Nature Close to the City

1 night/2days

Wellington city is set right on the edge of some of New Zealand's most stunning nature spots. Get amongst it all, on a bike, a bush track or watching the seals - let nature thrill your senses.

Day 1

Morning

Head out to the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary with your picnic lunch in tow. The Sanctuary is a unique protected area for New Zealand's endangered wildlife. Over 35 kilometres of bush tracks and paths criss-cross 252 hectares of regenerating forest, offering walks, activities and even boat rides for people of all ages. Allow two hours.

Lunch

Have lunch and a latte with the animals at Wellington Zoo. Wellington's renowned Eva Dixon's Café serves great food with the added attraction of pandas, lions and tigers to visit.

Afternoon

Te Papa has three fantastic exhibitions devoted to different aspects of New Zealand's nature - Awesome Forces, Mountains to Sea, and Bush City. Allow at least two hours.

or

Experience a Seal Coast Safari tour, beginning with a four-wheel drive for 20 rugged kilometres along the beach and rocks of Wellington's spectacular South Coast. Allow three hours.

or

Head out to the beautiful Akatarawa Valley and visit Staglands Wildlife Reserve. Hand feed New Zealand wildlife and discover the rural history of Wellington. Allow three hours.

Evening

The Karori Wildlife Sanctuary also offers nocturnal tours - so if you haven't had the chance to check this out today, book a Sanctuary by Night tour, which starts at sunset. Allow two hours.

Accommodation

Reserve a room at Quest on the Terrace and unwind in a spa bath with a glass of fine New Zealand wine.

Day 2

Morning

Take a ferry ride out to Matiu/Somes Island in the middle of Wellington harbour. Walk around the perimeter of this beautiful island and enjoy its history, which includes time as a prisoner of war camp. Allow two hours.

Lunch

Dine alfresco - try Oriental Bay's Vista or Parade, situated across from the golden sands of Oriental Bay.

Afternoon

Take a ride aboard an ex-Army 4WD Mercedes Benz Unimog with Capital Adventure Tours. Discover the backblocks of wild Wellington in style. Allow three hours.

or

All day

Explore Kapiti Island, just forty minutes drive from Wellington city, an internationally renowned nature reserve rich in Maori heritage and history. Join a Kapiti Island tour and let a boat whisk you away to this unique and beautiful island - make sure you take a picnic!

Accommodation

Stay out in Regional Wellington and enjoy the tranquillity. Greenmantle Estate and Te Horo Lodge both offer restful retreats on the Kapiti Coast