Coast

With complete justification, Wellington NZ is know as the windy city. Situated on the southern end of the North Island, it cops the wind rushing between both islands. Winds of 60-70 mph are common and cause no upset to local lifestyles. Ruggedly hilly with steep cliffs is a feature that Wellingtonians have come to accept. Getting blown over is not unusual A southerly gale from Antarctica chills the bones and the powerful but warmer winds from the north west are an everyday occurence. Houses built on almost vertical cliffs and propped up on stilts, help to alleviate the land shortage. The view over the local coastline is regarded as stimulating. A calm clear day is most unusual and a cause for celebration. The photos below are typical examples of the combination of galeforce winds and the wild terrain. Most Wellingtonians have one leg longer than the other to enable them to walk reasonably upright. On the flat they lean to one side. Would I lie to you?

Ataturk Turkish War Memorial on Palmer Head. NZ got a hell of a hiding at Gallipoli in 1915. The inevitable defeat was regarded as a cockup by Winston Churchill, First Lord of Military Misadventures.

Pencarrow Head and Rail Ferry returning from South Island. Note the wind swept water blowing from the left. The average gust in this photo was about 80 mph. You can see the churned water in the foreground. Not a good place for bathers but spear fishing is excellent. Been there and done that forty odd years ago.

Barrets Reef is in the middle. On April 10th 1968 the new Rail Ferry Wahine was blown onto the reef and dragged its anchor into Wellington Harbour and sank drowning 51 people. The southerly gale from the right was measured at over 200 mph at its strongest. A few house lost their roofs but only one person died onshore. Wellington is built for wind and earthquakes. Marijuana grows wild in New Zealand?