© Images via WellingtonNZ.com. Credit: Jeff McEwan / Capture Studios. Location: Point Dorset.
Wellington is full of amazing things to do with the family, no matter what you’re looking for, Wellington is bound to have it. Wellington has some pretty cool walks that will take your breath away, pat cute farm animals, have a lazy day by the beach or learn more about our fascinating New Zealand birds. Wellington is also known as ‘the windy city’. Don’t miss the ‘Windy Welly’ sign!
The Wellington region is such a big area that it has been split up into three sections, Wellington, Kapiti and Wairarapa.
Wellington, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt and Porirua
Attractions
Te Papa Museum – learn the history of the land and come see the new art gallery. Hands-on activities and interactive experiences for kids. Free entry.
Zealandia – one of the best places in New Zealand to see native birds such as kaka, kakariki, kereru, hihi, tui, kiwi, tieke and takahe. There is 30kms of walking tracks. Night tours are available and there’s one that will be perfect for the kids. If you get hungry, stop in at the Rata Cafe where everything is organic and free-range.
Weta Workshop – get a behind the scenes look into how some of the greatest movies were made and how imaginary worlds are brought to life through physical effects and movie-making magic.
Space Place at Carter Observatory – excellent entertainment for both kids and adults as you learn about space, the planets and the universe in a fun and exciting way.
Wellington Zoo – home to 500 native and exotic endangered animals. There are animal talks from zookeepers all throughout the day and a farm feed in the morning. Close encounters are available for an experience you won’t forget anytime soon. 4-year-olds and up will get the chance to pat a lemur, children 6 years and up will love a close encounter with a giraffe, red panada or meerkat and people 14 years and older have the chance to meet a cheetah.
Attractions (continued)
Staglands Wildlife Reserve – this is a beautiful set wildlife park where you can come and interact with animals and experience nature up close. Walk through the aviary and see if you can spot the kea, see trout and eels in the pond, go for a ride on the tractor, see and pat lots of animals along the way, walk through the charming old bush settlement and don’t forget to bring some lunch to enjoy at the beautiful picnic areas, otherwise, there’s a lovely cafe that offers homemade treats, coffee and a light lunch.
Days Bay and Matiu/Somes Island – Days Bay is just across the harbour from Wellington and it makes the perfect day trip. Enjoy the beach, park and cafe or walk 10 minutes over to Eastbourne for more cafes, a pool and playground. Most ferries stop a Matiu/Somes Island in the middle of the harbour, there are a few short walks and viewpoints, while you’re there learn of the history of the island and about how it was once a prisoner of war camp and quarantine station. Overnight stays available at a campsite or simple lodge.
Wellington Cable Car – no Wellington visit is complete without a ride on the cable car, a popular Wellington icon. Take a short ride to the top, enjoy the views and stop in at the Botanic Gardens or Space Place at Carter Observatory or visit the Cable Car Museum, the kids will love this experience.
Attractions (continued)
Seal Coast Safari – if you don’t feel like walking then this is a good option to see a lot of things in a short time. Going along private farmland you’ll see the wind turbine and get great views, then driving along the coast you can see beautiful beaches, the famous leaning lighthouse and seals.
Wellington Museum – learn more about the Wellington region with some fascinating stories and displays, housed in a beautiful 1892 heritage building.
Wellington Botanic Gardens – fountains, sculptures, duck pond, playground, cafe.
Truby King Park – visit a heritage-listed estate once owned by Sir Truby and Lady Isabella King, founders of the Plunket Society. The gardens are beautiful. Free entry.
Parliament Buildings – visit Parliament to discover their buildings and heritage, to see what happens when the House sits, and to learn about New Zealand’s democratic processes. There’s a range of guided tours, including one just for the kids, ‘Kids in the House Tour’ which runs during the school holidays. You can also just do a self-guided outdoor tour, grab a free map from the Visitor Centre and roam the buildings at your own pace.
The Dowse Art Museum – a leading contemporary art gallery with a regularly changing exhibition featuring visual art, fashion, jewellery and multi-media. They have a lovely children’s space for colouring and reading.
City Gallery Wellington – world-class exhibitions across a range of mediums including painting, film, photography and sculpture.
