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 Historic loop walk |
Paekakariki Hill Road, Pauatahanui Battle Hill Farm Forest Park Wellington 6006 New Zealand +64 4 237 5511 http://www.gw.govt.nz/ |
This moderate one to two hour loop walk takes you to the historic 1846 battle site after which the park is named. Walking over traditional pastoral farmland the walk either loops back once the summit is reached or you can walk back through bush reserve, past the Horokiwi stream and return to the front paddocks. As you climb to the summit you are rewarded with great views of the park and Horokiwi valley. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon in the relaxing park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Take a look at this |
Catchpool Valley Rimutaka Forest Park Wellington 6008 New Zealand +64 4 472 7356 http://www.doc.govt.nz/ |
Situated in the popular Catchpool Valley in the Rimutaka Forest Park, the entranceway to the Oronogorongo Valley and its walks, Butcher Track is a moderate to difficult two hour trek that rewards you with magnificent views of the Wellington Harbour. The entrance to the track is 10 minutes along the Orongorongo track and you can return the way you came or continue on to the Orongorongo river via Cattle Ridge track. Camping sites and huts, picnic spots, a variety of walks to suit all types and great facilities. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Secluded spot |
Eastbourne Domain Recreation Reserve Eastbourne Wellington 6008 New Zealand +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) http://www.gw.govt.nz/section6... |
There is a bit of walking to do here but once you are there it is well worth the effort. Hike through bush reserve on well maintained tracks. Accessed from Eastbourne Coastal Village, this walk into the Eastbourne Domain Recreation Reserve will bring you to the lovely Butterfly Creek. Swim in the safe waters after your walk and find a secluded and sheltered picnic spot beside the creek. Fabulous panoramas of the harbour await those prepared to endure the initial climb. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Arlene M. Canlas  |
 Photo: victoria |
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Inner city scene |
Civic Square Jervois Quay Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
The eye-catching city to sea bridge is, as the name suggests, the link between the heart of the city and the nearby waterfront. Architecturally designed, the construction reflects the city's heritage and historic links with the sea. New and intriguing vistas await discovery on each return visit and from the many different vantage points afforded by the design of the bridge. Particularly stunning are the evening reflections, of the large copper globe above the square, in the windows of the council buildings. Note also the distinctive Nikau palms adorning the exterior of the public library. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: caroline mastreani |
 Photo: Deborah Gordon |
 Photo: John A. B. Aasen |
 Photo: Lyndon Ang |
 Photo: Meredith Biberstein |
 Photo: Robin Young |
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Hutt Valley views |
Buchanans Road Dry Creek Wellington 6009 New Zealand +64 4 570 6666 |
Part of the Belmont Regional Park, Dry Creek has attractive bush gullies and open ridges providing panoramic views of the Hutt Valley. A popular mountain biking, walking and picnic area, there is a selection of walks available. The longest (two and a half hours), Dry Creek Loop Track is a moderate walk through farmland, regenerating scrub and native bush. From the carpark area at Buchanans Road the track zig-zags along a dirt road and is well marked with orange marker poles. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Wind-swept panoramic peak |
Ashton Fitchett Drive Brooklyn Wellington 6002 New Zealand +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
Identifiable to many Wellingtonians as the site of the ECNZ Wind Turbine and often referred to simply as the Wind Turbine, this dramatic peak is in fact the meeting point for walkers, mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts of all persuasions. Walking tracks beginning here will take you all the way down to the South Coast or back as far as Brooklyn and Karori. Brace yourself as Wellington is affectionately known as the Windy City, and they did not place the turbine here for nothing! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stuart Maxwell |
 Photo: Stuart Maxwell |
 Photo: Anna Dunford |
 Photo: Anthony Hawkins |
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Soar |
George Bolt Street Rongotai Wellington 6003 New Zealand +64 4 387 9994 |
