Tracks and walks in the Wellington area
Historic heritage in the Wellington area
Zealandia website
There are plenty of places to visit in the Wellington area. Visit the Government Buildings Historic Reserve in Wellington city, learn about the history of Matiu/Somes Island, explore the Taputeranga Marine Reserve, spend the night in an Orongorongo Valley booked hut, or enjoy a night or two at the Catchpool Valley campground in the Rimutaka Forest Park. Find out more information below.
Just 10 minutes from central Wellington, Zealandia is a unique eco-attraction. New Zealand's incredible natural history and world-renowned conservation movement are brought to life with a state-of-the-art indoor exhibition. Then step through a predator-proof fence into the beautiful 225ha (550 acre) eco-sanctuary to see some of New Zealand's rarest birds, reptiles and insects in the wild. For more information visit the Zealandia website.
Catchpool Valley is the most popular entrance to Rimutaka Forest Park. It includes Orongorongo Valley and its booked huts. Alert: 4wd vehicles may be operating in the Orongorongo Valley over the Queens Birthday weekend for private hut maintenance purposes. Location: Catchpool Valley is located 12 km south of Wainuiomata, on the Coast Road, 45 minutes drive from Wellington.
The Government Buildings Historic Reserve is a historic landmark of Wellington. It is the largest wooden building in the southern hemisphere and you can view it in its fully restored state. Location: Government Buildings, Lambton Quay, Wellington.
Makara offers access to Wellington's west coast escarpments, historic Fort Opau and the West Wind Recreation Area. Location: Makara is 16km / approximately 30 minutes drive from Wellington City. From Karori follow Makara Rd to Makara Beach, or Takaru Gorge Rd from Johnsonville.
Matiu/Somes Island in Wellington Harbour is a predator-free scientific reserve. It is also a historic reserve with a rich multicultural history. Location: Matiu/Somes Island is located in Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington Harbour.
Pencarrow Lakes are tucked in behind Pencarrow Head at the entrance to the Wellington Harbour. You can walk or mountain bike to the lakes. Location: The Pencarrow Lakes are located on the south eastern head of Wellington Harbour.
In the Rimutaka Forest Park you can enjoy some of Wellington's finest mountain biking, not to mention the native birdlife and walking tracks. Alert: A number of alerts have been issued for the Park. Location: The Rimutaka Range between Wellington's Hutt Valley and the Wairarapa Plains.
The 854ha Taputeranga Marine Reserve is located 6 kilometres from the city centre on Wellington's south coast, providing easy access to study, interact with and record marine life and habitats. Location: Taputeranga Marine Reserve is located on the Wellington south coast, approximately 6 km from the city centre.
At Turakirae Head you'll find the largest New Zealand fur seal colony in the Wellington region as well as the internationally-famous geological record revealed by five earthquake-raised beaches. Location: Turakirae Head Scientific Reserve is located approximately 20 km south of Wainuiomata, at the end of the Coast Road.
Turnbull House is one of Wellington's finest historic buildings. Book now for conferences and corporate group meetings. Alert: Please be aware that Turnbull House has been identified by the Wellington City Council as an earthquake-prone building. Location: Turnbull House is in the heart of Wellington City. It is located on Bowen Street, right opposite the Beehive and just a short walk from the Lambton Quay shops.
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NZ weather
New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres
Important notices about DOC managed areas in the Wellington region
Wellington NZ website
Footnotes - Wellington Hawke's Bay Conservancy newsletter
Stop the spread of didymo Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.
Follow the Outdoor Safety Code: 1. Plan your trip 2. Tell someone 3. Be aware of the weather 4. Know your limits 5. Take sufficient supplies
Safety