Wellington Night Market – enjoy street food and buskers at Cuba Street’s Wellington Night Markets every Friday and Saturday night.
Adrenalin Forest – an obstacle course high up in the trees.
Fear Factory – learn about Auckland’s Haunted History and walk through the interactive dark maze for fun and frights. Good for older kids.
Captivate Adventures – they do white water rafting, and a Challenge Ropes Course.
Coastal Views Horse Treks – horse riding with spectacular views.
H2O Xtream – wave pool, river float and three hydro slides.
Summer pools – relax and have some good family fun at these summer pools, Eastbourne Pool and Mckenzie Bath or Wainuiomata Summer Pool (heated pools, outdoor spa and an open-air waterslide through native bush).
Quad Bike Expeditions – either choose a shorter 4-hour ride, half-day ride or even a two-day adventure that includes snorkelling and surfcasting. Ride from sea to mountain tops.
Te Puna Wai Ora (Free Spring Water) – fill up your water bottle straight from a natural underground reservoir along Jackson Street at Te Puna Wai Ora (the spring of life).
Katherine Mansfield House and Garden – Katherine Mansfield was one of New Zealand’s most distinguished authors, you can now walk through her childhood home and read through some of her work.
Gardens
Aston Norwood – beautiful and ever-changing, check out the waterfall and the stream with seasonal eels and frogs. Cherry blossoms mid-September. Day passes are $5.
Playgrounds
Frank Kitts Park – lighthouse with a slide.
Waitangi Park – skate park great for older kids and sand and water park for the littlies.
Central Park in Brooklyn – long flying fox.
Avalon Park – has a huge adventure playground, water play, sandpit, bike roads, twin flying fox, picnic area, mini-golf, confidence course and rock climbing walls.
Aotea Lagoon – big playground, splash pad, rose garden, miniature train and tracks to bike on.
Harcourt Park – summer splash pool, two adventure playgrounds, a junior cycling track and disc golf.
Beaches
Scorching Bay – a great little beach.
Days Bay & Eastbourne – Across the harbour is a popular place people like to get away from city life. You can drive, but the best way to get there is by ferry from Wellington’s waterfront. When you arrive, everything is within walking distance, lay by the beach, go for a walk in the hills or enjoy one of the lovely cafes. Walk the family-friendly Lookout Track or for something longer head to Butterfly Creek or check out the Rona Bay Wharf and summer Pool (Nov-Mar).
Oriental Bay – a beautiful city beach full of sun lovers, just a 5-minute walk from the city.
Taputeranga Marine Reserve – a great place to go snorkelling and looking for sea creatures.
Lyall Bay – popular surf beach.
Walks
Mt Kaukau Summit Walk – the highest visible point in Wellington. There are several tracks to get you to the summit, where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the city and harbour, Hutt Valley, the Tararua Range, Porirua and the South Island. The track is steep and it will take 1-2 hours to complete.
East Harbour Regional Park – bush walks for all ages, the East Harbour Regional Park is home to the Pencarrow Lighthouse walk but also has plenty of other options, including the Main Ridge Track which has fantastic views. End your walk by jumping off the Days Bay wharf.
Otari-Wilton’s Bush – a beautiful place to come for a stroll, there are 14 kilometres of walking tracks and an 18-meter high canopy walkway. Bring a picnic and enjoy the place. Otari-Wilton’s Bush is the only public botanic garden in New Zealand solely dedicated to native plants.
Red Rocks Reserve – go on a coastal 2-hour walk and see the fur sea colony at Sinclair/Devil’s Gate. Best time to visit is in the colder months (April – October) when you’re more likely to see fur seals. The track can also be driven on by four-wheel drives Monday – Saturday. The seals here will all be males, who were unsuccessful in breeding. Without the females and their young, the seals are less aggressive but people are still asked to keep a reasonable distance to reduce stress. This is an absolutely fascinating walk, you’ll also be able to see the red coloured rocks that were formed over 200 million years ago.
Mount Victoria – You can either drive up or walk the 45 minutes to the top, a walk for the reasonably fit. Enjoy 360-degree views of Wellington city and harbour. Watch the ferries go by and the planes take off from Wellington airport. If you’ve timed it right, you can also see the sun go down and the city light up.
