; whilst in Auckland the city part of the harbour is all industrial! You have to travel at least 4km along Tamaki Drive to get to housing and open parkland
@@davidthorne7712 And? Why would Auckland want to be like Wellington,incase you haven't noticed ,which obviously you haven't, Auckland has a different type of layout to Wellington, ,and it has bigger Industry than Wellington, and more people. It's 10 times bigger as well,your point has zero point, different entirely,and there are parks all over Auckland, Victoria Park is less then a block away from the ports, Albert Park is a 2 minute drive from the ports,as is Parnell Gardens,you don't know much about Auckland,and it shows.
Gotta agree, we are spoiled here 😁 we live over in Lower Hutt part of the Wellington region... Love it. You can't beat Wellington on a good day!
You got that right!
I agree! I moved to Wellington from the US years ago. Had to move to Palmy eventually but part of my heart will always be in Wellington.
you have inspired me to finally travel my own country! so glad to have found your youtube channel, keep up the great work 😀
That is awesome! Let me know how the travel goes!!
There is so much to rave about the extended Wellington region like watch the sunset over the South Island from the lookout on top of Paekakariki hill road. Little blue penguins etc. Orca, Right whales and dolphins in harbour
Yes yes and yes!!!
I was staying in Wellington towards the end of January beginning of February 2020, we had a couple of days where the weather was stunning then that was it, it was windy, wet and very cold, we checked Hamilton weather and nearly cried it had full sun lol. However, I love Wellington, we looked like to lost Nanas trying to work out the bus system, amazing, friendly people offered to help us and one came on the bus to show us where to get off. You are right, it has a magical vibe about it that no other city has.
I’m so happy I’ve discovered your channel, I live in UK but my son lives in Napier Nz, I adore wellington, and totally agree with you about the harbour front and the vibe of the city,
Love your videos on NZ x
Awe thanks! Welcome to my channel!!
Born and bred in Welly and I do love it here but the wind! I will never get over this wind and how bone chilling it can be at times.
The main thing that can be said for the Wellington wind is that it clears the cobwebs from your mind! Take a visit to the Ataturk memorial in a southerly to feel nature in its raw form.
High five from a wellingtonian! Love the videos.
Awesome! Thanks for watching
Those are hills behind the city. The mountains are across the harbour. But you’re right about the beautiful vistas. I like the harbour on one side, the Strait on another and then the sea beaches on another.
In a lot of places round the world a point over 300 metres is a mountain. Thats why so many high point round the city are called 'Mount'.
Great video Tara! We love Wellington too, such a lovely place 🥰
Thanks girl - I need to make a trip up by you soon.
Have never lived there but my son thought it was the bees knees. He lived there for a few years. I spent some time there and found it awesome, did a work period for a few weeks, after finishing my journalism course, at the Dominion newspaper. That was so inspiring, coming right into town each day and all the suits and gentle hustle and bustle. Loved the cafe culture and the concerts, and the general vibe of the place.
Yes it has a really great vide! Thanks for watching!
It’s my home too I love our beautiful city we are so lucky! Beautiful nature views!
Oh this is making my heart ache to be back in Welly.
Oh sorry - thanks for watching.
If you like windy weather, then that is the place. Wind is free energy, so that is a bonus.
Nice clip thank you! I’m from Welly. 😊🙏
Glad you enjoyed it
Such a heartfelt video. You have such a beautiful smile. Thanks for the video.
I agree, I am in Wellington right now
Awesome - welcome to Wellington!
@@Kiwiamericans Thank you and I am in love with Wellington
Wellington has a new mascot ♥️🥰🌞
Haha yes that is me!
@@Kiwiamericans Too cook from an Aucklander. Just another friendly Aucklander LOL ♥️🌞
It's my favourite city, very convenient and everything is almost within walking distance. It is a good vibe
I live in Wellington, lower Hutt based, im glad you love Wellington it is a cool city to hang out, if you like track walks they have them, Bike tracks, lots to see. Nice vid.
I have to agree with you whole heartedly.
Wellington is very special.
Having traveled the world, I find big cities like Auckland (born and bred, unfortunately) very boring, everyone is stressed, busy and constantly worried about time and money.
Wellington is by far the best city in New Zealand.
As I've always said, Wellington is not too big and not to small, but still very cosmopolitan.
Yeah! if you live in Auckland you need to be interested in sailing. Then you won't be bored
Thanks for watching!
I used to like the Friday night Wellington vibe.
As a resident of the North Shore in Auckland, it is hard to beat Wellington on a nice day. It really is stunning.., and my wife came from the Capital
The only thing is those nice days are rare. The weather is often horrible. But yes, on a nice day it's hard to beat. Auckland has better and more stable weather.
On a beautiful warm summers day................
Well! Wellington is so special capital city of New Zealand as I discovered from few minutes video show and also I wish to have an opportunity to live there. Thank you very much.
