SCENIC ATTRACTIONS
Situated at the southern end of the North Island, Wellington, New Zealand, was recently named "the coolest little capital in the world" by Lonely Planet.
Wellington has action-packed adventure activities like mountain biking and sea-water kayaking, as well as beautiful walks around the harbour and surrounding hills. Try the visually stunning Makara Peak track, as well as the City to Sea walk where you can experience the best of Wellington's waterfront. Ride the cable car up the hill to Kelburn for amazing views over the city and enjoy an ice cream at the top.
Check out Wellington's top scenic attractions below.
1
Wellington Central Waterfront
Explore Wellington's waterfront on foot and visit Queens Wharf, Te Papa, Chaffers Marina and Oriental Bay.
To walk at the water's edge and enjoy magnificent views of the harbour, cross to Queens Wharf on the City to Sea Walk Bridge, which features large Maori carvings. Restaurants, apartments and the Museum of Wellington City and Sea now fill this area's gracefully functional historic buildings.
2
Belmont Regional Park
This large hill country park provides a wide range of outstanding hiking, mountain biking and camping opportunities.
The breathtaking views and forest-clad valleys of Belmont Regional Park make it a favourite open space for walking, running, mountain biking and horse riding. Covering a large area of hill country between the Hutt Valley and Porirua, the park features the historic Korokoro Dam, World War II ammunition stores and the original main coach road from Wellington. Eleven walking and hiking tracks meander past waterfalls and stream valleys, or follow ridge lines to tussock grass plains with sweeping views.
3
Red Rocks Reserve
Put half a day aside for this easy coastal walk to Red Rocks and a fur seal colony on the south side of Wellington.
Formed 200 years ago, Maori folklore tells two stories relating to the colour of the rocks. In one, Kupe - the famous Polynesian explorer - was gathering paua (shellfish) here when one clamped his hand. He bled and stained the rocks red. In the other story, the red is the blood of Kupe's daughters. Fearing for their father's safety on a long voyage, they gashed themselves in grief over his absence.
4
Kaitoke Regional Park
Pristine rainforest and crystal clear rivers create the magical elvish tranquility of this Lord of the Rings filming location.
The park contains nearly 2500 hectares of mature native forest, including beech, rimu, northern rata, hinau and kamahi. At the popular Pakuratahi Forks, ancient rata and rimu tower over a canopy of kamahi, hinau and miro. The park is also home to rare birds - kaka, yellow-crowned parakeet and a significant number of New Zealand falcon.
5
ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary
ZEALANDIA is an immersive venture into New Zealand’s wildlife. Located in central Wellington, the ecosanctuary is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary animals.
Discover a remarkable story at our interactive and inspiring exhibition. Immerse yourself in New Zealand's unique and fragile natural environment and the ground-breaking conservation work which preserves it.
6
Mt Victoria
Breathtaking views and great walking tracks reward those who venture to the top of Mount Victoria.
Mount Victoria provides stunning 360 degree views of Wellington City, the harbour and the ocean to the south. It's a great place for walking, jogging and mountain biking.