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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 |
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Urban playland |
State Highway 2 Hutt Valley Wellington 6009 New Zealand +64 4 586 6614 (ranger) http://www.gw.govt.nz/ |
A great picnic and camping area, the Belmont Regional Park is within close reach of Wellington city and the Hutt Valley. Comprising rolling hills, bush-clad valleys and farmland the park incorporates the Korokoro Dam, streams and waterfalls. There is a variety of walking tracks from easy to difficult of varying lengths. They are well worth the effort with specutacular climbs through native bush and some great views of the Hutt Valley and beyond. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Brian stocks  |
 Photo: Dean Pemberton |
 Photo: kiwipete |
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Historic cemetery |
Bolton Street off Bowen Street Wellington 6005 New Zealand +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
Wellington's northern motorway, which cut a swathe through old Thorndon when it was built, also divided the historic Bolton Street cemetery and necessitated the disinterment of an astounding 3,693 graves. Despite the constant passage of traffic close by, the cemetery is a peaceful oasis of green amidst the city's bustle and is a popular spot for lunching workers on fine days. Not in the least macabre, it is also a fascinating way to spend a few hours uncovering the lives and destinies of a generation of early European settlers and their families. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Simon_Nathan |
 Photo: nick wellington |
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25 hectares of public gardens |
Tinakori Road Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 499 1400 http://www.wellington.govt.nz/... |
Established in 1868 and covering 25 hectares of hill terrain between Kelburn and the city, Wellington's botanic gardens are magnificent in all seasons. The Lady Norwood rose gardens (1950) have established a national reputation and boast 106 formal beds with a mix of old favourites and more modern varieties. Other features include a begonia house, herb garden, duck pond, a number of commissioned sculptures, the Treehouse Visitor and Education Centre, a cafe and the peace flame garden commemorating the atomic holocaust at Hiroshima. The soundshell is often used as the venue for summer shows. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nicole Braun |
 Photo: Steven Champeon |
 Photo: Mark H Berger |
 Photo: Emily Walker |
 Photo: Nicole Braun |
 Photo: Valerie Griffeth |
 Photo: Steven Champeon |
 Photo: Dean Pemberton |
 Photo: Aoife Kavanagh |
 Photo: Susan Kelley |
 Photo: Damien Sellier |
 Photo: aworldinside |
 Photo: Alan Shuttles |
 Photo: Gabriel Salas |
 Photo: Mike Mallett |
 Photo: Ben Corner |
 Photo: Frances Vinall |
 Photo: Andre Goble |
 Photo: Peter Monk |
 Photo: Nick Pashley |
 Photo: Niall Mulhare |
 Photo: Chris Conway |
 Photo: Helen Hill |
 Photo: Adrian Smith |
 Photo: SILVIA PONDE AUSTIN |
 Photo: Gabby Rozow |
 Photo: Fergus Tuomey |
 Photo: adaddessi |
 Photo: neitan |
 Photo: Jenine Beekhuyzen |
 Photo: Courtney Dunne |
 Photo: Dyanna Swindlehurst |
 Photo: Megan |
 Photo: Lymm |
 Photo: eskimoir |
 Photo: Lizzie G |
 Photo: Glenn Olsen |
 Photo: Danny Chiu |
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Leafy urban green spot |
Ohiro Road Brooklyn Wellington 6002 New Zealand +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
Shades of New York, if only in name, Central Park is indeed centrally located, on the fringes of the central business district between the colourful and increasingly trendy Aro Valley and the upmarket inner-city suburb of Brooklyn. The park covers a large section of ground, steep in parts but with good flat access at the main entrance. Its children's playground is popular and makes it a good spot for families. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: cam |
 Photo: Andrew Tipton |
 Photo: Kyle Brannick |
 Photo: Wozza_NZ |
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Coastal park |
Eastbourne Wellington 6008 New Zealand +64 4 526 5344 / +64 27 467 3076 (mobile) http://www.gw.govt.nz/ |
This park comprises bush-clad hills, sheltered valleys, freshwater wetlands, rocky headlands and sweeping bays. Picnic at one of the many sites in the park or for the more active, take one of the many walks available from easy to difficult, from half an hour to several hours long. Choose from verdant hill walks to windswept coastal walks. Walk to the historic Pencarrow lighthouse or climb to the hills above and be rewarded with spectacular views of the harbour. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Sculpture in a garden setting |
