Being a stranger in a strange land is always an unsettling thing. But in Wellington there are some key institutions that make the transition as easy as possible.
In my first few days I signed up to join the library, an airplane hanger type building packed to the gunnels with books, magazines, DVDs, CDs and other useful information. It’s better than any library I’ve ever experienced in the UK and an online resource base that makes it easy to read all the international journals and magazines for free. It’s saving us a fortune as printed materials here are expensive and knowing that you can read them on line maintains the connections with things familiar.
The other jewel in the kiwi knowledge crown is Te Papa the national museum on Wellington Waterfront where you can while a way several hours. Thursday evenings is late night openings and its always a quieter time to visit (weekends are bit of a bun fight and full of kids and tourists!). Last week’s treat was to visit the constable exhibition – it was certainly more fun that grappling through the crowds at the Tate in London. And it only cost $12 (about £3).
You can enjoy some of the Te Papa experience on line at www.tepapa.govt.nz Well worth a visit to mug up on kiwi ways. Enjoy!