Wellington's wilderness
Akatarawa
Upper hutt 6007
+64 4 526 5343 / +64 27 248 1658 (mobile)
http://www.gw.govt.nz/
dean.hearfield@gw.govt.nz
Review © 2007, Wcities
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Wellington's wilderness |
Karapoti Road Akatarawa Upper hutt 6007 +64 4 526 5343 / +64 27 248 1658 (mobile) http://www.gw.govt.nz/ dean.hearfield@gw.govt.nz |
One of Wellington's less developed forests, this area has rewarding walks, mountain biking tracks and pleasant riverside picnic spots. There are camping sites (many beside rivers and streams) available for overnight stays, but there are no facilities such as toilets or drinking water. A great place for those who want to get away from it all. A permit is required for camping and while used heavily, many parts of the forest are rugged and isolated. Keeping to the marked tracks and letting people know where you are going and when you will return are important safety measures. Review © 2007, Wcities |
Hidden valley |
Akatarawa Road Upper Hutt Wellington 6007 +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
This delightful secluded valley north of Wellington via State Highway 1 is truly a hidden treasures. Many of the valley's residents are craftsmen or gardeners and there are numerous places to stop and discover at your leisure. Moss Green Gardens, Burnard Gardens and Efil Doog Garden of Art are all gardens to enjoy, the latter as much for its remarkable sculptures as for its extensively planted grounds. If you have the children with you, Staglands Wildlife Reserve is a marvellous wildlife park with good picnic spots and plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Review © 2007, Wcities |
Picturesque manmade lagoon |
State Highway One Porirua 6006 +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) bookings@WellingtonNZ.com (Visitor Information Centre) |
A short drive north of Wellington City, on the Porirua Harbour, beside the busy motorway, lies the man-made Aotea lagoon. This is a popular spot with locals and visitors alike. In these safe calm waters you can feed the ducks (they are always at lagoons), sail model boats or canoe. Landlubbers can picnic or play in some of the many spots beside the lagoon, walk or just spend the day lazing in the sun. Review © 2007, Wcities |
Great dive spot |
Breaker Bay Road Wellington 6003 |
A short drive around Wellington's eastern bays brings you to a sheltered beach that at one end, below the cliff, offers sheltered swimming and sunbathing and at the other offers a popular dive entry point. Experienced and not so experienced divers will enjoy the diving here. The rocks are great for exploring underwater (for extra excitement swim through the natural crack in the rock) and crayfish are (in season) plentiful. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stacey Barnes |
 Photo: wiselark |
 Photo: Michael Roseingrave |
 Photo: Amanda Gillispie  |
 Photo: jon stevenson |
 Photo: Simon Gunson |
 Photo: sunlover84nz |
 Photo: NitreauX |
 Photo: Art Neuro |
 Photo: E. Orlando Kane |
 Photo: richard3kbo |
Secluded suntrap |
Ocean Parade Wellington 6010 |
A secluded beach surrounded by towering cliffs, Brendan Beach at Pukerua Bay is one of Wellington's best kept secrets. White sands and fantastic views to Kapiti Island and Paraparaumu mean this safe swimming beach is a great place to spend the day. Swim in the warm waters, soak up the sun on the white sandy beach, explore the rockpools or if you are feeling energetic walk around the coastline to Wairaka Point where your efforts are rewarded with fantastic views to the South Island. Review © 2007, Wcities |
Secluded spot |
Eastbourne Domain Recreation Reserve Eastbourne Wellington 6008 +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) http://www.gw.govt.nz/section6... bookings@WellingtonNZ.com (Visitor Information Centre) |
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 |
Catch the last of the day's sun here |
Eastern Bays Marine Drive Eastbourne Wellington 6008 +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
Catch the last of the day's sun and watch the shadows fall across the harbour as you enjoy a last swim or barbecue dinner on this lovely safe swimming beach. Travel by ferry across the harbour or drive around scenic Eastern Bays Marine Drive to swim in the safe water, fish off the wharf, picnic in the park or beach and walk in the reserve. Many excellent day walks, to secret places such as Butterfly Creek, start in Eastbourne. These trails are well worth exploring. This is a great place for an all day, and early evening, outing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Arlene M. Canlas |
 Photo: Todd Ward |
 Photo: Rachel Bolstad |
 Photo: David Pemberton |
 Photo: John Goulter |
 Photo: Julie Nemecek |
Surfers' paradise |
The Esplanade Houghton Bay Wellington 6003 |
