ウェリントンの観光スポット

ゴシック様式の大聖堂、ウェリントン最古の英国国教会であるセント・ポール教会は1845年に建てられた絵本の中に出てくるような木造の教会です。設計したのは教区牧師のフレデリック・サッチャー牧師。外装はシンプルな白亜の教会ですが、中に入るとニュージーランド産の木材が多用されたドラマチックな内装で、ひっくり返ったボートの船体を思い起こさせるアーチ型の天井柱が特徴的です。この教会でもう一つ見逃せないのが、見事なステンドグラス。特に祭壇の後ろと南側アルコーブを取り囲む窓のステンドグラスは必見です。現在この教会では日曜礼拝は行われていませんが、結婚式や葬儀を行う場所として人気があります。

The rural lifestyle and country charm of New Zealand’s heartland are revealed on a day trip to the Wairarapa region from Wellington. It’s an area of sheep-raising, vineyards, farms and outdoor activities like horseback riding and hiking through forest parks. A major feature of this lovely fertile region is Lake Wairarapa, the North Island’s third largest lake. It’s a popular spot for fishing and birdwatching. The main town, Martinborough, is a firm fixture on the foodie gourmet trail. Wellington locals flock here at weekends to drop into the cellar doors of surrounding vineyards, known for their good-quality pinot noir and sauvignon blanc wines. Nearby there are farms to visit, horses and quad bikes to ride, outdoor rope courses, kayaking and bushwalks to get appetites firing.

Permanent and touring exhibitions of contemporary art are displayed at the City Gallery Wellington. Works by New Zealand artists are highlighted, along with a lively program of contemporary visual arts, architecture and design. If a major international exhibition of contemporary art is touring, it’s likely to be staged here. The gallery is a popular meeting spot thanks to its free entry and well-regarded Nikau cafe, serving organic produce and award-winning coffee.