When you are in the city of Wellington Zealand, you will experience its stylish shop, café culture, restaurants and galleries. The city is both stimulating and unhurried. You can truly enjoy a very relax experience here. For a start, you can concentrate your tour at the Wellington Zealand city center. Below are some recommended place of interest you can consider:

Cathedral Church of St Paul, Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, Parliament Building, Old Government Buildings, Katherine Mansfield Birthplace, Wellington Cable Car, Wellington Botanic Garden, Victoria University. Visiting these place in Wellington Zealand city center should give you a good taste of this wonderful city.

Next, you might want to spend sometime at The Harbourfront. This is a favourite meeting place for Wellingtonians and visitors. If that is the case, how can you miss it? Anyway, what is so great about this place? You can send the whole day here visiting places like the Circa Theatre, The Overseas Terminal, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Town Hall, Queens Wharf, Museum of Wellington City and Sea, City-to-Sea Bridge, The Civic Square, Frank Kitts Park etc.. Finally if you need a rest, visit the Courtenay Place to have a cup of tea. Over there, it is lined with bars, clubs, restaurants and theatres.

Wellington Zealand is a vibrant, culture-driven hot spot is an interesting to visit. Please do consider Wellington Zealand your next vacation visit. Please come back to this website regularly because you will find new and useful information on destination travel and cheap airline tickets.

One final thing. It is always good to check the weather of Wellington Zealand for your visit. Below is the table showing you the temperature and precipitation, The Wellington Zealand city averages 2025 hours (or about 169 days) of sunshine per year (Ref: A)

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Weather averages for Wellington Zealand, New Zealand

Wellington Zealand weather : High Average
Jan (oC/oF) : 20.3/69 | Feb (oC/oF) :20.6/69 | Mar (oC/oF) : 19/66
Apr (oC/oF) : 16.7/62 | May (oC/oF) : 14.2/58 | June (oC/oF) :12/54
July (oC/oF) : 11.4/53 | Aug (oC/oF) :12/54 | Sept (oC/oF) :  13.5/56
Oct(oC/oF) :15/59 | Nov (oC/oF) : 16.6/62 | Dec (oC/oF) :18.5/65

Wellington Zealand weather : Low Average
Jan (oC/oF) : 13.4/56 | Feb (oC/oF) :13.6/56 | Mar (oC/oF) :12.6/55
Apr (oC/oF) : 10.9/52 | May (oC/oF) : 8.8/48 | June (oC/oF) :6.9/44
July (oC/oF) : 6.3/43 | Aug (oC/oF) :6.5/44 | Sept (oC/oF) : 7.7/46
Oct(oC/oF) :9/48 | Nov (oC/oF) : 10.3/51 | Dec (oC/oF) :12.2/54

Wellington Zealand Precipitation
Jan (mm/in) : 72/2.83 | Feb (mm/in) :62/2.44 | Mar (mm/in) :92/3.62
Apr (mm/in) : 100/3.94 | May (mm/in) : 117/4.61 | June (mm/in) :/
July (mm/in) : / | Aug (mm/in) :/ | Sept (m/in) : 100/3.94
Oct(mm/in) :115/4.53 | Nov (mm/in) : 99/3.9 | Dec (mm/in) :86/3.39

Source: NIWA (Ref B) Oct 2007
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Ref A : “Mean Monthly Sunshine (hours)”. National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research. http://www.niwascience.co.nz/edu/resources/climate/sunshine/.
Ref B : “NIWA Climate Data 1971-2000″.  http://www.niwascience.co.nz/edu/resources/climate/.

Believe it or not, one of the best ways to have a quick introduction to Christchurch Zealand city center is to take the Tram. The tram’s circuit passes Cathedral Square, Worcester Boulevard, Rolleston Avenue, Armagh Street, New Regent Street and the Cathedral Junction mall complex. And what’s more, the tram stops near to all major attractions, including the Arts Center, Botanic Gardens, and Canterbury Museum.

Avon River is one of the Christchurch Zealand greatest assert and is also one of the main tourist attractions. This river winds through the city gently. One of the most romantic activities is punting on the Avon River. The river banks are grassy, line with weeping willows and old oak trees. You can also see ducks swimming gracefully along the rover and bridges linking the Christchurch Zealand main streets.  But that’s not all, take a slow stroll along the river bank starting from Victoria Square to the Bridge of Remembrance. Along this route, you will pas by the Las Courts, the Flora Clock, the Provincial Council Buildings, and the statue of Robert Scott.

