Nature Play

Wellington has everything from rugged coasts to sandy beaches, thick woodland to wide open spaces, high hilltops to trickling streams. Giving our tamariki the freedom to play in nature has been proven to have huge benefits like building confidence, encouraging physical activity and reducing stress.

Nature Play map

To help you find some hidden gems around the city we have developed a Nature Play map where you can find safe and accessible places for kids to explore and play in.

Visit our online map

Things to do in nature

We’ve put together a few of our favourite play ideas for you to try in and around your home or local reserve:

• Wellington Nature Scavenger hunt (114KB PDF)
• Nature play is here to stay (800KB PDF)
• Nature challenge sheet (375KB PDF)
• Matairangi Nature Play Guide (8.4MB PDF)

Nature Care Code

In New Zealand we are blessed with having no real nasties in our natural environments so there is no need to worry too much about your little explorers but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Remember to respect our natural environment. Watch carefully and quietly. If you lift a stone to see what’s underneath, make sure you carefully put it back down.
• Remember to wash your hands before you eat. 

Want more info on Nature Play? Check out these handy resources that may help inspire you and your tamariki to get outdoors more often:

• Kiwi Conservation Club – Activities and education for kiwi kids!
• Department of Conservation – Indoor activities and ideas
• Wild Eyes! – Interactive fun activities and nature missions for Kiwi kids
• Discover the beauty of Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush
• Meander in Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā or take the cable car
• Walking With Kids – Find walks your kids will love in this family blog
• Explore Wellington Zoo
• Spot a Tuatara at ZEALANDIA TE MĀRA A TĀNE
• Be inspired at Te Papa Tongarewa, NZ’s national museum
• Play your way around the Wellington Waterfront

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