Ataturk Memorial
Above Tarakena Bay on the southern coast, a memorial commemorating Kemal Ataturk, first President of modern Turkey.The New Zealand connection arises because Ataturk drew up the defence plans for Gallipoli and was in the field when ANZAC troops landed on the beaches at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915.
Access is from Breaker Bay Road, next to the Tarekena Bay entrance to the Eastern Walkway.
Bolton Street Memorial Park
This park commemorates the former Bolton Street Cemetery, site of the burial of many of Wellington's early European settlers.The cemetery was closed in 1892, and after 1967 about 1.5 hectares of the cemetery was taken for the Wellington motorway.Memorials from the disinterred graves were reinstated on land elsewhere in the cemetery and a memorial chapel, which is open from 10.00am to 4.00pm daily, contains information on the burials and a permenant history display.
The Park, now part of the Botanic Gardens, is a heritage rose site of national importance and is adjacent to the Gardens.
Government Buildings
The buildings originally held the entire public service of New Zealand.Although imitating stone the building is built of wood and the interior cladding is Kauri.When first built the building was surrounded on three sides by water, subsequent reclamations have resulted in it being completely landlocked.Currently home to the Victoria Unversity Law School, parts of the building - displays, interpretation and the former Cabinet rooms are open to the public.
Location : Lambton Quay, opposite Parliament Grounds
Open : Weekdays 9.00am - 4.30pm Weekends 10.00am - 3.00pm
Telephone [04] 472 7356
Massey Memorial
This mausoleum, located on Point Halswell, commorates a New Zealand Prime Minister, William Massey, who died in office in 1925.Access is from Massey Road on the Evans Bay side of Point Halswell.Five minute up hill walk from the road.
National War Memorial
Focus of national ANZAC Day commemorations each 25 April, the building and tower contains a Hall of Memories and a seventy four bell carillon, on which daily recitals are given.Location : 7 Buckle Street
Open : Daily 10.30am - 4.30pm, Sundays 12.30pm - 4.30pm
Closed : Good Friday and Christmas Day
Telephone [04] 385 2496
Old Bank Arcade
Dating from last century, the Old Bank buildings, formerly the Head Office and Wellington branch of the Bank of New Zealand, were saved from demolition by a programme of earthquake strengthening, restoration and refurbishment.Amongst the trendy boutique shops that now inhabit the building are the restored banking chamber, and some of the remains of John Plimmer's beached sailing vessel, the Inconstant known locally as Plimmer's Ark.See also Plimmers Steps, oppposite.
Location: Old Bank of New Zealand Building
Corner Lambton Quay and Customhouse Quay.
Old St Pauls
Old St Pauls is the former Anglican Cathedral Church of the Wellington Diocese, built in 1866 in the Gothic style but constructed of native New Zealand timbers.Open : Monday - Saturday, 10.00am - 5.00pm, closed Good Friday and Christmas Day. Telephone [04] 473 622
Parliament
Parliament Buildings consist of three sets of buildings, the Beehive which is the home of the cabinet and its support staff, the House of Representatives which houses the debating chambers, the Speakers suite and members of Parliament, and the General Assembly Library.The Beehive and House stand on the site of the original Legislative buildings which were destroyed by fire last century.
The House of Representatives, the centre, marble, building of the three is only one wing of the original design for the building.
The buildings were restored and refurbished a decade ago and are open to the public seven days a week, with guided tours available every hour on the hour.
Location : Corner Lambton Quay and Molesworth Streets,City
Open : Monday to Friday 10.00am - 4.00pm
Saturday 10.00am - 3.00pm
Sunday 12 noon - 3.00pm
Telephone [04] 471 9503
Plimmer's Steps
Schell, Frederic B, d. 1905 :Plimmer's steps [Sydney; Picturesque Atlas Publishing Co., Ltd. 1886]Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference Number: A-109-001
Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
Between Lambton Quay and Boulcott Street, opposite the Old Bank, these steps are named after an early English settler who became a succesful Wellington businessman.
A life size bronze statue of John Plimmer and his dog stands in Plimmer Lane, the access to the steps, while at the top of the steps there is an oak tree reputed to have been planted by Plimmer from an acorn brought by him from England in 1841.
He is the gentleman after whom Plimmer's Ark was named [see Old Bank Arcade, this page left].
For those of you challenged by steps, access to the top of the steps may be gained through shop escalators in adjacent buildings.
Wright's Hill Fortress
During the second world war a battery of 9.2 inch guns was installed at Wright's Hill Fortress to defend against any invasion by sea.
Never fired in anger the guns were removed in the '60's but the emplacement pits and underground tunnels remain.
The site is now maintained by the Wrights Hill Fortress Restoration Society, and open days are held but four times a year on public holidays.
OPEN DAYS
Waitangi Day, 6 February
ANZAC Day, 25 April
Queens Birthday, first Monday in June
Labour Day, third Monday in October
Open Day hours:10 a.m - 4 p.m.
NEXT OPEN DAY ANZAC DAY 2004
» OPEN DAY
Admission charges are made to fund ongoing restoration.
Private tours can be arranged through the society, for tour charges and all other enquiries the contact telephone number is [04] 476-8593.
For more information and news visit the Society website CLICK HERE,link will open in a new window.