Girl, your getting a Kiwi tan, I live over the hill (not mountain) on the other side of the valley, One thing that you didn't mention or which you don't know about are the garden tours, usually run in
summer are the garden tours I would recommend the Thorndon one when they run it again, it will amaze you with so much hidden beauty so close to the centre of town
Thanks for the tips!
Best way to describe Wellington is , its a city with a village feel 😀
More like a village trying to be a city and probably trying a little too hard
Wellington waterfront on a clear beautiful crisp winter (windless) day. Nothing beats it. And that's from an Aucklander.
Hi just wanted to give you compliment that the way explain it's just awesome ,feels like to just listen to you all the time .
Wow, thank you!
I lived in Lower Hutt and worked in the cbd and it was great place to live I spent 6 months, but I prefer living in provincial New Zealand in Waikato unfortunately I had to come back to Canada and now I can’t get back to my wife and to our small town we’re we live but you put smiles on my face
Bryan - oh no! You are in Canada and your wife is here? How long have you been apart?
@@Kiwiamericans I’ve had to come back to Canada since may 2019, I was supposed to fly back to Auckland on April 4 2020 but they closed the border on March 17th so it’s been almost 2 years that I haven’t seen my wife , and I’ve been video calling several times a day for the time we can ring
My city, Wellington. Then we have the slight breeze, which is fun.
Born and raised in Wellington! Now I’m in Sydney Australia and I could choose that city over Sydney any day!
One thing that you didn’t emphasise about the “compact” nature of Wellington is thanks to the green belt, you can take a 15 minute walk from the shops of Lambton Quay and be lost in bush in the Tinakori Hill area of Thorndon
Wellington is amazing! I love the place. My brother lives there and I love it every time I make the trek from Auckland to Wellington. It’s exactly what you say it is. The traffic is nothing like as bad as Auckland.
Thanks for watching!
You have explained very well. Super 👌
I knew you were a city girl……there was no doubt in my mind 😂 never been to a farm in the states have you, or spent time in the country. Spending all my time in Milwaukee would make me want to move to Hong Kong!
When you have a city right on the water or harbourside view you be sure to explore & experience water activities happening while enjoying a latte or flat white. Your friend Christine be like🤔 "I commin' to NZ right now"!!!
I agree too! Welly is way cooler, both because of it's vibe and it's very windy weather.
2 or 3 coffees a day - more like to start the day.
oh my...
You have never been to Northland for Laxing back and just watching the sea and being with the locals and the Tunga Ta Whenua. I'm not city person but Rural places are super cool and we have coffee as well.
It's the silence ,the beach and waving to people walking past and going out to talk to them and find out they are kids of my fathers friend. And just being a local. If you were in Auckland,don't
Kia ora Team, I have watched a number of your reactions/blogs and love them! I think you should touch base with Tourism New Zealand or the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and become an official ambassador!! I think you sell Wellington better than Peter Jackson. :-) Nga mihi Patch
I totally agree! I have reached out to Wellington chamber... maybe tourism nz is better
I find you a real character. Interesting content 👌🏽
Thanks.. I think 🤔
Looks just like earth.
I do like (WINDY) Wellington but wasn't a fan of the One Way streets in the city, reminded me to much of Melbourne Australia. Still looking forward to your friend coming over to stay and make vids. Oh yeah check out Windy Wellington plane landings, they can be better than any roller coaster...lol
I know - I really want her to come. I need to set up a fund to get her here - although she is freaked out about the long plane ride.
It's all true. It has that real cosmopolitan feel to it. Downside is parking is expensive.
I’m from Wellington it’s nice here
How u we’re u
Wellington is awesome! You get to experience all 4 seasons in one day annnnnnd it's easy to get around. I'm in Upper Hutt and jumping on a train to head into the city is epic.
Totally agree! Thanks for watching
Барғым келип кетти
Керемет
Awesome video! The best thing about driving over to support the Hurricanes game on Saturday was seen the city itself no so much the game.
So true! Thanks for watching
I do enjoy your channel but it's made me very curious about how you and your friend view America's political climate during the year's you and your family have been in NZ. Perhaps you could do a video of that, thanks for sharing and blessings to your family.
What, no mention of our "refreshing breezes"? :-) Actually, that wind does serve one good purpose - it blows a lot of bothersome insects away. It also helps pilots hone their skills: when you land into one of Wellington's "refreshing" northerlies, it's just the city's way of giving you a friendly welcome! And we know how to rock your world when you're on the ground too, thanks to our sometimes rather active tectonic plates! But the scenery is out of this world. (Those things you call "mountains" are actually hills though, but I guess if you come from mostly flat country, most hills would look pretty mountainous!) And I have been to a few other places, but you really can't beat Wellington on a good day!
By the way, I find your accent quite fascinating to listen to, because although it has an unmistakably American flavour, I think you're picking up a little bit of the Kiwi twang as well. Back in the 1980s, I lived in the USA for two years, and when I returned to NZ, I had quite a strong American accent. I've long since lost it, but I think when you live somewhere for a while, it does affect your accent somewhat, or even quite a lot.
