The idea of a visit to Wellington probably brings to mind thoughts of the city’s cafe and arts scene – not necessarily its hiking and outdoor trips. While eating and drinking your way around Wellington is certainly a great way to spend a few days in New Zealand’s little capital, there are also plenty of hikes, walks and beaches to check out, many within 30 minutes of downtown.
This week we’re looking at our favourite city walks and viewpoints, including downtown, the harbour, Mount Victoria, the Botanic Gardens, and Zealandia.
Downtown city walk
Downtown Wellington occupies one of the few flat areas in the region. The city itself is small and compact, so you can take in a lot in just a day of walking.
Here’s a loose route that you can take if you want to explore the outdoorsy side of downtown. Starting from Bowen Street, walk north past the Beehive and the old parliament buildings until you reach the ‘City to the Sea’ Walkway. Cross over the motorway to the Boulton Street Cemetery, a historical site with lovely gardens overlooking the city. Continue along the Walkway towards the historic observatory and the top of the cable car. From there, head downhill toward the Botanic Gardens.
Botanic Gardens
Wellington’s Botanic Gardens lie on the south east side of the valley that runs up to Kelburn. They are accessible from the City to the Sea Walkway between the cemetery and the top of the cable car, or from Glenmore Street – the walk isn’t long, but it is steep in places.
At the top of the hill near the cable car are some gorgeous mature redwoods, followed by some native bush and fernery. Walking toward Glenmore Street, there’s a series of native and exotic gardens and the Treehouse Visitor Centre, which has views over the valley. If you continue from the bottom of the hill north east, you will find a large rose garden, the Peace Flame Garden, and a cafe.
You can also walk across the road from the Glenmore Street entrance to a track entrance to Te Ahumairangi (Tinakori Hill) off Kilmister Street. This is a large town belt area of mostly bush on the side of a typically steep Wellington hill, with (of course) more amazing views.
Zealandia
Zealandia is one of the oldest native bird sanctuaries in New Zealand, and the only sanctuary situated within a major city. With populations of various endangered birds and tuatara, and a lovely walk through regenerating native bush, Zealandia is unmissable for anyone travelling to Wellington.
two old city water supply dams. There are numerous boards that describe the native plants, birds and flowers, so an outdoor education! Zealandia does have an admission fee and various paid tours, which you can check out and book on their website here.
Downtown Harbour
Wellington, without a doubt, has the best harbour walk in New Zealand. Start your walk at the point where Waterloo Quay becomes Customhouse Quay, then take the walkway to Te Papa Museum and the Marina. From here, you can go to the museum, continue on around Oriental Bay, walk to Cuba Street for lunch, or head up Mount Victoria.
The walkway itself is lovely on a fine day, with a range of outdoor activities, eateries, places to hang out and plenty of interesting art work.
Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand
Te Papa, the national museum of NZ, is at the southern end of Lampton Harbour, behind the Marina. It’s the biggest building, so you can’t miss it, and is a great indoor backup option for those wet and windy Wellington days.
It is definitely worth a few hours and is a great way to round off a wander along the harbour precinct. It is particularly strong on important features of NZ – Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi), migration, the unique flora and fauna of Aotearoa and our often scary geology, with volcanoes and earthquakes. Plus there is the astounding Gallipoli display developed by Weta Workshop, complete with lifelike but oversized models of participants in the campaign, based on actual events.
The ANZAC assault on Gallipoli in 1916 to try and force Turkey, a German ally, out of WW1 is generally viewed in both NZ and Australia as a “coming of age” moment for both countries and is the basis for ANZAC Day commemorations today.
Oriental Bay
If you’re on the harbour walkway, continuing around the waterfront takes you to Oriental Bay. Highlights include the marina, the mix of Victorian villas and modernist buildings pressed up against Mount Victoria, and the artificial beach in the bay. If you continue on past the end of the beach, you will find the Southern Walkway that heads to the top of Mount Victoria.
Mount Victoria
The walk to the panoramic top of Mount Victoria is a highlight of any visit to Wellington, the equivalent of Auckland’s Mt Eden / Maungawhau. There are several trail options, but regardless of your choice, try to be there at sunset (or sunrise).
