Planning a trip to Wellington? We've picked 8 great Must-Do's to add to your itinerary – from craft beer and culture in the central city to wildlife and walks further afield.
1. Zealandia
Zealandia packs an awful lot into a relatively small (less than 2.6 square kilometres) space. Its location is remarkable: a totally protected natural environment within the environs of Wellington itself – just ten minutes from the CBD. Step outside the fortress-like pest-exclusion fence and you’re in suburban Wellington: step within and you’re in a wildlife paradise. That fence is critical to the wellbeing of the whole sanctuary; completed in late 1999 it gave rise to a millennial mammalian move-out, where 19 unwanted species got turfed to protect the hundreds of others in, and being introduced to, the park itself. What’s really on display here is a 500-year vision to restore the city’s forest and freshwater ecosystems to their original state. Species of native trees too numerous to mention are regenerating and 18 species of native wildlife have been reintroduced to the area, six of which had previously been absent from mainland New Zealand for over a century. You can spot tuatara, tūī and more on a wildlife walk that includes 30km of walking tracks.
2. The Beehive and Parliament Buildings
The good thing about the Beehive is as soon as you see it, you know what it is. And, as with anywhere history is truly made, it’s a fascinating spot. The ‘old’ Parliament House still stands, all stone and solidity, and busy bureaucratic bees still hive away on Important National Business within their ordered walls. Strolling the corridors of power, or even their vicinity is a brilliant addition to any holiday. It’s a reminder, too, that while New Zealand may be a young nation, there is still a significant weight of history. But if you really want to do some MP-spotting, you’re more likely to see them at The Backbencher over the road in Molesworth Street. Much more convivial too. There are excellent tours, both detailed and captivating and the public gallery is open any time when Parliament is sitting. From the gallery, you can watch MPs answer questions, dodge questions, orate at length and vote on potential legislation. The magnificent Parliamentary Library nearby is a must-visit as well.
3. Te Papa Tongarewa
Te Papa: its location alone is a treasure. Strolling along the brilliantly laid-out Wellington waterfront, it’s but a short maritime meander from the CBD to this modern history centre. ‘Rich with symbolism and accessible to all’ say the curators, and it sure has been deliberately designed to cater to the modern museum visitor (it opened in 1998). There is a greater proportion of interactive exhibits than in traditional museums. Te Papa delivers a truly inspiring and interactive look at New Zealand’s history and culture. If you didn’t know what a Busy Bee or a corrugated iron Holden Kingswood were, you will once you’ve left. Innovation and approachability are the keys – this is not an intimidating, overly academic institution, but neither is everything ‘dumbed down.’ There is a large Māori collection including a full-scale marae or meeting place. Other exhibitions change out regularly, so check it out and see what grabs you. You could do days here: there is, after all, three rugby fields’ worth of dedicated exhibition space.
4. Homegrown Festival
You’ve wandered among the wildlife at Zealandia, you’ve soaked up the city life along the waterfront, observed bustling bureaucracy at the Beehive: now, you are ready to rock! Homegrown, happening in Wellington on March 18 has been serving up local musical treats for well over a decade, dishing out dub, funk, pop, rock and everything in between for locals, by locals. This is no amateur hour, though: 17,000 fist-pumping fans descend annually upon downtown Welly to get their fill of this great array of talent. With nearly 50 acts across six stages, there’s a bunch of choice, all of it choice, ranging from the well-known and mainstream(ish) to the up-and-coming. Left of field, right of centre and out of this world, like any great music festival, while individual acts might be the drawcard, the whole experience counts. You’ll end up shaking your moneymaker to bands you’d never even dream of putting on your playlist. The venue, the band selection and the urging and vibing of the other punters will do that to you. So get wowed down the waterfront, stretch your musical legs and give your ears a good pound.
5. Remutaka Cycle Trail
Beginning at Petone at the head of Wellington Harbour, the Remutaka Cycle Trail encompasses all the best bits of the Wellington and Wairarapa landscapes. Over 115 kilometres, normally spread over two to three days, the Remutaka Cycle Trail – one of New Zealand’s Great Rides – is a grade two to three; easy to intermediate route. Ride alongside the Hutt River before heading inland – or rather, under-land – through historic railway tunnels to Wairarapa’s famous vineyard country and the significant wetlands around Lake Wairarapa. The trail finishes by skirting the wild and windswept southern coast of the North Island to end at Orongorongo. While there are a few steep bits, there is nothing too taxing on the Remutaka Cycle Trail, so anyone with a moderate level of fitness can give it a go.
6. Mākara Walkway
Take in vast views past wind turbines and up to Kāpiti and Mana Islands on this coastal walk just outside Wellington City. One of three tracks in the Meridian West Wind Recreation Area, the Mākara Walkway is a six-kilometre loop, just 30 minutes from Wellington City that begins and ends at the isolated and beautiful Mākara Beach. Climb through farmland to high vantage points with spectacular views of the coast and ocean that were used by both Māori and European soldiers throughout history. The historic Ngāti Ira pā site lies on the promontory at the western end of Fisherman's Bay, while gun emplacements at the top of the cliffs mark the position of Fort Opau, which was garrisoned by soldiers during World War II. Finish your walk with a dip at Mākara beach, which is a lovely sheltered spot in a southerly wind, but very exposed if it’s blowing from the north.
7. Kāpiti Island
Kāpiti Island is one of the few easily accessible offshore nature reserves in New Zealand. Just 15 minutes – by boat, of course – off the coast of Paraparaumu, the distinctively shaped island can only be accessed by approved tour operators to protect the unique ecosystem. While once the island was home to around 2,000 hardy folk in the dark days of whaling, today its only residents are native birds. Kāpiti Island was designated a bird sanctuary way back in 1897 and thanks to an extensive predator eradication programme, its mature native bush now teems with species that are rare, endangered or virtually unheard of on the mainland. Fantails flutter alongside kōkako; kiwi and takahē snuffle in the undergrowth, while tūī, saddlebacks and curious kākā soar through the trees. The boat ride there and back is rather pretty, too, with the marine reserve around the island home to seals and dolphins.
8. Wellington Craft Beer trail
Wellington is undeniably the capital city of craft beer. With more malts, hops and mash than you can shake a stick at, most within walking distance of each other, Wellington is the perfect destination for a beer-themed walking route – the Wellington Craft Beer Capital Trail. The trail is not a pub crawl, more a leisurely amble of beer appreciation, for the curious and connoisseurs alike. Visit the 23 bars and brewpubs on the list, each with their own unique character; all with great beer. Some live and breathe craft beer, with ranges the aficionados will swoon over. Others brew onsite, so you can watch the process unfold. Some are simply iconic Wellington spots, stocking beer, beverages and bites. Download the map and brochure to guide you and collect a stamp with purchase at each establishment – it doesn’t need to be for beer; could be food or non-alcoholic drinks – and collect a prize for each completed map.
