Fantastic treats and where to find them: hidden Wellington experiences

A historic converted wharf building on Wellington’s waterfront, Shed 11, is home to the national portrait gallery. Its regularly changing exhibition schedule serves two purposes. It can be viewed as a record of current and past Kiwi art practice as well as the stories of its inhabitants. The subjects can range from famous and influential New Zealanders to everyday people. 

You’re at the movies, but you’re sitting on a comfy couch, and there’s a glass of wine in your hand. This is your future at one of Wellington’s boutique Lighthouse Cinemas. The central city branch is tucked away on Wigan Street near Cuba Street. Light House shows a diverse range of arthouse movies and mainstream flicks. Buy food, a coffee, craft beer, or wine at the counter and settle into the plush cushions in the cinema.

This island in the middle of Wellington Harbour feels surprisingly remote despite it being only a short ferry trip from the city. Boasting 360-degree views across the harbour, the peaceful nature reserve is home to endangered native birds and other wildlife. There is a 2.1km walking trail suitable for all ages and fitness levels. While on it, you’ll see native forest and plant life, WWII gun emplacements, old quarantine buildings, and a quaint lighthouse. 

Look down and discover a hidden chapter of Wellington’s history. Beneath the Old Bank Arcade lies the Inconstant, a ship that sank in 1849. A bank was built on the site where the ship came to rest. When the bank was renovated to become a boutique shopping destination in 1997, parts of the sunken ship were rediscovered. View parts of its structure through glass floor tiles on the basement level. Artefacts from the ship’s later life as Plimmer’s Ark (a beached warehouse on the original Wellington shoreline) are also on display.

There are over 100 hectares of protected native forest less than a 10-minute drive from the central city. Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush is a unique ecological and cultural treasure. It’s the only botanic garden in New Zealand dedicated entirely to native plants. The 4.75km Te Ara o Tama trail takes you past Moko, the 800-year-old rimu tree. The thriving ecosystem is full of birds, insects, and stream life, with several tracks being flat and accessible. 

Hidden in a residential street in Thorndon, you’ll find the house where writer Katherine Mansfield (1888 to 1923) lived for the first five years of her life. She’s one of the world’s most acclaimed modernist short-story writers and a proud Wellingtonian. Take a step into the historic wooden two-story house to find out more about Katherine’s life and 19^th-century colonial Wellington. Self-guided tours or a guided tour with the knowledgeable team are available. 

Along Wellington’s waterfront, words give the harbour landscape new meaning. As you stroll between Parliament and Oriental Parade, discover hidden quotes from some of New Zealand’s poets, novelists, and playwrights. Often where you least expect them, these words are etched in benches, plaques and artworks. The self-guided tour rewards lovers of good words and eagle-eyed people of all ages. 

You’ve joined an exclusive club once you’ve experienced the secret slide overlooking Wellington Harbour. The suburb of Roseneath is perched on the side of Mount Victoria. Its park offers one of the most beautiful vistas in Wellington as well as the city’s longest and fastest slide. Riding this colossal slide has become a Wellington rite of passage. It’s famous for the speed that riders can achieve, as well as the views it offers at the top. Thrill seekers won’t be disappointed. 

50km from central Wellington and cloaked in the forest cover of the Akatarawa Valley, you’ll find Staglands Wildlife Reserve. The trip is worth it as you get the rare opportunity to interact with local fauna on its own terms. Here, 10 hectares of bush, farmland and wetlands have been cultivated into a home for some of New Zealand’s endangered species. The blend of tourism, conservation, and education is a great experience for all.