Friday Five: Free outdoor adventures

With the weather warming up, it’s time to get outdoors and get exploring. To help point you in the direction of adventure, here’s five free outdoor activities you can do locally this summer.

1. Hit the trails
Experience the top five best trails Pōneke has to offer. There’s the famous Remutaka Cycle Trail for those keen two-wheelers, as well as the Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park and the Skyline Track – both of which have spectacular views. For those who prefer to travel on foot, check out the Te Araroa Escarpment Track, or keep it super local with the Southern Walkway.

2. Discover a waterfall
There’s nothing better than finding a secret waterfall. Here’s a list of some hidden gems!

3. Explore the gardens
Established 150 years ago, Wellington Botanic Garden is a great place to spend the day. There are many gardens, tracks and walkways, a children’s playground, a cafe, the Treehouse Visitor Centre and more.

4. Enjoy words on the waterfront
Take a leisurely stroll along Wellington’s waterfront and discover sculptural quotations from some of the best-known writers of Aotearoa. On any given day, the Wellington Writers Walk will be sure to lift the spirits while tying literature to landscape.

5. Take a dip
Something that makes Pōneke special, is its vast coastline. There are so many beaches to explore and, depending on which way the wind is blowing, one is surely going to be sheltered! Remember to slip, slop, and slap, and to stay safe in the water.

Watch out each Friday for a fun list of five great activities to do, places to explore, or things to discover in our great city.