1995 Akatarawa Road Upper Hutt Wellington 6007 New Zealand +64 4 526 7924 http://www.efildoog-nz.com |
You will find a garden for all seasons lying in the beautiful Akatarawa Valley. Eleven acres of gardens surrounded by bush clad hills featuring magnolias, azaleas, rhododendrons and other rare trees and shrubs. Sculptures by contemporary New Zealand artists can be found throughout the gardens and a gallery displays early New Zealand paintings. Walk along the paths beside tranquil ponds or find a restful spot to sit and enjoy the best nature, and art, has to offer. Admission: for an adult is NZD14, for children (below 16) is NZD6 and for children below 5yrs are considered free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Harbour-side park |
Jervois Quay Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 495 7820 / +64 4 473 2912 |
On the edge of Wellington's spectacular harbour, with its back to the city and its eye to the hills, this park is a popular destination for Wellingtonians on the weekends. Rollerblading and cycle ways border the park and a number of water activities including kayaking and jet-biking can be undertaken on the nearby lagoon and harbour basin. An excellent children's playground incorporates an imitation lighthouse and when the afternoon's activities leave you hot and tired, the parkside ice-cream parlour sells divine Italian style cones. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ben N |
 Photo: Brett Taylor |
 Photo: Mishelle Muagututi'a |
 Photo: Anita Mitchell |
 Photo: Mandy Ebersohn |
 Photo: Anne Cornish |
 Photo: jellyspecs |
 Photo: Hamish Ritchie |
 Photo: Bruce Barton |
 Bushclad hills |
Waterworks Road Wellington 6007 New Zealand +64 4 526 7322 / +64 27 443 0361 (mobile) http://www.gw.govt.nz/ |
Ranging over the steep bush-clad hills of Kaitoke, north of Upper Hutt, this park has great sheltered picnic spots, camping sites (fees apply) and walking tracks alongside rivers and bush fringes. Coin-operated barbecues, drinking water, picnic spots, toilet facilities (some wheelchair accessible) are all available at this well-developed park. Select from some of the many walking tracks (two are suitable for wheelchairs) from easy to demanding and of varying durations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Diane Rooney |
 Photo: Yvonne Whiting |
 Photo: Nenita Ciriaco |
 Photo: caroline emmanuelle |
 Photo: Kellepel |
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Inner-city wildlife sanctuary |
31 Waiapu Road Karori Wellington 6005 New Zealand +64 4 920 9200 http://www.sanctuary.org.nz |
The Karori Wildlife Sanctuary is an ambitious 250 hectare project intended to restore and protect native flora and fauna within the city environment. A ground-breaking fence to deter predators has been especially designed and constructed and a weka breeding program is well established. Kiwis were recently released in the area, and visitors can also catch a glimpse of the famous tuataras- native only to New Zealand. The secluded inner city valley will eventually incorporate educational facilities and a network of tracks. A must when visiting New Zealand's capital city! Open for guided walks on Sundays. It is essential to book ahead. Admission: Adults NZD 8; children NZD 4. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: nzphotopro1 |
 Photo: Michael Meyers |
 Photo: Casey Goodman |
 Photo: John and Jan |
 Photo: jrizya |
 Photo: beelzebul |
 Photo: Jeff A. Johnson |
 Photo: David Sainty |
 Photo: miriam |
 Photo: wildsoda |
 Photo: Brian Holloway |
 Photo: Adrian Rumney |
 Photo: Peter & Madelon |
 Photo: stanw |
 Photo: Louise Harrington |
 Photo: David Lind |
 Photo: govnamalia |
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Thorndon oasis |
Fitzherbert Street Wellington 6008 New Zealand +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
On the fringe of the motorway, Katherine Mansfield Memorial Park is a relaxed setting for an evening stroll or a snatched rest after a morning exploring the charms of nearby Tinakori Road and historic Thorndon. The park, named after the early New Zealand writer, incorporates the Lady McKenzie Garden for the Blind - an idyllic spot set with raised beds of sweet-smelling shrubs and flowers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Nature reserve and playground |
Woodmancote Road Khandallah Wellington 6004 New Zealand +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) http://www.nzine.co.nz/views/k... |
