News | 23 July 2021
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Friday Five: Ways to explore the outdoors

Get outside this weekend with your whānau and furry friends to explore some of the best walks in Wellington. Here are our top five picks!

Purple flowers in a garden bed at the Botanic Garden with a group of mixed aged walkers in the foreground.

1. Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā 

Enjoy surprises and views around every turn! Wellington Botanic Garden hosts exotic forest, native bush, floral displays and themed gardens that will inspire your gardening at home, with walks ranging from 10 minutes to 2.5 hours. 

Did you know that there is a fairy village at the gardens too? The magical village is hidden in the Pukatea Bush Walk inside the Botanic Garden. To find out exactly where it is, check out our story.

2. Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush 

Explore New Zealand’s only botanic garden dedicated solely to native plants in 30-minute loops, or across more challenging bush walks.

Head deeper into the bush to stand amongst the city’s only remaining original native forest or spot the wildlife from the canopy walkway.

Check out our Welly Walks story to find more about the area. 

Matiu/Somes Island viewed from an elevated spot across the harbour with a bright blue sea and a cloudy horizon in the distance.

3. Matiu/Somes Island Loop Track 

Take the ferry to explore this emerald jewel in the middle of Wellington’s harbour.

This pest-free island is a haven to many threatened native species such as kākāriki, tuatara, and giant wētā thanks to the restoration work there. You might also spot some little penguins!

Good quality tracks give you access to most parts of this scientific and historic reserve. Before you head over, read more about the history of Somes Island on Our Wellington. 

The Red Rocks coast and road viewed from a heigh with blue skies and seas contrasting against bright white crashing waves and surf.

4. Red Rocks Coastal Walk 

Experience the wildest part of Wellington’s rugged south coast. Meet the seals in winter just beyond Red Rocks (Pariwhero) at Sinclair Head – but don’t get too close!

This easy-grade, 2-3 hour flat track will take you along the coast from Owhiro Bay Quarry, past a small group of historic baches built in the early 1900s, and out to Devil’s Gate at Sinclair Head.

Check out our Welly Walks story to find more about the area.

A border collie golden retriever mix sitting on a grassy field in the sunshine.

5. Dog friendly walkies 

If you’re bored of the same walk in a park and have a furry friend, why not take them somewhere that has new sights and smells to sniff! 

We have a handy interactive map which shows you all the locations, excercise areas and beaches where you can walk your dog on or off-leash. 

For more fun ideas of what to do with your pooch, check out our story!

To find out about more walks in Wellington, visit our website. 

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

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