Cableway to Zealandia

This morning, we arose quite early (or so we thought)  before discovering that  New Zealand changed to Daylight Saving Time overnight, and we have one hour less in Wellington than  we had hoped.  At least, we weren't catching a boat, train or plane today! Anyway, soon we were walking through the  lively, arty  city centre on our way to take the cable car up Kelburn Hill to the Lookout, for great views over the city and  the harbour. Here too, are the upper reaches of the Botanic Gardens, which  stretch down almost to the harbour, .and Space Place ( historic observatories). However, after a brief look around  we decided to take  the  free shuttle  bus to Zealandia, a five minute drive higher up the hillside. Originally the site was part of the water catchment area for Wellington, until late into the late 20th century, when it was realised that the concrete dams, being situated over the Wellington Fault,  wouldn't withstand an earthquake and needed to be replaced with a safer alternative. A new water supply reservoir was constructed at Jacksonville, and then the lake behind the dam was lowered and the upper dam was decommissioned in 1991and the lower one in 1997. Since then the  225 hectare site has  become a completely fenced Ecosanctuary, where native forest is being restored. The fence is to  keep out 14 species of non native land mammals from deer to mice, and  including stoats and hedgehogs, in order to allow rare native birds and reptiles to flourish. Some native birds have been released there such as the  flightless South Island Takahe shown in my extra, while others have arrived on their own wings, enticed by some strategically placed  feeding stations..The  landscape is varied but a typical scene is shown in my second extra. There are lots of native  trees and ferns flourishing there. There were  plenty of interpretation boards along the paths, and  staff on hand  to answer questions.  We thought it was marvellous, and really enjoyed our few hours there. Once back at the Lookout, we walked  into the city through the Botanic Gardens, and  to find a restaurant for supper, having missed lunch in order to make  the most of  Zealandia.              
Very, very late  posting as still catching up on our hectic NZ tour!