You could sit and watch the surfers all day as they do battle with the elements in this tiny bay. It is not safe for swimming because of a strong rip but watch the surfers use the rip to their own advantage as they ride in on the (often) large waves. Walk the rocky shoreline and explore the many rock pools, but if you want to swim walk around the road to the nearby Princess Bay. Marvellous sea vistas are guaranteed from here in a winter storm. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matt Neilson |
 Photo: Michael Roseingrave |
 Photo: Michael Roseingrave |
 Photo: Marshall Jones |
 Photo: Dan Lee |
 Photo: Cam Trollope |
Busy fishing bay |
The Parade Wellington 6002 +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) bookings@WellingtonNZ.com (Visitor Information Centre) |
Watch the fishing boats come and go, from one of Wellington's most well-known and easily accessed bays. With a small island jutting out in the middle, divers, swimmers and small boats, this lovely bay is ideal for all ages. It has inspired artwork by well-known New Zealand artist Rita Angus, and continues to inspire art students from the art school in nearby Erskine College. Watch, from the sea wall, the tidal flow between the island and the shore on an outgoing tide, the busy fishing boats coming and going, divers, rock hoppers and beachcombers exploring. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alan Turner |
 Photo: Angelica Tan |
 Photo: Teresa Yang |
 Photo: Flora |
 Photo: David Frampton |
Bushclad hills |
Waterworks Road Upper Hutt 6007 +64 4 526 7322 / +64 27 443 0361 (mobile) http://www.gw.govt.nz/ steve.edwards@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 |
Popular swimming beach |
Karaka Bay Road Seatoun Wellington 6003 +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
Protected from the northerly (Wellington's prevailing wind), watch the ferries come and go to and from the south island and ride the gentle waves they leave in their wake on this safe and pleasant beach. Picnic in the sand, dive off the old wooden wharf, fossick amongst the rocks that border each end of the beach or just lie around and soak up the sun. Whatever you choose to do this beach is the perfect way to spend a hot day only minutes from the city centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: warreninmana |
 Photo: laura.neveu |
Sun, sea and sand |
Moana Road Plimmerton Wellington 6006 |
Enjoy the views to Mana Island, watch the yachts slip in and out of Porirua Harbour, explore the extensive rockpools, have a quick dip in the (sometimes) warm waters, or just laze in the sands of the beach. Then admire the cottages dotting the coastline of what was once a seaside village and walk the length of the coastline from rugged rocks to white sands. North-facing, this bay ensures your day at the beach will be as long as there is still a sun in the sky. Review © 2007, Wcities |
Sweeping bay |
Massey Road Hataitai Wellington 6003 |
This wide, sweeping bay is a popular dive entry point and safe swimming beach. It is small enough to ensure that few people visit it and it is always easy to find a spot that is not too crowded. A rocky shoreline provides plenty of opportunity for exploration or try a spot of snorkelling in the safe water just off the beach. When you have had enough swimming and sunbathing walk around the corner to the Massey Memorial at Point Halswell. Review © 2007, Wcities |
Windsurfers' mecca |
Evans Bay Parade Evans Bay Wellington 6003 |
Watch the windsurfers whip around the harbour at high speed as they blow before Wellington's notorious nor'wester. Walk around the bay (kids love to run around the bay's concrete reclaimed wall) and admire the hardy souls who are on the water. If you want to try a bit of the action yourself, rent a board. This is usually possible in the summer months. When you are not watching the sea, admire the hardy homes perched on the hillside around the bay. Some with accesses you would barely want to look at, let alone attempt! Review © 2007, Wcities |
Large native reserve |
282 Stratton Street Belmont Regional Park Lower Hutt 6008 +64 4 586 6614 http://www.gw.govt.nz/ chris.wootton@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 |
Largest lake in the area |
Featherston Wellington 5952 +64 6 308 8051 (Wairarapa Visitor Centre Featherston) http://www.wairarapanz.com/ info@wairarapanz.com |
Lake Wairarapa spreads over 70 square kilometres from the eastern side of the Rimutaka Ranges. It is relatively shallow, with an average depth of little over a metre. Canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and duck hunting (in season) are some of the many popular pastimes enjoyed on the lake. With plenty of campsites, picnic spots and wildlife reserve land to explore, this lake is worth the one and a half hour's travel. Better still stay a few nights. Review © 2007, Wcities |
Surf's up |
Lyall Bay Wellington 6003 +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