In the heart of Christchurch Zealand city center is the Cathedral Square. The prominent landmark is the Christ Church Cathedral built in 1904. Over here, you can see other historic buildings such as: the Renaissance-style Old Chief Post Office, the former Government Building, the ornate Edwardian Regent Theatre, and the Gothic Press Building. The statue of John Robert Godley, the Canterbury’s founder facing the cathedral can be found here as well. The square is closed to traffic and you can enjoy your visit here without the disturbance of the traffic. An interesting character can be found here is the Christchurch’s resident Wizard.  Furthermore, you can try climbing up the 134 steps of the cathedral and catch the excellent view of Christchurch Zealand city, Port Hills, Canterbury Plans and the distant Southern Alps. Needless to say, the scenery is truly stunning. (more…)

Auckland Zealand

Auckland Zealand has a land spread over more than 1,000 sq km (390 miles), many of Auckland Zealand attractions are clustered near the waterfront and around the city’s oldest parks.  Visit the waterfront where you can enjoy the beauty of Waitemata Harbour, Westhaven Marina and Viaduct Basin. Over here, you will see many sails, as Auckland Zealand is renowned as the City of Sails. It is purported to have the greatest number of pleasure boats per capital of any city in the world.  While you are at the Viaduct Harbour, do visit the Maritime Museum. In the museum, you will see many sea vessels of all shapes and sizes such as the Maori canoes, immigrant ships, jet boats, and the old steamboat SS Puke. And what’s more, you can enjoy a walk alone the Maritime Trial. There is a walkway around the rim of the harbour’s basin where you can find brass information plaques describing the key aspects of Auckland Zealand symbiosis with the sea.

Auckland Zealand 328 m (1,076 ft) Sky Tower was opened in August 1997. If you want to eat at a height, you can visit The Observatory, a brasserie-style buffet restaurant. This is New Zealand’s highest dining location. You can enjoy fantastic views of the city and its environs from the Observation Levels by using the high-powered binoculars. From here, you can see up to 80km: east to the Hauraki Gulf, north to Waitemata Harbour, south across the sprawling city and west to the Waitakere ranges. You can also visit the revolving Orbit Sky Tower, a la carte restaurant for a meal as well. Finally, if you dare, you can take the plunge from New Zealand’s highest base-jumping platform with Sky Jump. (more…)

Upon arrival at New Zealand Arrowtown, take a leisurely stroll along Buckingham Street. This street will reminds you of Hollywood because it has the look and fell of it. No doubt about it, this spectacular town is exceptional beautiful in autumn. Along this street, you can find deciduous trees along side, many old colonial shops and buildings. At the other end of the street, you will find the tiny miners’ stone cottage dating back to the 1860s and 1870s.

Are you interested in quirkiest movie? If you are, then you are at the right place. As it turns out, New Zealand’s quirkiest movie house is located at Arrowtown. Believe it or not, Dorothy Brown’s Cinema, Bar and Bookshop is just right here. It screen art-house films and has an unusual setting. It has huge comfortable seats with armrests for cheeseboards and wineglasses. The interior décor has a mix of romantic charm and funky modernism. Even better, there is the bar and roaring fire. Please not miss this place.

Would you be surprised if I told you the Chinese have left a legacy in New Zealand Arrowtown? Believe it or not, it was after 1865, they were invited to fill the vacuum created by European miners who had left for the West Coast gold rush.  You can witness this legacy by visiting the stone cottage at the Chinese settlement. (more…)

Kyoto Japan was founded in 794 as Heian-kyo (which means the capital of peace and tranquility). Kyoto City was built based on the layout of the Tang Chinese city of Chang-an.

Interesting, Kyoto City was bounded by mountains on its three sides and bisected by a river flowing from north to south. Indeed, this is an extraordinary natural formation. Perhaps it is for this very reason, this site was chosen by then Emperor Kanmu’s geomancers as an ideal place to be came the capital. Logically speaking, any city that is well protected is not easily conquered. I believed, this is also one of the reasons why this site is chosen by the Emperor.

So what can Kyoto Japan Travel brings you? As you are aware, this majestic Kyoto City is bounded by mountains and naturally, many of the best monuments and garden can be found at the foothills, especially the Higashiyama (Eastern Mountains) district east of the Kamo River.

So how do you truly appreciate Kyoto City then? You really need to navigate and spend enough time in the backstreet of the old imperial capital, shops and townhouses. Only then, you will be able to get a taste of the Kyoto City’s cultural riches.