Such good news!! I would love a kiwi accent! Thanks foe watching
Agree👍❤️🙌 you can’t beat Wellington on a good day 😎
even a bad day too
Love your series of videos, agree that the size of Wellington is a factor .
Thanks for watching!
You deserve way more subscribers Tara. I don’t know why all of Chantal’s subs have not subbed to you yet! 🤔
haha thanks for the encouragement!
I absolutely miss living in Wellington ❤️❤️ had to move because it was too expensive at the time but will absolutely be moving back when I can ❤️❤️
Yes come back...where did you move too?
@@Kiwiamericans We moved to Palmerston North because it was half the price to buy a house and we started a family so we thought it would be okay but nothing beats the Wellington culture and all our friends are still there so will definitely be moving back! Hopefully housing gets better cause that's usually the only reason why people leave Wellington!
I like your new intro! And I am convinced (although I think I was before anyways)
Awesome - thanks for watching!
Its hard to find a park. you are better to take the train. sincerly a wellingtonian. I love the rest of wellington region more.
but still do appreciate wellington city! specially love the waterfront and all the cafes and resturaunts. Tepapa vibes. and bontanicle gardens. The views. The hiking tracks.
beautiful harbour
as for wider wellington. Eastbourne and days bay. beach, petone is semi nice
many different tracks in the mountains.
te whiti.. one of my fav closer by ones. approximateltly 20 minutes..
beutiful rivers and mountains.
all the beauty even in average places..
nice smaller cities and suburbs... petone, kapiti, paraaraumu, porirrua.. etc
Lower hutt, Upper hutt etc
beaches, river walking tracks.
nice rural spaces that are still within realistic driving range to the main cities.
Wellington is pretty incredible..
It really is incredible
I’m from sunny Gisborne NZ but have been living away in Australia for last 20+ yrs.
Wellington Upper Hutt was the last place I live in b4
Moving to Australia
Awesome - do you miss it or do you refer Aussie?
@@Kiwiamericans yes I do miss New Zealand, more so my family still living there. Australia has been nothing but good but I wouldn’t live here forever. There will be a time when I’m ready to return home.❤️
Pleased you got the Bucket Fountain in this vlog😄
Wellington would be nice if it wasn’t for the weather. Auckland traffic is terrible but I still think it’s an awesome place to live.
I love your enthusiasm but please-they are hills,not mountains.There are many mountains in NZ,but the hills around Wellington are hills😆
What about Mount Victoria? They'd also be called Mountains in the UK.
Lisa - well compared to the "hills" where I am from they are Mountains. Thanks for watching!
@@Kiwiamericans As I'm sure you are aware, we do have some real mountains not far way in the Tararua Ranges and you can also see the Kaikoura Mountains in the South Island on a clear day.
@@Kiwiamericans the Remutakas are a mountain range, the highest point is called Mount Matthews. And looking it up, I find they changed the name !! From Rimutaka to Remutaka in 2017. I never knew they changed the name until now en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remutaka_Range
@@barrynichols2846 Same, thanks for that 👍🏾
On my way ☕☕☕☕☕🇩🇪✈️🇦🇺
I love Wellington, I am in Timaru no stress from traffic, I am surrounded by ocean then snow capped mountains in winter , it's really sheltered no wind , originally Te maru meaning place of shelter , maori landed in waka and liked the no wind aspect lol. Houses are really cheap too. Heaps of nature around I love outdoors ,hunting fishing ect , I miss wellington though the big city vibe , I must come back for a coffee hehe
Ohh so lovely - I should visit Timaru
@@Kiwiamericans yes you totally should, it's on the way to Otago. Small town and friendly people , I'm a city gal too. I've been here for a year and it's five minutes to drive anywhere lol. I miss the big city vibe of Wellington somtimes and fashion I love clothes but it's ok . I often go to Arise church conferences there
Surely you make a top 10 coffee spots in wellys list!!!
Hi, I love your enthusiasm of Wellington. We visit NZ every year for Christmas. Can't wait for the pandemic to be over. Have you been to Moore Wilson's? It is our favourite stores... you should do a post on it😀
Yes - I love moore wilsons!
Wow, yes it's great place. I guess we all love where we live and I enjoy visiting Wellington but love living in Kaiapoi! 🤣❤😁👍
It really is! Thanks for watching!
A sixth thing might be what I call the champagne air!
Looks cool
It sounds like you're talking about Auckland! KIDDING!! (ducks for cover) 🤣 I've been to Aussie a couple of times and have never been to Wellington.. shame! So I'm most definitely gonna come check out the capital. 😁💚☮
Yes YES and yes!!!
You sound like you are also talking about Christchurch as well. Both are nice size cities. Milwaukee does not quite cut it. I prefer Minneapolis/St Paul
I agree - I like Minneapolis as well! Thanks for watching!
Wellington sounds like a lot of places in Australia along the NSW, WA and QLD coast 😁👍🏼
Not even close Wellington is alone different vibes to australia unique
I love new zealand, I've been to nz for 3 weeks in 2019