A 10-minute drive from central Wellington or a 15-minute train ride will have you climbing through bush tracks to the Mt Kaukau lookout. For the less energetic in the group, picnic in the reserve where there is room for a game of cricket or frisbee and a play area for children. On really hot days pamper yourself in the open-air (non-heated) swimming pool. Hire a barbecue and stay for dinner. This is a great spot for an all day outing. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: harmony simpson |
 Photo: harmony simpson |
 Photo: Bradley Houghton |
 Photo: Pam Fossen |
 Photo: sponki |
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Large native reserve |
282 Stratton Street Belmont Regional Park Wellington 6008 New Zealand +64 4 586 6614 http://www.gw.govt.nz/ |
The Korokoro Valley within the Belmont Regional Park is one of the largest areas of native bush close in the area. Select from a variety of bush walks from an easy (one and a half hour) walk to the Korokoro Dam to a more demanding walk (four hours) to the Belmont Trig (stunning views of Wellington and surrounds.) For the less active, picnic in one of the many popular picnic spots, including the dam, or try fishing in the Korokoro stream. Lovely campsites are found at Korokoro Forks and Baked Beans Bend but there are no facilities provided. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Central city park |
Lambton Quay Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
Fringed by cafes and dominated by imposing office blocks nearby, Midland Park is a restful space amidst the busy city scene. Pigeons and people, musicians and poets, all congregate here. Whether you are looking for a lunch spot, or just somewhere to pass a few quiet moments, take time out here. The park features the statue 'bronze form' by Henry Moore and is the setting for summertime outdoor concerts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paul Rondel |
 Photo: Trey Guinn / treygui |
 Photo: Persephone Giddens |
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Native gardens |
160 Wilton Road Wilton Wellington 6005 New Zealand +64 4 499 1400 http://www.wellington.govt.nz/... |
This suburban bush-clad valley is a sanctuary devoted to the preservation and protection of native flora. The gardens are open daily all year round and are especially popular with picnickers and families on the weekends. An extensive range of tracks penetrates the 80 hectares of native bush, the most recent being an innovative treetop walkway affording access to views previously only enjoyed by the birds. Listen carefully and their calls can be heard around you. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Daughter of the Moon |
 Photo: Sarah Overdale |
 Photo: Gina McGeever |
 Photo: Christopher Hynes |
 Photo: Sarah Overdale |
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Mature grounds |
Western Hutt Road Korokoro Wellington 6008 New Zealand |
Tucked away off the busy motorway in a world of it's own is Percy's reserve. Wander through lovely mature gardens and native bush, feed the ducks or visit the natural cave (kids love this!) and stroll around the lagoon. Picnic in one of the many grassy spots and let the children play on the playground. This is a great spot for a picnic lunch and to laze the summer days away. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gillian Rodgers |
 Photo: Joe Mahoney |
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Coastal reserve |
State Highway 1, Paekakariki MacKays Crossing Wellington 6010 New Zealand +64 4 292 8625 / +64 27 244 5319 (mobile) http://www.gw.govt.nz/ |
A popular seaside park, QE2 is the gateway to Wellington's 'gold coast', the Kapiti Coast. Swim in the safe waters of the Tasman sea, picnic on the nearby shore or in the reserve, ride the trams (a feature of the park) or wander over the sand dunes, native bush and through the historic sites and wetlands this area is renowned for. Good facilities are available for campers with numerous picnic sites, toilets, dressing sheds and cold water. Camping is popular in the summer and there are tourist cabins and a lodge. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Old railway line |
Foot of Mount Climie, Plateau Road Tunnel Gully Recreational Area Wellington 6007 New Zealand +64 4 526 5343 / +64 27 248 1658 (mobile) http://www.gw.govt.nz/ |
This recreational area has great picnic spots, and tracks for mountain bike riders and numerous walks. Select from a one hour easy walk along Tane's track through black beech forest to Colin's stream, or a four hour trek to Mount Climie. Watch the weather up there especially in winter as there are often light snowfalls. Another route follows the old Wellington to Wairarapa railway line through native and exotic forests. The old Mangaroa Tunnel is an interesting feature of this trail. Review © 2007, Wcities |