If riding waves by board, body or just jumping in them is what you like then this is the beach to head for. With a breakwater at one end to create waves for riding, rocks at the other end for clambering over and safe swimming in between, this beach will keep you amused for hours. Watch the ferries pass by and the aeroplanes come and go while you relax on the white sand of this popular beach. When you have had enough there is a great ice cream store close by. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Phillip Capper |
 Photo: Christopher Sibley |
 Photo: Christine Davis |
 Photo: Joe |
 Photo: Antony Batten |
 Photo: Rich Childs |
 Photo: alex raynes-goldie |
 Photo: alex raynes-goldie |
 Photo: adze45 |
Isolated beach community |
Makara Road Wellington 6005 +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
The windswept coastal settlement of Makara Beach is surprisingly sheltered, making this the ideal destination when the bitter winds of Lambton Quay signal its tempestuous onslaught. The rocky coastline at the end of the winding 11 kilometre drive from town is a trap for shellfish and driftwood, and the Makara Walkway begins here for those who have a full day at their disposal. For others, the local cafe is the main attraction and a pleasant place to wile away a winter afternoon. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Aaron Cubis |
 Photo: Joanne Honey Thomas |
 Photo: Michael Meyers |
 Photo: Rachel May |
 Photo: Jo Goudie |
 Photo: Carlos Herrera |
 Photo: v@volundur.is |
 Photo: M + P |
 Photo: lein ton |
 Photo: atownsend1234 |
 Photo: Korich |
 Photo: Tony Liu |
Opulence on the shore |
Oriental Parade Wellington 6001 |
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 |
 Photo: Pat Read |
 Photo: Lesley Badenhorst |
 Photo: berchtild |
 Photo: princess_sears |
 Photo: John M-W |
Quaint bay |
Owhiro Bay Parade Owhiro Bay Wellington 6002 |
This lovely rocky bay is surrounded by quaint and kooky fishing cottages. It is a great place for beachcombing after a raging southerly storm and is also a popular dive spot with a small shipwreck on the right hand side. Owhiro Bay is also the entry point to the Red Rocks Coastal walk. When you have had enough beachcombing, swimming or walking, the Brass Monkey Café is just around the corner for a reviving hot (or cold) drink. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Phillip Capper |
 Photo: Mandy Simpson |
 Photo: Jim Henderson |
 Photo: Simone Chiaretta |
 Photo: Andrew Thompson |
 Photo: Cliff, Simina, Irina |
 Photo: katinka schulte |
 Photo: Vincent Garcia |
 Photo: Kakariki |
 Photo: JohnMcGuire |
 Photo: Kirsten Cameron |
 Photo: rhennigs |
 Photo: Stephanie Cadogan |
Close inner city beach |
The Esplanade Petone Wellington 6008 +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
Framed by the Eastbourne coastline, the harbour heads and Wellington city this long safe swimming beach is a popular spot in the summer months. From the western end watch the water-skiers as they whirl around, walk to the wooden wharf popular with fishermen (and women), and picnic in the picnic area (barbecues provided). As you pass along the beach to the eastern end where the children's play area and miniature railway are situated, pause for a moment at the Settlers Museum for a little bit of history. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Hugh van Noorden |
 Photo: James @ NZ |
 Photo: Hugh van Noorden |
Sun soaked beach |
Off Steyne Avenue Plimmerton Wellington 6006 +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) bookings@WellingtonNZ.com (Visitor Information Centre) |
Long sweeping white sands are the hallmark of this north-facing sunny beach at the mouth of Porirua Harbour. Watch the boats sail by, swim in the warm waters, sunbathe on the white sands and gaze at the lovely views north to Mana Island and across to Titahi Bay. When the kids are tired of swimming or building sandcastles (and that will take a while) they can clamber over the rocks at the north end of the beach. Review © 2007, Wcities |
Scenic recreational harbour |
State Highway One Porirua North Wellington 6006 +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) bookings@WellingtonNZ.com (Visitor Information Centre) |
Wellington's original harbour, until the arrival of powered vessels, is a picturesque water playground for locals and visitors alike. Once a thriving whaling station, Porirua Harbour has a charm and a history all of its own. Charter a boat for fishing or sightseeing around the coast, discover one of the many dive spots, swim in one of the lovely bays, drive or walk around the Pauatahanui Inlet, popular spot for windsurfing, watersking and jet sking. Watch the locals (mainly kids) dive off the bridge into the water below. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paul Bennett |
Rocky exploration |
The Esplanade Wellington 6002 |
