Base Backpackers in Wellington

Our journey from Waitomo to New Zealand's capital was visually rewarding but boy was it loooooooo ong! Unfortunately, the two buses both ran late. The first arrived an hour late into the changeover station and the second was running a further hour late on top, so we finaly made it into Wellington at 10pm last night. Our hostel for the night was at the Base Wellington a true 'young persons' backpackers hostel. Eight stories high with a booming bass sound track from the 3am all night bar in the basement. We were invited but had to decline! 

All we wanted was our beds. Thankfully we were on the seventh floor  but the city night life is coming in through the window. Usually Sarah would be the first to get irritated by the noise but we were pretty tired so we slept through the night without much trouble. 

It's a nice place despite us being two old backpackers who like our peace and quiet. A $5 all you can eat continental breakfast and friendly staff, very helpful. We wondered the streets of Wellington today and found a pleasant city but like a lot of cities nowadays the shops seem to have departed out of town only to leave empty shells, loads of coffee shops and eateries. Some beautiful old buildings, two churches, a New England style house right in the centre of the CBD and everyone pleasant and helpful made for a relaxing day. 

We are just about to depart for the South Island at 7am for the 8:30am ferry. I'm not sure about keeping in touch as we are spending the next two weeks hiking with only the odd stop at civilisation. So hope to keep in touch but might be sporadic. 

View of Wellington harbour from our seventh floor room