Wellington, New Zealand + Add a trip

On a fine day, do the "Three Peaks" - 1. the track from Shelly Bay to the War Memorial and to the top of that hill; 2. Mt. Vic lookout - see the Wellington Bust; 3. Brooklyn Wind Turbine.

Jousting on the side-by-side flying foxes (ziplines) in Central Park.

Find some live music at Havana Bar, just off Abel Smith & Cuba St, Bar Bodega on Ghuznee St, or any of Wellington's many music venues - see the "Gig Guide" on wotzon.com. Or try the clubbing circuit - San Francisco Bath House (Cuba St), Garden Bar (Dixon St), Sub-9 (Victoria & Manners), or Sandwiches (end of Courtenay Place) for more cranking sounds.

Get some world-class coffee from People's Coffee in Newtown or Glover Park, Mojo in the City or Salvation Coffee in Hataitai.

The Saturday morning Newtown market. "Newtown. It's a bit shit." goes the unofficial slogan (always spoken affectionately). Seasonal.

Visit the massive Karori Wildlife Sanctuary to see native Tuatara as well as many native birds. Also nearby: Karori Cemetary

Go to BATS Theatre for edgy, live New Zealand theatre. Same price as the movies. They've also got this tiny wee little bar with great beer and hosts scrabble on a Tuesday night !

It might take you the whole weekend, but Te Papa is well worth a visit! Our national museum is funky, interactive, constantly changing, has something for everyone, works in every weather and, guess what? it's free!

If the weather is good and you want to see experience some classic New Zealand forest walks then rent a car and drive out to the Rimutaka Forest Park, about 45 minutes drive out of the city. Take a backpack with food and drink because there are no facilities there. There are well planned and maintained paths of various lengths and degrees of difficulty. The shortest walks are approx. 1 hour, the longest will take you up to 8 hours. Walking boots not required for the shorter ones. The forests and the scenery is terrific. You will be totally 'away from it all' and only a short drive from the city centre. Remember the weather can change quickly so waterproof jackets might be clever to take along. The park gates are closed each night at 20.00. There is loads of car parking space and also possibility to camp overnight. Highly recommended!

Visit the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary; www.sanctuary.org.nz Great walks from short and easy strolls to strenuous all day treks. Take food and drinks with you as well as appropriate clothing for changeable weather. They also have guided tours by day and night.