Wellington's Natural Attractions
Beaches Wellington's magnificent harbour offers plenty of recreational options on the water, from swimmming and sailing to windsurfing and kayaking. The city's closest beach is Oriental Bay, just a few minutes from the centre and popular with windsurfers. East of here, Kio Bay is also good for windsurfing - catch bus no 24, Monday to Friday. Across the harbour, Day's Bay sits at the foot of a sheer, bushclad hill and is especially popular with locals during the summer. There are jet skis, canoes, boats, yachts and windsurfers for hire from the boatshed beside the wharf. On the main coastal road, 13km east of the city, the white sands of Scorching Bay offer safe swimming, while there are good breaks for surfers at Lyall Bay.
Matiu Somes Island
This small island in Wellington's northeastern waters enjoys sweeping views across the harbour. Settled by the first Maori to arrive in Wellington area, the great Maori explorer, Kupe, was said to have named it Matiu (peace). After European settlers arrived, the island became a quarantine station for animals, and for travellers carrying infectious diseases. Later still, during the two world wars, it became a temporary home for German, Italian and Japanese prisoners of war. Today, the island is managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and a programme is underway to restore its native vegetation and historic buildings. The abundant wildlife includes lizards, black-backed gulls, little blue penguins and seals. The Westpac Ferry runs daily to Day's Bay, stopping at the island on the way. It departs from Queen's Wharf.
Red Rocks A coastal walk leads around the rocky cost from Owhiri Bay to the Red Rocks - ancient volcanic pillow lava coloured red by iron oxide. The rocks were formed some 200 million years ago by underwater volcanic eruptions. One Maori legend attributes the striking red colour to bloodstains from a paua-shell cut on the hand of the great Maori explorer, Kupe. The walk continues to Sinclair Head, where visitors can see a colony of native fur seals. Catch bus no 1 to Island Bay and get off at Reef Street. There is a 2.5km walk to the start of the walkway at Ohiro Bay Parade.
Kapiti Island This world-renowned wildlife sanctuary off the
Kapiti Coast was once a base for the Maori warrior Te Rauparaha in the early 1800s, and later served as a whaling station. Since 1897, the regenerating native bush has been home to many native species of birds that are now rare or extinct on the mainland. Visitors can see kaka (bush parrots), weka, bellbirds, robins, kakariki, fantails and tuis. There are several walking tracks, two of which offer lovely views from the island's highest point (521m). The clear water around the island are a marine reserve, and there is excellent scubadiving. The Department of Conservation (DOC) manages the island, and unless you visit with a tour, a permit is required. Tour operators leave from
Paraparaumu Beach, on the Kapiti Coast. Tours are best booked in advance.
Wairarapa Wineries North-east of Wellington, the
Wairarapa region is fast becoming a prosperous wine-producing area, with more than 20 boutique wineries specialising in varietals and pinot noir. Historic
Martinborough is the region's wine capital is and a popular weekend retreat for Wellington residents. It's also an ideal base for visitors wanting to explore some of the 16 wineries near the town. A free Winemakers of Martinborough pamphlet is available from the visitor information centre.
Tranz Metro runs a rail service between Wellington and Martinborough.
Putangirua Pinnacles & Cape PalliserEn route to Cape Palliser, these towering rock formations were formed by rain washing away the silt and sand to expose the underlying rock. The pinnacles can be reached from a track near the carpark, which takes about 1 hour return. A longer 3-hour loop track rewards walkers with dramatic coastal views. Further south is the Cape Palliser seal colony, the largest breeding area in the North Island. On a clear day, the Cape Palliser lighthouse offers spectacular views across to the South Island.
Rimutaka Forest ParkSouth of
Lower Hutt, this park is a popular city retreat, with some great picnic spots and hikes, BBQ facilities and a well-appointed campsite. Walks range from 30 minutes to day-long hikes, and include the popular Orongorongo Valley track. There is also a bush trail especially designed for the disabled and elderly. Weather can change quickly so bring warm, waterproof clothing, food and drink, and walking boots. Located 20km from Wellington along the Coast Road. A regular bus service (no 80) runs between Wellington and Wainuiomata, where you can taxi the last 12km to the park's entrance.