Great days out around Wellington, NZ
We’ve been to New Zealand several times since living in England. Sarah’s family are based near Wellington on the North Island and on every trip we try and find new and “off the beaten track” activities to do.
Here’s a selection of great activities we came up with on our most recent trip:
1. Find solitude on your own beach
Otaki Beach feels deserted and apart from the od boat being tractored into the surf, you’ll have it mostly to yourself. The beach is approximately an hour’s drive (70km) from Wellington and is a wide expansive stretch with views of Kapiti Island.
2. Browse for vintage items in Levin
Getting to Levin is straightforward, but it’s best to combine it with a visit to one of the several beaches along the way. I found a cool antique photograph of Waikiki Beach from the late 1800’s here for NZ20.
3. A mini road-trip around the bays
The bays of Wellington are beautiful and you almost won’t believe you’re in a city. Start from Seatoun and drive along the coast via Breaker Bay, Moa Point, Lyall Bay (which is a great place to stop for something to eat or drink), and keep going to Houghton Bay and Island Bay. Island Bay has a uncanny Mediterranean feel and is only a short drive from Wellington city centre.
4. Visit the Sheepskin Warehouse
It’s on Evans Bay Parade and not to be missed. A Wellington “must-do”, the Sheepskin Warehouse might not be to everyone’s taste, but we go past here every time we’re in town – I’m actually wearing a pair of their wool lined moccasins as I’m writing this post!
5. Do the Pencarrow Coast bike trail
Pencarrow Lighthouse sits at the end of this amazing bike trail. Apart from the last stretch, it’s pretty flat terrain. The lighthouse is on the Heads across the Fitzroy Bay and one of the most unique views around Wellington. It’s a great way to spend a day, although a certain level of fitness is required. You start from Muritai gate in Eastbourne and the trail is about a 20km round trip. You can hire bikes at the gate (check online for their opening times) – or bring your own.
6. Wander along on Jackson Street, Petone
Jackson Street in Petone follows the eb and flow of our economic times and we’ve seen it better in some years than others, but it is always a great place to wander between vintage shops and coffee parlours. Don’t miss filling up on pure and untreated artesian water at the Te Puna Ora Spring (Spring of Life) just of Jackson on Buick Street.
7. Fly a kite on a beach of your own
Waikanae Beach has great views of Kapiti Island and is 60km from Wellington. It’s a great place to fly your kite in the gentle offshore breeze. We also really enjoyed the food at Long Beach Cafe just across the road from the main beach.
8. Spend a day (or three) at Days Bay
Days Bay is one of our favourite Wellington haunts and has great spots to eat and drink. Try Chocolate Dayz Cafe for coffee and bay views. Over weekends it can busy when people take the ferry across from Wellington harbour, but you’ll always find a good spot to camp out for the day – if not on the beach, then on the lawn across the road. It’s a great place to people watch and I’m always amazed at the characters one encounters here. Or check out The Boat Shed next to the pier for kayak and bike rentals.
