Study
Nature and outdoor activities
In Wellington, you’re never far away from a stunning view or a fun outdoor activity. Get your trainers on and head out into nature with some of these adventurous activities.
Red Rocks
Visit Red Rocks and experience Wellington’s rugged coastline. This beautiful area is great for a walk by the sea, and there is a colony of fur seals you can visit from May to October.
Otari-Wilton Bush
Learn about New Zealand’s bush at Otari-Wilton’s Bush. A short bus ride or drive from central Wellington, this botanic garden is dedicated entirely to native plants, and you can spot plenty of native birds in the trees too.
Botanic Gardens
Take the bright red Wellington Cable Car up the hill to the Wellington Botanic Gardens. Pack a picnic for a fine day and eat among the trees and flowers, or if it’s raining check out the observatory at Space Place.
East by West Ferry
Take the East By West Ferry from central Wellington to Eastbourne. Have a swim in the clear water of the bay, or hire a bike from Everyone’s Adventure and cycle to the historic Pencarrow Lighthouse.
Visit a bay
On a sunny day, visit one of Wellington’s suburban bays, like Scorching Bay and Princess Bay, for a refreshing swim in the sometimes chilly water. Or head to Lyall Bay to watch planes taking off at the airport and surfers in the waves.
Zealandia
Visit Zealandia, an amazing 225-hectare ecosanctuary located just outside the city. This fully fenced nature reserve is free from predators that can harm NZ’s native wildlife, so there are plenty of birds to be spotted. If you book a night tour, you might even see kiwis up close.
Ferg's Kayaks
Hire a kayak or stand-up paddle board from Fergs Kayaks and explore the Wellington harbour and bays. If you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins, penguins or stingrays in the water.
Marine Education Centre
Check out the Island Bay Marine Education Centre for close encounters with some of the amazing marine animals and plants that live in Cook Strait, right on Wellington’s doorstep.