With lovely white sand, some challenging rockfaces to climb, and lots of rock pools for the children and you to explore, this is a great place for an all day outing. Sit in the sun, swim and fire up the barbecue, with many other locals, at the end of the day. The swimming is fairly safe in this sheltered cove. It is also a very popular entry point for divers (watch them snorkel out then disappear). There is plenty of carparking, changing sheds and fresh water close at hand. Enjoy yourself. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tom Law |
 Photo: Mac Birrell |
 Photo: Felipe Skroski |
Coastal reserve |
State Highway 1, Paekakariki MacKays Crossing Wellington 6010 +64 4 292 8625 / +64 27 244 5319 (mobile) http://www.gw.govt.nz/ nikki.lamonica@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 |
Lovely safe swimming beach |
Karaka Bay Road Seatoun Wellington 6003 +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
This is one of Wellington's loveliest beaches. You will find it sheltered and near empty on a sunny winter's day, perfect for a calm stroll. Come summer though many locals flock to the golden sands with their beach towels, buckets, spades and barbecues. Safe swimming, golden sands, grassy picnic areas, ample parking, changing sheds and the Chocolate Fish Cafe make this a perfect place for a day's outing. When tired of swimming, sunbathing or playing in the sand, clamber over the rocks at this delightful spot. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Hamish McCool |
 Photo: Gillian Barfoot |
 Photo: Chandima |
 Photo: Joanne Harris |
 Photo: Jay Buzenberg |
 Photo: kiwi Georges |
 Photo: Cristina Campos |
 Photo: Philip Mildenhall |
 Photo: Peter Rose |
Rolling hills and bushclad valleys |
282 Stratton Street Belmont Regional Park Lower Hutt 6009 +64 4 566 6614 http://www.gw.govt.nz/ chris.wootton@gw.govt.nz |
Mountain biking and horse riding through the rolling hills and bush-clad valleys are popular pastimes for visitors to the Stratton Street Recreation Area found within the Belmont Regional Park. Other popular activities are picnicking, bush and farm walks and camping. Select from a variety of walks (mostly moderate) over farmland. The walks may be closed during the spring lambing season. There is a resident Park Ranger on site and able to offer assistance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
Last of the summer sun |
Eastern Bays Marine Drive Eastbourne Wellington 6008 |
Watch the city and northern hills fall into shadows as you laze in the last of the day's sun in this north-facing bay. Spend the day with spectacular city views and a bush backdrop at this safe swimming beach. Watch the ferries come and go, or go for a ride yourself! Close to reserve land, you can wander into the restful bush if the sun and surf becomes too much. Williams Reserve and all its attractions are just around the corner. Review © 2007, Wcities |
Tiny bay, big view |
Moa Point Road Wellington 6003 |
Safe swimming and views to the South Island are the main appeal of this small bay close to Wellington's busy airport. Watch the aeroplanes fly overhead and the ferries come and go, to and from the South Island, as you lie in the quiet waters of this small bay. Situated off Chaffers Passage where the Wahine (an inter-island ferry) was blown ashore many years ago. Stroll over to the Wahine memorial when you have had enough of the water. Review © 2007, Wcities |
Local favourite |
Titahi Bay Porirua 6006 +64 4 802 4860 (Tourist Information Centre) http://titahibay.co.nz/ hello@titahibay.co.nz |
This has been a popular seaside town since the 1920s when holidaymakers from Wellington would train out to Porirua station then catch the coach to the sea. Over the years nothing much has changed and the beach remains a draw card for sea sport lovers. A number of clubs operate from the bay including surf lifesaving, board riders, a fishermen's club and a diving school. Plenty of parking, safe swimming is also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matt Neilson |
 Photo: Mariana Gunn |
 Photo: Black Cat's Nine |
 Photo: Nathan Wall |
 Photo: Mikhail Esteves |
Long safe bay for swimming or walking |
Seatoun Miramar Wellington 6003 +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) |
This is a long bay with safe swimming, which changes from sandy to 'shelly' as you walk from the northern to the southern end. A lovely spot for those long evening walks along the beach and for beachcombing. The bay includes changing sheds and surf club at one end, and a childrens playground at the southern end. There is the ever necessary ice cream shop in the middle. Added excitement for the kids is the old wooden Seatoun wharf for diving off. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dan Smith |
 Photo: kiwisuchen |
 Photo: Jarlath Kelly |
 Photo: francisco delatorre |
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