Skyline Walkway – 5 hours, 14kms, this track is challenging in areas and can be completed in stages with plenty of entry/exit points along the way. Bad weather conditions can make this track dangerous as you’ll be walking along a very exposed ridgeline, reasonable fitness is required and bring warm clothing. The views along Wellington’s ridge tops are what make this track worthwhile, on a clear day you’ll be able to see the Kaikoura ranges, the Marlborough Sounds, Wellington city and harbour, and the Tararua and Orongorongo ranges. Either walk or bike.
Oruaiti Reserve – several walking tracks where you can enjoy stunning views of the Wellington Harbour.
Pencarrow Lighthouse – walk or cycle to New Zealand’s oldest lighthouse, built in 1859, only being built after more than 100 ships were wrecked trying to navigate through this area. This is also where the country’s only female lighthouse keeper spent a decade on the job – a widow with six children. 16km return across farmland and the coast, a 3–4 hour walk; 1–2 hour bike ride; e-bike hire available from Everyone’s Adventure at Days Bay.
Paekakariki Escarpment Track – up 2,000 steep steps, narrow pathways and two swingbridges to take in the spectacular views of Kapiti Island. There are spectacular views to be enjoyed but this is not for the faint-hearted. 3-4 hours, 9km walk.
Walks (continued)
Wellington Waterfront – wander along the waterfront to take in the views and check out the sculptures. Enjoy locally made gelato from Gelissimo, Kaffee Eis or Carrello del Gelato. Take a family photo in front of the colourful boatsheds and head over to Oriental Bay.
Tunnell Gully Recreation Area – great spot for walking, horse riding, cycling and picnics. The Tunnell Loop Tracks takes you through the 253m long Mangaroa Tunnel, built between 1875 – 1877. Go on the Tane’s Track if you’re in search for waterfalls and streams. Or for great views, fit walkers can climb 6km up Mt Climie (830m).
Orongorongo Valley Track – go on a fantastic day walk or an overnight stay, it’s got great views and a waterfall. If you stay overnight, you might hear or see a kiwi, there are more than 100 that roam wild here.
Point Dorset (Eastern Walkway) – fantastic place that the kids will love to explore.
Southern Walkway – start at the Wellington CBD, walk through some of the city’s best-loved parks and end up at Island Bay. 4-5 hours, 11.3km walk.
Makara Walkway – this 7km loop walk will take you across farmland, down to a beach and up high to spectacular vantage points.
Walks (continued)
Kaitoke Regional Park – the Kaitoke Regional Park has lots of family-friendly short walks, but the most popular is the Swing Bridge Track , once used as a Lord of the Rings film location – home to the elves at Rivendell, there are information boards along the way. It’s a nice, easy track that has a long swing bridge over the beautiful gorge. There are some nice swimming holes along the river. Kaitoke is a great place to relax with a picnic, ball games, river swimming and camping amongst ancient rimu and rātā trees.
Belmont Regional Park – walk or cycle up to lookout points, such as Belmont Trig (456m) and Boulder Hill (442m). Korokoro Dam is also a lush trail highlight.
Akatarawa Forest – great for walking, mountain biking, quad biking, horse trekking. Cannon Point Walkway is the easiest way in.
Te Whiti Riser – family-friendly 8km return walk with gentle slopes uphill.
Percy Scenic Reserve – find Wellington regions tallest waterfall here.
Turakirae Scenic Reserve – discover the region’s largest colony of fur seals – visit in winter.
Whakamoonie swimming hole – a local favourite, come have a swim.
Mt Matthews – stay in one of the overnight huts for this 10-hour return track, going up to the top of Mt Matthews (941m), with amazing views of the Wellington Harbour, Wairarapa, the Tararua Range, and the Kaikoura ranges.
Orongoronga Track – into the forest and along the stream, this is a nice and easy track, great for the family. There are swimming holes at the end of the 2-hour track, then return the way you came.
Bike rides
Remutaka Cycle Trail – one of New Zealand’s Great Rides, this is a 2-3 day, 115km trail going along the coastline, valleys and mountains. If you’re not keen on doing the whole thing but still want to experience it, you can take on part of it with train and ride options in the Hutt Valley.
Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park – with more than 40kms mountain biking trails in native bush and with stunning views, this bike park offers something for everyone.
