Wellington City Botanic Garden held the Annual Rose Festival last weekend at its Lady Norwood Rose Garden. Unfortunately the weather wasn't that great for photography, so as the expected big crowds, which would have a disproportionally large number of people named "Rose", who would be offered a free coffee. 😉

Tuesday was a much better day weather wise and I was also free. So a friend and I had a spontaneous tour of the garden with out respective cameras. Our chosen mode of transport was two legs. …

I took the familiar route up Cecil Road and then a walkway track up to top of Te Ahumairangi Hill (FKA Tinakori Hill). Then down other side to Thorndon and the Botanic garden. I'd estimated it'd take about 50 minutes, but took the wrong turn and lost about 10 minutes to resolve the situation. My friend didn't mind waiting strolling around the roses. We had some food from the cafe and sat at outside table for lunch admiring the perfect setting.

Pictures of some of the roses

We also had a stroll around other part of the Botanic Garden, admiring or scrutinising some of the large open-air sculptures. One of them drew my particular attention and received a close inspection.

After a pleasant lunch and afternoon stroll we headed our respective homes. I also had an extra mission to find out the shortest way to the top, so that I'd not misplace myself at future similar excursions. Sun was right above me and uphill walk was a hard work. But I took time and stop at times to enjoy my surrounding. (Scenes during the hill walk).

At the end of the seemingly most direct route, I popped out at the grass area by the new lookout unexpectedly. Rather pleased with this development, I enjoyed the great views from the lookout for the second time in two weeks. Great views from track and from the lookout.