Operating two Squirrel turbine helicopters out of Wellington Airport, this company will let you soar over the magnificent harbour and into the rugged Rimutaka ranges in flights ranging from seven to 30 minutes. They are flexible and can be chartered to fly to any other resort, golf course, or destination of your choice. Wine tasting at the extensive Blenheim or Martinborough vineyards is a speciality. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The best vantage in town |
Shed 1, Queens Wharf PO Box 1550 Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 472 1550 / +64 27 274 6262 (mobile) http://www.helipro.co.nz |
From a helipad on the beautiful harbour you can take a helicopter scenic tour of the city and region. Get a 360 degree view from the best vantage point in town-1,500 feet in the air. Take an exciting 10, 15 or 30 minute tour or arrange to get to the action adventure of your choice. Helipro has reciprocal arrangements with kayaking, golf, horse riding, mountain biking and hiking organisations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: hindesite |
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Picnic with a view |
Off Shelly Bay Road Miramar Peninsula Wellington 6003 New Zealand +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
If you have exhausted the traditional city views, take the scenic coastal drive around the bays to Miramar Peninsula and climb the steep track just past Point Halswell to the Massey Memorial. It is a fine tribute from the people to William Ferguson Massey, Prime Minister from 1912 to 1925. This is a popular evening summertime picnic spot with fabulous views over the harbour entrance and the coastal village of Seatoun. From the memorial a myriad of tracks explore the remains of the old New Zealand Air Force defence area. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sam Brown |
 Photo: Rob D |
 Photo: Penny Leach |
 Photo: Debbie Watkins |
 Photo: Jess Ramon Firth |
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Popular scenic high point |
Alexandra Lookout Road Mount Victoria Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
The high point on Wellington's Southern Walkway, Mount Victoria, easily accessible by foot or vehicle, is undoubtedly the capital city's favourite lookout. Popular with the tourists for its spectacular bird's-eye view of the city and surrounds, the site is also appealing to locals. On warm summer evenings there is nowhere better to enjoy your fish and chips than with a glass of red wine and a view of the setting sun as it descends behind the surrounding hills. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mike Harre |
 Photo: Ken Stewart |
 Photo: Olli Siebelt |
 Photo: Michael Napoleon |
 Photo: Jonzer The Mighty |
 Photo: Kirsten Lowe |
 Photo: rendy phu |
 Photo: kateuk |
 Photo: Tara Stevens |
 Photo: Bill Marciante |
 Photo: Richie Spearin |
 Photo: Paul Upham |
 Photo: Pete Criddle |
 Photo: J&M Woodthorpe-Smith |
 Photo: James Moss |
 Photo: adze45 |
 Photo: Javier Riveros |
 Photo: David Yeo T B |
 Photo: Paperetta |
 Photo: Robbin Merritt |
 Photo: Alan and Cara Tate |
 Photo: michaelasantos |
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360 degree natural cinema |
Simla Crescent Khandallah Wellington 6004 New Zealand +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
Lesser known to Wellington visitors but favoured by locals, Mt Kaukau rewards those who take the time to conquer its steep slopes, with stunning 360 degree panoramic views of the Wellington harbour basin and Cook Strait beyond. If ever you are likely to see the South Island, it will be from here. Entry points at Simla Crescent, Ngaio and Woodmancote Streets, Khandallah. This treat is a also part of the Northern Walkway. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mike McGavin |
 Photo: Maurice Grout |
 Photo: Luella Wheeler |
 Photo: Thomas Martin |
 Photo: Will Cook |
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Opulence on the shore |
Oriental Parade Wellington 6001 New Zealand |
Surrounded by many of Wellington's most expensive and desirable homes Oriental Bay is a sheltered, safe swimming bay right in the heart of the city. Ringed by a promenade, relax on the beach with views across to the inner-city and the northern hills. Take a nearby walk along the harbour or walk up into the town-belt for a spot of greenery. After a hard day swimming or sunbathing revive yourself with a drink in one of the many cafes in the vicinity. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Doug Barr |
 Photo: Mark Shaw |
 Photo: Matt Greenham |
 Photo: Jamie Lawrie |
 Photo: Juliette McLean |
 Photo: Dave Schumaker |
 Photo: Saophalkun Ponlu |
 Photo: Andy Gibson |
 Photo: restless. |
 Photo: Aaron Bryant |
 Photo: Simon Mottram |
 Photo: Elizabeth Bugay |
 Photo: Minh Ha |
 Photo: Ina R. |
 Photo: Pat Read |
 Photo: Lesley Badenhorst |
 Photo: berchtild |
 Photo: princess_sears |
 Photo: John M-W |