Does Kyoto Japan Travel is a must? Believe it or not, about more than 30 million tourists a year visited Kyoto City. The numbers speak for itself. There are nearly 2,000 temples and shrines alone.  And the major attractions not to be missed are the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle and gardens, Diatokuji Temple (together with its many sub-temple), Ginkakuji (Temple of the Silver Pavilion), Kinkakuji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion), the sand and rock Zen garden at Ryoanji Temple, the Heian Shrine and Kiyomizudera Temple.  In addition, Kyoto city also has several museums and a botanical and zoological garden.

Apart from the places of interest, Kyoto City also boasts its many festivals and crafts. There are many popular annual festivals held in Kyoto City and is also a place renowned for traditional Japanese crafts, especially pottery, lacquerware, woodblock prints, fans, Yuzen sikl-dyeing and Nishijin silk-weaving.

Also, not to forget to visit the charming Pontocho Alley and take a pleasant walk at the Philosopher’s Walk, which is the best-loved spots.

Kyoto City is famous throughout Japan for the quality of its crafts and food products. As such, you will have an unforgettable shopping experience here and will never feel boring.  Needless to say, you will surely find some local specialty souvenirs here.

If you do not know where you should visit for your next vocation, you can consider Kyoto Japan.

Wait a minute, don’t go first, let me explain. The stretch of reclaimed was the past and it now boast the latest mega development with amazing collection of entertainment, shopping, exhibition facilities and its own beaches.

Yes, I am speaking of the futuristic Odaiba which has become one of Tokyo’s most popular areas and newest district.

The Odaiba is connected to the mainland by the Rainbow Bridge, the Yurikamome monorail Line, the JR Saikyo Line, the Rinkai line and a vehicular harbor tunnel.  So, to get there is very easy and you have different modes of transportation. Oh yes, not forgetting the river bus as well. Click here to see some picture on Odaida.

You can start your exploration of Odaiba by visiting the Palette Town Complex. Over here, visit the Mega Web.  This is a huge hands-on museum show casing the latest in automotive technology. Next, visit the Future World, to have a taste of future transportation with a 3D coaster ride, and also view the display of classic cars from the 1950s to 1970s. A short distance away, you can hop into the Giant Sky Wheel and catch the fantastic view to Tokyo Bay.  If you need some shopping, go into the Sun Walk shopping complex where you can enjoy a meal at the restaurants, and shop at the women’s mega mall, and the 18th-entury style VenusFort. Pay a visit to the nearby National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation as well. 

Your next stop should be the Decks, Joypolis and the Seaside park. This place is built in resemblance to a giant passenger liner. At the Decks shopping and entertainment complex, it has an array of boutiques including the Tokyo Joypolis, which is a virtual reality center with thrilling rides and video games. After all the entertainment, shopping and eating, you may wish to take a stroll at the Seaside Park for relaxation. If you wise, you can do some sunbathing here which is popular. As this place is a habor, it is not suitable for swimming.

The next area of interest will be the Mediage, Aqua City and Fuji Headquarters. Apart from the cinemas at Mediage, you will find the mini funparks such as “Where the wild Things Are, Airtight Garage and the Beatles’ Yellow Submarine Adventure”.  The Aqua City next door, which is another huge retail complex is another shopping haven. Next, pay a visit to the futuristic Fuji Television building which is near the Diaba Station and is has an observation deck.

Odaiba is a huge place with so many to do and see. You really need to spend time here if you to see all the things. This is indeed Tokyo’s newest district and also is one of the Tokyo’s hottest date spots for the young Japanese.  How about a date with Odaiba when you visit Tokyo City? Click here to see some picture on Odaida.

Take note: The Imperial Palace East Garden (Higashi-Gyoen) is indeed open to public but not everyday. It is close on Monday and Friday. This vast garden is located in the heart o the city and is easily assessed by sub-way or train.  In fact, the Tokyo Station is just opposite the entrance. There are three gates to the garden and the most commonly used gate is the Ote-mon on the east. The Ote-mon is closed to the Tokyo Station and this was the principal entrance to Edo Castle for more than 200 years.

As you walk in the garden, you will be able to have a closed up view on the massive stones that built the castle walls. These stones are perfectly fit together without mortar and there were designed to withstand earthquakes.  Take a look at the Imperial East Garden Here.

Also visit the Museum of Imperial Collections where you can view some exhibits from the imperial collections.  Oh yes, when you are outside the museum, you will be hearing shouting in the garden and may be wondering where the sound come from. Do not be alarmed, it is the police martial arts class in the hall next to the guard house.

