Hey everyone! It's Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip to the beautiful city of Wellington, New Zealand! As you know, I’m all about spreading the love for ballet and pink tutus, so naturally, I had to pack a special outfit for this adventure. 😉
This time, I decided on a tutu fit for a foodie. My inspiration came from a local market I stumbled upon on the way to my accommodation. It was overflowing with vibrant fruits and vegetables, fresh baked goods, and the most amazing local cheeses - what's a girl to do? Why, whip up a tutu that embodies all the deliciousness, of course!
I managed to find some incredible silk in shades of scarlet, burnt orange and deep greens, and even some iridescent material for the little 'sprinkles' that adorned the bottom layer of the tutu. I was thrilled with how it turned out - a little bit whimsical, a little bit decadent, and absolutely perfect for exploring Wellington's culinary scene!
First Stop: The Train to Wellington!
As a lover of all things romantic, a train journey always seems like the perfect way to start any adventure. And thankfully, Wellington is a mere two-and-a-half-hour train journey from beautiful, bucolic Upper Hutt, which, for this tutu-loving traveler, is just divine. It also gave me ample opportunity to admire the scenery, particularly the majestic grey mountains that rose up to meet the cloudless sky. The whole trip felt almost magical!
Discovering Wellington's Quirks
Arriving in Wellington was like stepping into a whimsical dream. The city has a wonderful energy - buzzing with creativity, history, and a genuine passion for the arts. My first port of call was a delightful cafe with mismatched furniture and quirky vintage finds decorating every corner. I enjoyed the most incredible cappuccino while surrounded by piles of old books and dusty records.
A Culinary Adventure
One thing I immediately noticed about Wellington is the incredible passion the city has for its food. We Brits are pretty fond of a good roast dinner, but New Zealand takes it to a whole new level! I tried a mouth-watering venison roast at a local restaurant that was tender, juicy and full of flavour. I also sampled some delectable local lamb, beautifully cooked with fresh rosemary and garlic, and had a picnic in the park overlooking the harbour, complete with delicious artisan cheese and homemade chutney. Let’s just say, I'm already planning my return trip to try more culinary delights!
The Performing Arts - Always a Favourite
No trip is complete without a ballet performance, and Wellington truly exceeded my expectations. The Royal New Zealand Ballet hosted a truly breathtaking production of ‘Swan Lake,’ showcasing the beauty of traditional ballet alongside incredible technical artistry. I've seen ‘Swan Lake’ countless times, but it was especially moving seeing it performed in this spectacular theatre, nestled right on the harbour front. I almost cried during the final act – such a perfect combination of beautiful scenery and graceful movement!
Taking Inspiration from the City
Everywhere I turned in Wellington, I felt a burst of inspiration for my next tutu designs. From the colourful, graphic murals lining the city's laneways, to the magnificent gardens bursting with life at the Wellington Botanic Garden, every detail sparked a new idea in my mind. I even found myself sketching in my notebook as I walked past the incredible harbour front, soaking up the beautiful views and the fresh sea air!
A Day of Adventure
Of course, no visit to New Zealand is complete without experiencing its amazing wildlife. A visit to the Wellington Zoo was a must-do for me. I absolutely adored seeing the incredible gorillas and observing their playful antics - who knew they were so social! I also had the privilege of getting close to some of the New Zealand wildlife – fascinating kiwi birds, the rare and beautiful kaka parrot, and of course, the curious kea - which was quite mischievous!
Wearing Pink With Pride
Of course, no Emma adventure would be complete without some pink! My little pink tutu, the one with the white fluffy petticoat and glittery waistband, came with me to explore all the best spots in the city. We rode on the funicular railway up to the Mount Victoria lookout (breathtaking views!) and strolled through the harbour front market (which has some fabulous fashion finds!). It even braved a little wind at the Zealandia Ecosanctuary! (It felt quite regal!). Everyone was asking me about it! People were truly lovely, wanting to know all about the meaning of pink. Of course, I told them – spreading the message of positivity and empowerment through tutus!
Sharing the Love of Ballet
One of the best things about Wellington is its thriving ballet community. I attended an open class at the City Dance Centre, meeting other dance enthusiasts and even managed to squeeze in a little improvisation session (I had to test out the space!), which always gives me such joy! The community there is incredibly welcoming and full of energy, making me even more excited about sharing my love for ballet with the world. Perhaps one day, I'll even find a partner here for a duet in a beautiful, peaceful harbourside setting!
Final Thoughts: Wellington Won Me Over!
Wellington truly is a unique city. Its creative spirit, the warmth of its people, and its dedication to the arts have left an indelible mark on me. I cannot recommend this beautiful city enough - it’s perfect for any adventurous soul who loves experiencing vibrant culture, delicious cuisine and stunning scenery! And of course, who wouldn't want to rock a fabulous tutu amidst such an artistic wonderland?
A Final Request: As always, I’d love to hear about your ballet adventures too! Share your experiences in the comments below. And as always, keep on twirling, spreading kindness, and never be afraid to add a dash of pink to your day! 😉
Don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com every day to join my fabulous Tutu family! Until next time, stay sparkly and keep twirling! 💖🩰
