Matiu / Somes Island
Ramble around this stunning nature reserve that sits right in the middle of Wellington Harbour.
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As New Zealand’s only botanic garden dedicated solely to native plants, Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush encompasses 100 hectares of native forest, with five hectares of plant collections containing around 1,200 species, hybrids, and cultivars. The collections include plants from New Zealand’s mainland and offshore islands.
Among some of the gentler tracks is the Circular Trail. It descends to the Troup Picnic Area beside Kaiwharawhara Stream. The shared open space is a sun trap, and its barbeque facilities make for great picnics. The Blue Trail is a little more challenging, with some steeper terrain. But it is well worth the effort to see an 800-year-old rimu.
Grace Gemuhluoglu
Wellington City Council
Otari-Wilton’s Bush is five kilometres from the city centre, at 160 Wilton Road (between Gloucester and Warwick streets). It is open all year round from dawn to dusk.
The main public car park is at the Wilton Road entrance, and parking is also available off Churchill Drive.
Take the Number 14 Wilton bus from Lambton Quay to Otari-Wilton’s Bush. Timetables are available on the Metlink website.
Ramble around this stunning nature reserve that sits right in the middle of Wellington Harbour.
Take a journey through Wellington’s outer green belt and discover abandoned railway tunnels and expansive views.
Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveExperience the wildest part of Wellington’s rugged south coast, where you might encounter a colony of fur seals and catch views of the South Island.
Start near Wellington’s city centre and follow the Town Belt through to Island Bay.
Enjoy sweeping views over the south coast of Miramar Peninsula while walking through native bush on the Eastern Walkway. Loop back with an easy stroll along the coastline from Breaker Bay.
Spectacular views are at every turn. Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā hosts exotic forest, native bush, floral displays and themed gardens.
Enjoy native New Zealand flora and fauna in this preserved pocket of native forest.
In a region full of wonderful vistas, this short trail along a wild, rugged coastline leads to one of the most recognisable landmarks in New Zealand.
An easy walk for the whole family among mature podocarp and broadleaf native trees in the Tararua Range.
A popular all-weather walking and mountain biking track overlooking Wainuiomata and Lower Hutt.
East Harbour Regional ParkA zigzag trail with options for exploring more of the East Harbour Regional Park, including the popular Butterfly Creek picnic area and views over Wellington Harbour.
Climb up to Mountain House Shelter along one of the most popular half-day trails in Tararua Forest Park.
Follow the picturesque Hutt River all the way from Petone to Upper Hutt on this easy, well-maintained trail.
Coast 35 connects Paekākāriki and Ōtaki through an off-road shared trail that runs parallel with the Kāpiti Expressway.
Clamber high above the Mākara Beach cliffs and discover exhilarating views, WWII gun emplacements, breathtaking beachfront, and historic pā sites.