There are always blossom in the garden. In spring, you will see the azaleas and the cheer blossom and irises in summer.

Believe it or not, the Imperial East Garden is hardly crowded as the number of visitors going into the garden is controlled by the guard. Before you enter the garden, you will be given a token and when you leave, you will have to return it to the guard. This is how they regulate the number visiting the garden.

The Imperial East Garden Tokyo is a good place to retreat from the city’s crowd.

If you are wish to stay at the Imperial Palace Park area, Check out here to search some Imperial Palace Area Hotels.

Let me say a bit about this Tokyo Tower first.  This orange-white tower was built in 1958 as a broadcast tower with a height of 333m. It was reported that it is actually 13m taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris.   It opens daily from 9am to 10pm with admission charge.

There is an observatory deck where you can have an excellent view of the city.  At the base of the Tower, it has an aquarium, wax museum and trick art gallery.

While the tower is quite dated, it stills remains the most recognizable and tallest structure in Tokyo City. During the night, when the tower is illuminated, it is quite remarkable.

I was there during both the day and night.  While I must say that it is not truly a piece of masterpiece, a brief visit as part of the overall tour package is ok.  Click here to see some of the picture of this the Tokyo Tower.

The Tokyo Tower stands on the eastern side of Shiba-koen (park). If youhave some time, you can walk to the near by Zojo-ji. This is a family temple of the Tokugawa clan. It is said that Zojo-ji remains one of the most monumental temples in Tokyo City. There is a giant bell made of metal. It was reported that the bell was made from the melted metal hairpins donated by the ladies of the shougun’s court.

While the Shiba park area does not have the most attractions, nonetheless, it is a good place to stay as the base. It is a city-within-a-city itself. Train station and sub-way stations are all near-by for you to take to any to the designations. The nearest JR station is the Hamamatsucho station. The two nearest sub-way are the Onarimon station and the Diamon Station. There are many eateries and convenient shows as well.  Click here to see some of the picture of Shiba Park area.

If you are wish to stay at the Shiba Park area, check out here to search some Shiba Park Hotels.

Roppongi in Tokyo, there are absolutely nothing to see and do there during the day. Are you sure? You must be kidding, right? Yes, I am absolutely sure if you ask the Tokyo local 10, 20 or 50 years ago. Absolutely nothing! However, night time was another story all together.However, not today as I was there a few weeks ago to witness its grandeur. Since the opening of Roppongi Hills in April 2003, things changes. It was noted that there are up to one million visitors visited Roppongi Hills in the first three day alone of its opening.

First off, if you are an art lover, you are in for a treat. Roppongi is known for its Art Triangle Roppongi. Why? This is because, there are three excellent art centers forming a triangle. They are the Mori Art Museum at Roppongi Hills, The National Art Center, Tokyo, and the Suntory Museum of Art at Tokyo Midtown. 

The Mori Art Museum opened in 2003.  This museum is the cultural heart of Roppongi Hills, offering a wide spectrum of contemporary art to the public. Apart from the exhibits, the Mori Art Museum also held a diverse of public programs. As it closes quite late and with the adjacent observation deck, it is definitely an interesting place to visit.

The National Art Center, Tokyo is Japan’s 5th national art institution. It has a very unique architecture with a striking sinuous giant glass facade. The National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies is by its side. The National Art Center, Tokyo has one of the country’s largest gallery spaces which have exhibits focusing on modern and contemporary art.  The National Art Center, Tokyo is located in a quiet location with surrounding greenery.  You can come here to relax and have a quiet time. In this building, there is a library, shops and restaurant.

Suntory Museum of Art focuses on the theme of “Art of Life”. The original Suntory Museum of Art opened in 1961. The new museum was designed by Kengo Kuma and has shop for all ages to enjoy.

If you are here for shopping, you are at the right place as well. Roppongi Hills houses more than 200 cafes, restaurants and shops. It also has a nine-screen Virgin Toho Cinemas, the Ashahi TV studio, several parks and the Grand Hyatt Tokyo. Go up to 52nd floor of the Mori Tower where the Tokyo City View observation is located, and you are able to see Mt. Fuji in the distance on a clear day.  Roppongi has a distinct foreign feel. You don’t find any traditional Japan here. This is mainly due to the foreign presence in the past. Oh ya, you will find the giant spider here as well called Maman. Click here and see how the spider looks like!

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