Wellington 2 - A Weekend Tour

The weekend came and finally I could spend some time with Ciara. We decided to drive to the Putangirua Pinnacles, the location of the Dimholt, the Realm of the Dead.  On our way we stopped shortly after Poet's Park to have lunch at the place where the Elven boats had been launched into the Anduin many times.

At Putangirua we walked up the stream-bed to the base of the pinnacles and then up to a look-out. The views were absolutely stunning and the long drive was definitely worth it. In total it was four hours drive and three hours hiking.

We got back just in time to take a shower and dress up for the ball we would attend tonight. It had been organised by and for the music students of Victoria University and had the motto "Roaring 20s". Of course I couldn't find anything suitable in my suitcase... They had a live band and although they were great it was a little too loud and very crowded. But I met Sam and two other girls from SMP again unexpectedly!

crazy, funny, wonderful flat-mates

After such a long evening it was hard to get up the next morning but Ciara and I wanted to go to the market to go grocery shopping for the flat. The least I could do for their hospitality!
Afterwards I continued my location hunt alone. I visited the giant eagles at the airport, Fort Dorset (where they built the Bree Set), Dorrie Leslie Park (cliffs of Dunharrow) and Red Rocks (the Black Gate). None of these locations were particularly interesting but I went on some nice walks and was rewarded with breathtaking views - not of Middle-Earth, but of the equally beautiful New Zealand.

In the evening we had tickets for the ballett at St. James' Theatre: "Romeo and Juliet" by the Royal New Zealand Ballett. The production was quite old-fashioned, with beautiful costumes and realistic and variable scenery. Although I'm not a huge ballett fan it was absolutely wonderful to watch and if any of you have the chance to see this production at one of the other location I highly recommend it!