Wainuiomata Mountain Bike Park – explore 16km of sheltered native bush trails.
Kapiti
Sightseeing
Paekakariki Hill Road – there’s a lookout stop at the top of the hill. Pullover to check out the views over the Kapiti Coast with Kapiti Island in the distance.
Our Lady of Lourdes – a 14m high statue of the Virgin Mary. It is one of the largest statues of its kind in the world. When darkness falls, it’s lit halo can be seen for kilometres.
Beach/park
Paraparaumu Beach – great safe swimming and castle building beach, there is also a walking track that runs along the long beach.
Raumati Beach and Raumati South – both great for swimming, surfcasting and kayaking. Make a cool hut from the driftwood on the beach.
Haruatai Park – it has a pool, splash pad pump track and playground.
Pekapeka Beach – great for swimming, surfing, walking the dog, horse riding or playing a game of cricket.
Attractions
Lavender Creek Farm – home to 7,000 lavender plants with 330 different types of lavender. The lavender oil which they make has won 30 awards! $5 for adults to enter—kids are free.
Southward Car Museum – see the largest private collection of rare and collectable cars in the Southern Hemisphere.
Waikanae Pool – open during the summer season, there’s a 33.5-metre outdoor heated pool, a small toddlers pool and a hydroslide. Visit the closeby Waikanae Park which has a skatepark and playground.
Otaki Kite Festival – come check out the annual kite festival, there’s music, stalls and hundreds of kites on display. Check out KiteFestival.org.nz for more information.
Trinity Farm Gardens – specialises in heritage, spray-free roses in a three-acre garden. Open in the summer season.
Coastland Aquatic Centre – indoor pool with a translucent roof, has a main pool and children’s pool.
Walks
Nikau Reserve – easy and shady 1.2km loop walk with streams and small waterfalls, perfect on a hot summers day.
Kapiti Island – climb to the top of the island at 521m and enjoy the incredible views, out to the South Island and Mount Taranaki (90-minute walk). Or if you’re looking for something easier for the kids, do the Rangatira Loop and learn about the island’s whaling history. There are over 60 species of birds that can be spotted here including the kaka, hihi, kokako, takahe, weka and tieke (saddleback). Watch your things though as some of these clever and mischievous birds are known for taking things if left alone. Don’t forget your togs and a snorkel for a swim in the Kapiti Island Marine Reserve. Boats depart daily on the Kapiti Explorer or Kapiti Island Nature Tours. Overnight stays include guided kiwi spotting.
Walks (continued)
Chrystalls Bend Walkway – a nice and easy walk along the river.
Waikanae Estuary – a nice estuary walk which leads you to the beach and one of the most important bird spotting areas in New Zealand. If you’re eager to learn more, join Mik from the world-renowned Waikanae Estuary Bird Tours to hear fascinating stories as he points out up to 77 different birds.
Waikanae River – a popular spot for walking, kayaking, swimming and floating down the river on tubes. Access through Otaihanga Domain.
Playgrounds / parks
Nga Manu Nature Reserve – go for a walk in the reserve, past points, wetlands, lawns, walk-through aviaries, reptile enclosures and a nocturnal house for kiwis. Volunteers offer free guided walks during weekends. Grab a bag of duck food on your way in, the kids will love getting close up to the ducks and pukekos as they feed them. Or if you’re a big eel lover, don’t miss the 2pm free daily talk when they are fed, for a small fee let the kids have a go at feeding them themselves!
Queen Elizabeth Park – the Queen Elizabeth Park has lots to offer, there are several walks to choose from, nice grassy areas to have a picnic, bike and horse riding trails and a historic tram that takes to right to the beach. Swim, fish and explore the sand dunes. Or get on your bike and head down one of the two mountain bike trails, the 4km Whareroa Stream Loop is great for beginner riders. The Paekakariki-Raumati South loop is 9kms long and for intermediate riders.
Marine Gardens – playgrounds, fantastic splash pad, free BBQs, and a ride on the miniature train on the weekends.
Campbell Park – let the kids go. skate park. it has a beautiful setting, right by the ocean
Maclean Park – situated by Paraparaumu Beach, the playground has a lighthouse, life-size motorboat and trailer.
