Hiding at the bottom of the world is one of the most magical capitals with the chirping of native birds echoing through the valley, with the winds energizing the waves onto white peaks, and cities crashing into life.
This charming Harborside City is Wellington, New Zealand – also known as Maori Tewanganui a Tara.
Built on towering mountains and surrounded by the hollows of a cool, dark valley, the charming villa stacks up on each other looking over the lush hillsides and sparkling blue seas.
In the seas surrounding the city, you can spot seals, stinleys, dolphins and occasional orchid whales passing by the coast.
I was fortunate to have been able to invite this small capital city to my home for less than seven years. One of the things I loved most about my hometown is how small it has become.
The small flat I lived in was able to walk to the beach, the forests I came from, or the bustling city centre within 15 minutes. When all this beauty is at your doorstep, you don't need a car.
If the bustle of everyday life got a little too big, I walked over to Mount Victoria.
Famously known for being one of the shooting locations in Lord of the Rings, it is the iconic scene where Frodo and the Hobbit are on the side of the road, with many people exploring it to avoid Nazgul. There are many to offer.
From towering native trees to the sponge-like green moss and pine needles lined up on the floor, it's easy to imagine yourself stepping on the stairs right away from the shire.
There are walking tracks and mountain bike tracks, but they can be lost very easily if you want. For the young people – or for the young of the heart, there are playgrounds and slides, and there are views that drop the jaws of the harbor and the inner-city beaches of Oriental Bay, as you take yourself to the top of the mountain.
Oriental Bay is another gem in the crown of this stunning city. Over the summer I packed my work bags with swimming costumes and towels and joined the crowd of civil servants heading to this white sandy beach after work to sunbathe and swim.
The beach is artificial and closes twice a year over the summer, shifting sand brought in from Golden Bay in the South Island town of Nelson.
An average of 1,900m3 (or 950m3) of sand travels in Oriental Bay Beach each year. The sand is moved by truck and shoveled into place, so the beach is ready for hundreds of people who enjoy it every day. The water is calm and warm, so if you're lucky, you can float in the ocean and look up at the tower above the beach and see fish and insects floating around.
When it comes to wildlife, Te Whanganui A Tara is undefeated.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of conservationists, native birds outweigh the species that have been introduced now. Since 2011, there has been a significant increase in the average annual number of native birds. The population of Kererū (native woody pigeon) increased by 243%, while the kerker (native parrot) increased by 170%.
Birds can be deaf in New Zealand's capital, and the closer you get to the bird bird sanctuary of Wellington. This sanctuary contains dozens of native birds, lizards, frogs and of course native trees.
However, unlike many sanctuaries, this eco-paradisement is not hidden behind the city. Located in the middle of one of Karoli's richest suburbs, it is just a 10-minute drive from the council. The pests are being locked out of Zealandia by the efforts of rangers and 5.3 miles (8.6km) predator elimination fences.
It is a wire mesh wall that is tall enough to stop mammalian predators like ferrets and possums from climbing, and stops mice and weasels from passing through it. Even an underground skirt prevents mice from digging holes underneath them.
The sanctuary is open to everyone and you'll spend a wonderful day of exploration to the dam behind the forest.
But Wellington isn't all birds and bees – there's also all the bustling hospitality scenes, from live music to craft beers to the best coffee in the world. Walking along Cuba Street, the city's artistic semi-pedentrained arterial vein, you'll enjoy new cocktails, beers and snacks every few feet.
When I lived in Wellington my friend and I played a game called Cuba Bath Street Game. Start at one end and walk. That's 5 points for every person you know.
In the summer, there is a wide open green park in front of the venue for Rogue and Vagabond: Bar and Live Music, where you can relax in the sunlight and dotted with palette tables and bean bags. The New Zealand sun is no joke, so sunscreen.
If that's the sweet treat you're looking for, why isn't it Tory Whanaugh's favorite restaurant? Wanau told the Express that her personal favorite was Rum – also on Cuba Street.
She said: “This restaurant helped revitalize Wellington's hospitality industry. It always has a great, lively atmosphere. It has the best tiramisu in Wellington.”
Speaking about her love for the city, Whanau said it was unique.
“Our compact, walkable city centre is located between the stunning harbor and rolling hills, offering easy access to breathtaking views and outdoor activities, especially walking and hiking.
“If you're trying to escape the winters of England, discover Wellington.”
