Top Wellington scenic highlights

Tunnel Gully

This popular recreation area has historical links to the famous Rimutaka Railway.

With ample parking and modern facilities, Tunnel Gully provides a convenient stopping point for forest walks, mountain biking, wading in a mountain stream or simply lying about in the arms of nature.

The main walking track takes about one hour. It leads you through tall native trees, such as kahikatea, matai, rimu and tawa, then crosses the route of the old railway line before rising through beech forest to a delightful stream and waterfall. The journey back down through eucalyptus trees passes the old Mangaroa Railway Tunnel.

There are three other tracks which are shared with mountain bikers. These range from two to twelve kilometres in length and are graded from easy to moderate/hard. These tracks pass through native forest as they follow the old railway line, which includes a disused railway tunnel. A six kilometre climb to the ridge line of Mount Climie is rewarded with great views of the Hutt Valley, Wellington and the Wairarapa.

Tunnel Gully is located just north of Upper Hutt and is accessible by train and bus from Wellington.

Battle Hill Farm Forest Park

As its name suggests, this 500 hectare park offers a wonderful combination of Maori history, rolling farm land and areas of original native forest, including a swampy gully wetland.The park was the site of one of the last battles between Maori and early colonial forces in the region. Government forces, pursuing the Maori chief Te Rangihaeata, took three days to walk just six kilometres through the dense native forest. Some of this forest remains today near the park's front paddocks.The six walking tracks range from easy to strenuous and provide walking times of fifteen minutes to four hours. Rising from the forested gullies, the tracks towards the summit of Battle Hill offer sweeping views down the valley to Pauatahanui Inlet. Three mountain biking trails cater for a variety of experience and fitness levels. Riding times range from thirty minutes to four hours.Camping sites are available in a beautiful tree-lined setting close to a shallow stream and the native forest reserve.Battle Hill Farm Forest Park is located north of Wellington off Highway 58, which runs between Plimmerton and the Hutt Valley. Some of the Park's farm areas are closed for lambing between August and October, but the main tracks remain open.

Kaitoke Regional Park

Early Maori walking routes passed through this area, linking the fertile plains of Wairarapa with the port of Wellington.Today, large areas of original lowland rainforest remain, enhanced by well formed walking tracks and attractive riverside picnic and motorhome areas.Kaitoke Regional Park was the filming location for Rivendell and the Fords of Isen in the The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. The whole area is distinctly elvish, with light filtering through ancient trees and clear babbling brooks. You'll soon feel the magical tranquillity that surrounded the house of Elrond.The park contains nearly 2500 hectares of mature native forest, including beech, rimu, northern rata, hinau and kamahi. At the popular Pakuratahi Forks, ancient rata and rimu tower over a canopy of kamahi, hinau and miro. The park is also home to rare birds - kaka, yellow-crowned parakeet and a significant number of New Zealand falcon.The clear, deep pools of the Hutt and Pakuratahi Rivers are ideal for swimming, while the undisturbed Hutt River Gorge gives kayakers a chance to journey through forests and landscapes that have hardly changed in centuries. Kayakers will encounter grade 3 rapids, so experience is necessary. The Kaitoke Hill Track provides an eight kilometre mountain biking experience that'll keep the adrenaline pumping for around 45 minutes.Kaitoke Regional Park is a 50 minute drive north of downtown Wellington, or you can catch a train to Upper Hutt station and walk.

Karori Wildlife Sanctuary

In the suburb of Karori, just 2.5 kilometres from the Wellington central business district, you'll find a 252 hectare (one square mile) paradise of pest-free wilderness.The Karori Wildlife Sanctuary is a world-first conservation attraction, where a unique and natural area is being patiently restored. As an early water catchment area, the Karori Valley was largely protected from the perils of suburban sprawl.When the area was longer required for Wellington's water supply, the vision emerged to recreate a natural environment - exactly as it would have been centuries ago, but right inside a major city.A purpose-built 8.6 kilometre perimeter fence keeps out introduced mammalian pests, such as stoats, weasels, possums, rats and cats. An eradication programme has removed all traces of these pests from within park. Rare and endangered birds - like the little spotted kiwi, saddleback, stitchbird and kaka - have been released into the park. Here they thrive on the increasingly abundant natural food sources.Stroll around natural forest, lakes and historical buildings at your own pace, or book a guided tour during the day or night. You can walk across a unique historic dam, see a 19th century goldmine carved deep into the hillside, take a scenic ride on an electric boat or picnic on the lawns by the wetlands.The Karori Wildlife Sanctuary is easily reached by public transport. There are buses every fifteen minutes from the city. Get off the bus at the first stop after the Karori Tunnel, and walk for five minutes to the end of Waiapu Road. Plenty of free parking is available for people travelling by car.

Wellington Central Waterfront

A satisfying seaside stroll awaits on the doorstep of Wellington's central business district. Large areas of the once-busy waterfront were left idle by the change to more efficient container shipping. Clever planning and considerable investment have restored these wharves and cargo sheds to provide a spacious and entertaining seaside reserve - just for pedestrians.To walk at the water's edge and enjoy magnificent views of the harbour, cross to Queens Wharf on the City to Sea Walk Bridge, which features large Maori carvings. Restaurants, apartments and the Museum of Wellington City and Sea now fill this area's gracefully functional historic buildings.There are a number of interesting memorial plaques and artworks worth viewing. One plaque commemorates Paddy the Wanderer, a dog turned celebrity who was cared for by waterside workers, seamen and taxi drivers from 1928 until 1939. From Queens Wharf follow the harbour around past Te Papa (the national museum) and Chaffers Marina to Oriental Bay, where you will find numerous cafes and an enticing stretch of golden sand.Jutting out onto the beach is a great viewing platform and picnic place, which was originally a band rotunda before being converted into a bathing pavilion in 1937.

Wellington Botanic Garden

At the top of the Wellington Cable Car, and just minutes from the central business district, lies 25 hectares (64 acres) of beauty, peace and tranquillity. Established in 1844, the Wellington Botanic Garden is home to some of the oldest exotic trees in New Zealand.Today, the native and exotic forests are complemented by a duck pond, a begonia house and cafe, colourful floral displays, a herb garden, an Australian garden and the award-winning Lady Norwood Rose Garden.Several large garden sculptures, the Sun Dial of Human Involvement and stunning views across the city and harbour add to the natural attractions of the Wellington Botanic Garden. A strong sense of pioneering days can be found in the historic Bolton Street Memorial Park section, with its heritage roses and grave stones of the city's pioneers. In the evening, glow worms can be seen along the banks of the moist and shady areas.Wellington Botanic Garden is open daily, from sunrise to sunset. Tours are available by prior request. The Carter Observatory is sited within the garden.