Wairarapa and Masterton
Pukaha National Wildlife Centre – view endangered New Zealand birds in aviaries.
Wine – grab a copy of the Wairarapa and Martinborough Wine Trail booklet.
Stonehenge Aotearoa – an adaption to England’s Stonehenge – a giant astronomical clock constructed from circles of stone.
Waiohine Gorge – a great spot for camping, swimming and short and long walks.
Queen Elizabeth Park – this will become a quick family favourite, there’s heaps of fun to be had here! Hop on the classic miniature train or hire out a four-seater pedal boat. There’s also a huge playground complete with a flying fox, a BMX and skate park that the kids will love.
Trust House Recreation Centre – with both indoor and outdoor pools, a river ride, spa, speed slide and diving pool, this place will keep the kids happy.
Lavender Abbey – pick your own lavender during the growing season and check out their shop full of lavender products.
Masterbowl – bowling, bumper cars and arcade games, this place will keep the kids entertained on a rainy day.
The Wool Shed – come and learn more about the industry, culture and international sport of shearing in New Zealand.
Paua World – grab some souvenirs from this gift shop, full with lots of jewellery and homeware made from paua or purchase some paua for your own special crafts.
Cobblestones Museum – experience what life would have been like in early Wairarapa as you walk through a small heritage village, with historic buildings, hire drawn vehicles and farm machinery. Bring a picnic and enjoy some lunch under oak trees, then grab some sweet treats from Schoc Chocolates. They also have a fun workbook for children to work through as they visit the different historic spaces. The kids will love roaming around and going from building to building, visiting the fire station, cottage, church, small hospital, woolshed, stables, and school!
Walks
Tararua Forest Park – at 116,535 hectares, the Tararua Forest Park is the largest conservation park managed by DOC in the North Island. Plan a short, long or multi-day walk in this wild and natural landscape.
Castlepoint Scenic Reserve – sand dunes, surfing, fishing and a sheltered lagoon that’s great for swimming. Walk the 1.5-hour return Deliverance Cove Track to the base of Castle Rock. While you’re there, keep an eye out for fur seals and penguins around the rocks. It can get windy – wind speeds of 200km per hour have been recorded here! Drive 15 minutes away and you’ll find some fascinating rock formations at the Mataikona Rocks, you’ll need to go at low tide though. You might want to look into dropping in a Rewanui Forest Park, it has a nice range of 1-2 hour walks, the Mt Clyde Track rewards you with a nice view of the countryside.
Walks (continued)
Honeycomb Rock – a 5 – 6 hour return walk where you’ll pass a shipwreck, you might see some fur seals during winter and a rock with a remarkable cell-like weathering pattern which give it a honeycomb appearance. The track is closed September – October during lambing season.
Putangirua Pinnacles Track – walk through some of the most amazing rock formations – this walk is not to be missed. This is also a film location for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. 2-hour return walk.
Walks (continued)
Rewanui Forest Park – nice and easy 1 – 2 hour walking tracks through native bush.
Cape Palliser to White Rock Coastal Walk – exposed and windy. 18kms, 6hr return walk.
Beach / swim
Riversdale Beach – a great beach for swimming, surfing, fishing and snorkelling. Low tide is great for exploring the rocks, snorkelling and fishing from the rocks.
Ocean Beach – a wild and rough beach that’s great for exploring.
Swimming spots – lay in the gentle rapids at Double Bridges, dive into the refreshing water at Kaituna Swimming Hole, a popular swimming spot. You’ll need to walk 15 minutes to the Waihone Gorge, but the swing bridge, waterfall and clean, clear water is worth it. Doing one of the walking tracks in the area might be nice before you enjoy a nice dip. The Tauherenikau River is yet another fantastic spot to swim, it has a sandy beach, rocks to jump from and provides a nice picnic area. Always check whether it’s safe to swim before you go by checking the mountain forecast and the water quality.
Sightseeing
Cape Palliser Lighthouse – the scenic drive to the Cape Palliser Lighthouse clings to the coast and incredibly beautiful. Then walk the 250 steps up to a cool lighthouse, check out some awesome sea views and seals. The fur seal colony at the cape is the North Island’s largest and you can see them during the breeding season which is from mid-November to mid-January.
Map
