Thorndon: Wellington's Historic and Cultural Gem

• HelloKia ora
  [kee-ah aw-rah]
• GoodbyeHaere rā
  [high-reh rah]
• YesĀe
  [eye]
• NoKāore
  [kaa-oh-reh]
• Please/You're welcomeTēnā koe
  [teh-nah koh-eh]
• Thank youNgā mihi
  [nah mee-hee]
• Excuse me/SorryWhakapāha
  [fah-kah-paa-ha]
• How are you?Kei te pēhea koe?
  [keh-ee teh pay-ha koh-eh]
• Fine. And you?Māmā. Ā, koe?
  [maa-maa. ah, koh-eh]
• Do you speak English?Kōrero koe i te reo Pākehā?
  [koh-reh-roh koh-eh ee teh reh-oh paa-keh-haa]
• I don't understandKaore au e mohio
  [kaa-oh-reh ow eh moh-hee-oh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe kite au i te pānui, tēnā
  [meh kee-teh ow ee teh paa-noo-ee, teh-nah]
• I don't eat meatKaore au e kai kau
  [kaa-oh-reh ow eh kai kow]
• Cheers!Kia ora!
  [kee-ah aw-rah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe utu au, tēnā
  [meh oo-too ow, teh-nah]

• Help!Āwhina!
  [aa-fee-nah]
• Go away!Haere atu!
  [high-reh ah-too]
• Call the Police!Karanga atu ki te Pirihimana!
  [kah-rah-ngah ah-too kee teh pee-ree-hee-mah-nah]
• Call a doctor!Karanga atu ki te kaiwhakaora!
  [kah-rah-ngah ah-too kee teh kai-fah-kah-oh-rah]
• I'm lostI wareware ahau
  [ee wah-reh-wah-reh aa-how]
• I'm illI mate ahau
  [ee mah-teh aa-how]

• I'd like to buy...Me hoko au...
  [meh haw-kaw ow]
• I'm just lookingKei te titiro ahau
  [keh-ee teh tee-tee-raw aa-how]
• How much is it?He aha te utu?
  [heh ah-haa teh oo-too]
• That's too expensiveHe nui rawa te utu
  [heh noo-ee rah-waa teh oo-too]
• Can you lower the price?Ka taea e koe te whakaiti i te utu?
  [ka tah-eh eh koh-eh teh fah-kai-tee ee teh oo-too]

• What time is it?He aha te wa?
  [heh ah-haa teh wah]
• It's one o'clockKotahi te hāora
  [kaw-tah-hee teh haa-oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Tekau ma rima
  [teh-kaw mah ree-mah]
• MorningAhiahi
  [ah-hee-ah-hee]
• AfternoonAhiahi
  [ah-hee-ah-hee]
• EveningPō
  [paw]
• YesterdayInapo
  [ee-nah-paw]
• TodayTenei ra
  [teh-nay rah]
• TomorrowApopo
  [ah-paw-paw]
• 1Tahi
  [tah-hee]
• 2Rua
  [roo-ah]
• 3Toru
  [toh-roo]
• 4Whā
  [fah]
• 5Rima
  [ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [oh-noh]
• 7Whitu
  [fee-too]
• 8Waru
  [wah-roo]
• 9Iwa
  [ee-wah]
• 10Tekau
  [teh-kaw]

• Where's a/the...?Kei hea te...?
  [keh-ee heh-ah teh]
• What's the address?He aha te wāhitau?
  [heh ah-haa teh wah-hee-tow]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ka taea e koe te whakaatu i ahau (i runga i te mahere)?
  [ka tah-eh eh koh-eh teh fah-kah-ah-too ee aa-how (ee roo-ngah ee teh mah-heh-reh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Āhea te mutunga (waka)?
  [aa-heh-ah teh moo-toon-gah (wah-kah)]
• A ticket (to ....)He tiki (ki ....)
  [heh tee-kee (kee ....)]

Before European arrival, the Thorndon area was inhabited by the Māori, specifically the Ngāti Toa tribe. The fertile land and proximity to the Wellington Harbour made it an attractive site for settlement. The Māori established themselves around the region, engaging in fishing, gardening, and forming strong community ties.

In the 1830s, Thorndon began to transform with European colonization. The arrival of the British in 1840 marked a significant change, leading to land purchases and settlement. Thorndon quickly became one of the most popular residential areas for early European settlers due to its proximity to the harbour and the burgeoning capital city of Wellington.

With Wellington being designated as the capital of New Zealand in 1865, Thorndon became the political heart of the nation. Key government buildings, including the original Parliament House, were constructed in the area, making it a focal point for political activities and decision-making.

Throughout the early to mid-20th century, Thorndon saw significant urban development, with the construction of various residential buildings, schools, and cultural institutions. The Thorndon School, established in 1878, became a vital part of the community, while churches and parks enhanced the area's cultural fabric.

Today, Thorndon is recognized for its rich architectural heritage, with many Victorian and Edwardian buildings preserved as part of its historical identity. The area is home to the Thorndon Historic Walk, which showcases significant sites and stories from its past, allowing visitors to step back in time and appreciate the deep-rooted history of this charming neighborhood.

Thorndon is easily accessible from various parts of Wellington. The suburb is approximately 15 minutes by car from the Wellington International Airport. You can take the Airport Flyer bus service, which operates frequently and connects to the city center. From central Wellington, Thorndon is just a short bus or train ride away. The Metlink bus service has several routes that stop in Thorndon, while the Wellington railway station is nearby, providing access to regional trains.

Thorndon is a compact neighbourhood, making it easy to explore on foot. Public transport options include buses and trains, with the Wellington Railway Station providing convenient access to the rest of the city and beyond. For those who prefer cycling, there are bike lanes and rental services available. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are also readily accessible for longer distances.

Thorndon is generally a safe neighbourhood for tourists. However, as with any urban area, it is advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and keep personal belongings secure. Areas to be cautious of include dark alleyways and isolated parks at night. As a precaution, avoid displaying valuables and be vigilant in crowded places.

In case of an emergency, dial 111 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is Wellington Regional Hospital, located a short distance away. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are scattered throughout the neighbourhood, and many offer over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately for the weather and occasions; Wellington can be windy and chilly. Don't wear overly casual attire in upscale dining establishments. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting places of worship. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to those in need. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile or 'Kia ora'. Don't be overly formal; casual interactions are appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine, especially at cafes and restaurants. Don't waste food; leftovers can often be taken home.

To experience Thorndon like a local, visit the Old St. Paul's Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture. Explore the Thorndon Farmers' Market on Saturdays for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with local residents, as they are often friendly and willing to share insights about the neighbourhood's history. Don't miss the nearby Botanical Gardens, which offer beautiful walking paths and stunning views of the city.