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Scan the cityscape |
Oriental Bay Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
If you are arriving in Wellington by air, ask the taxi driver to divert via the bays and your reward will be the most inspiring views available from any of the city's many vantage points. The landlocked harbourside city is resplendent no matter what the weather's mood. However, as the song says, "You can't beat Wellington on a good day"! In fact, on fine days the bay teems with people on in-line skates, children on bikes and in strollers, swimmers, runners and walkers and the local dairy does a roaring trade in ice creams. Treat yourself! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Miraz Jordan |
 Photo: Hannah Lim |
 Photo: John A. Haygood |
 Photo: Brock Abernethy |
 Photo: Gonzalo Iglesias |
 Photo: Heath Chrystall |
 Photo: Jay Garrett |
 Photo: kallis |
 Photo: Geraint Morgan |
 Photo: Aleksandar Maricic |
 Photo: leeolivia66 |
 Photo: rae_chapman |
 Photo: Nelson Yu |
 Photo: sony_sonnenschein |
 Photo: Anne |
 Photo: gabrielle kendall |
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Stunning coastal vistas |
Off State Highway 45 km North East of Wellington Wellington, Wellington 6010 New Zealand +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
It is worth taking this winding alternative route from Wellington north. There is pleasant country scenery along the way and breathtaking views over the Kapiti Coast and out to the South Island as you reach the brow of the hill (254 metres above sea level). On especially clear days you may also spot snow-capped Mount Taranaki in the distance. Originally the main road north, this route is now accessible via State Highway 58 at Pauatahanui or State Highway 1 at Paekakariki. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tania Woodbury |
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Established beech forests |
Waterworks Road, SH2 Kaitoke Regional Park Wellington 6007 New Zealand +64 4 526 7322 / +64 27 443 0361 http://www.gw.govt.nz/ |
Part of Kaitoke Regional Park, the Ridge Track is a demanding three hour (one way) walk through established beech forests. The track runs along the main ridge between Kaitoke and Te Marua (the top of the Hutt Valley) and crosses some of Wellington's steepest bush-clad hills. There are grassy areas for picnics and camping areas at the entrance of the track, coin-operated barbecues, excellent toilet facilities and drinking water. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: dan;o)el |
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Prominent point |
State Highway 2, Hutt Valley Belmont Regional Park Wellington 6009 New Zealand +64 4 586 6614 http://www.gw.govt.nz/ |
It is a demanding climb but the panoramic views at the top are well worth the effort of this popular walk. Views to Porirua, the Hutt Valley, Wellington, and down to the South Island are visible from the prominent Round Knob at 408 metres above sea level. From the carpark the well-marked track follows a farm road before climbing up to Round Knob. The return is via the same route or you can follow the Old Coach Road down to Sweetacres Reserve. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Walker's delight |
St Mary Street Thorndon Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
Tinakori Hill is a familiar backdrop for the city and its maze of interweaving tracks is popular with lunchtime joggers. There are plenty of entrance options but if you follow the marked track from St Mary Street, you will emerge from pine plantation and native bush to a stunning and unique view of the city from the north. An ideal spot to appreciate the city and the enormity of recent constructions like the Stadium and Te Papa, Museum of New Zealand. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Emily Walker |
 Photo: Tom Goulter |
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Modern icon |
Off Ashton Fitchett Drive Brooklyn Wellington 6002 New Zealand +64 4 381 1200 |
What better way to celebrate the seasonal wind patterns (spring is the worst) of the windy city than with a wind turbine? Erected in 1993 to test the feasibility of wind-generated power in the city, it now supplies power to 80 homes and has also rapidly become a local icon. An added bonus is the spectacular panoramic views. Visible from many parts of the city, its classic form has endeared it to many. For those wanting a momento, buy a tile in Brooklyn village. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sarah Macmillan |
 Photo: Jay Green |
 Photo: Stella Ramage |
 Photo: Lisa |
 Photo: Niall Donnelly |
 Photo: Smith |
 Photo: dldbug |
 Photo: Arun Sudhakaran |
 Photo: Simon Oldham |
 Photo: Mark Fletcher |
 Photo: Katriina Matilainen |
 Photo: Owlsoup |
 Photo: Emma Jonasson |
 Photo: Phil |
 Photo: alh1 |
