Wanganui, River City

The great river flows from the mountain to the sea
I am the river, the river is me.
(Translation of an old Maori proverb)


A day on the road, travelling from New Plymouth to Wellington. Very rural, mainly dairy farming, countryside with very little on the roads. A pleasure driving, even though the way can be quite undulating and winding.

We stopped for some lunch at Wanganui City, a place exuding old-fashioned charm. Along the leafy Victoria Avenue we came across some beautiful buildings, such as this cinema in lovely Art Deco style. Wanganui is one of the oldest cities in New Zealand and was once a hub of European commerce, because of its navigable river - the mighty Whanganui. European settlement began around 1840 and over the years there were many conflicts with the Maori, over land rights. Now it is a quiet, well-tended place, with apparently a thriving arts community.

And here the Lonely Planet came good once more, by leading us to a café called Cracked Pepper, once a Japanese Tearoom. Excellent lunch - superb service.

So here we are now in Wellington, with a busy day planned for tomorrow. A little cooler here than it was in New Plymouth, but of course it is windy. Every time we have been to Wellington, it's been windy!