New Zealand, as a country, is a very outdoorsy place. I mean, you only have to google it to see that the majority of the images are of mountains and lakes. While many appear to be in the middle of nowhere, there are a surprising few right near Wellington. Some of the exciting nature and wildlife attractions around Wellington include Zealandia, Kapiti Island, Cape Palliser, Matiu/Somes Island, and the marine preserve on the south coast. There is also plenty of hiking mere minutes from the city. You may not think about Wellington for nature and wildlife, but I’m here to share why you should!
Nature and wildlife attractions near Wellington, New Zealand
After you’ve filled up on the amazing food and drink in Wellington, you’re going to want to walk it off. Luckily, there are some great nearby hikes, from the outer green belt trail that – in effect – goes from Mount Kaukau to Owhiro Bay to the quick walk up Mount Victoria. If you’re a wildlife lover, kill two birds with one stone and head for Zealandia.
If you’re feeling up for a bit of a day trip, the Kapiti Coast isn’t far. Kapiti Island, just off the coast about an hour north of the city, is one of the country’s most valuable nature reserves. Matiu/Somes Island is in Wellington Harbour, and is a great half day adventure within sight of the city. It is a scientific and historic reserve in the harbour and with prior permission, people can overnight there.
Pro tip: within the city itself, a walk up Mount Victoria is just the thing to whet your appetite. Either grab fish and chips at The Chippery to take to the top, or grab them on your way back down.
Zealandia
This popular wildlife sanctuary also has kilometres of hiking and walking trails on their 225 hectare property. A day tour affords the chance to see endangered birds, tuatara, and other unique New Zealand animals. The featured image is an indigenous parrot species! The night tours, by contrast, allow visitors to possibly see kiwi birds, glow worms, and weta.
Owhiro Bay
One of my favourite places on the coast of Wellington is Owhiro Bay. From the car park, it’s about a 45 minute walk to the fur seal colony. I think I mentioned this in another post, but if you have the time (10-12 hours) and the transport waiting for you, you can walk all the way around to Makara, which is isolated from the city by the outer green belt hills.
Should you wish to head the other way, you can go from Owhiro Bay to Lyall Bay, which is the bay that the airport is on, and then all the way around the Miramar Peninsula. Walking this would actually take hours, so you might consider an electric bike! It’s even possible to bike up to the entrance of Zealandia! This is an efficient way to explore the nature and wildlife attractions around Wellington!
Another day trip well worth the time is a trek out to the fur seal colony at Cape Palliser. Combine this with a trip to the New Zealand wine region in Martinborough, or a night at the exclusive Wharekauhau Country Estate. At Cape Palliser, you can sit for hours (ok, if you’re me) and watch the fur seals. If you’re lucky, you’ll get up close and personal with the new babies (like this cutie ^^)! There’s also a nice stair climb to the lighthouse, the southernmost point of the North Island.
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