Our city has so many great spots to enjoy getting out in nature. Here’s a sneak peak at our team’s top picks so you can get amongst it!
Christine’s Pick: Remutaka Rail Trail 🥾🌿
I always enjoy learning new things about the history of Aotearoa, so I love this 18km walk or bike ride, where you can learn about the old rail route while enjoying the incredible views. It feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere!
Built in 1878, the route from Kaitoke to Cross Creek Carpark (Featherston) is gently graded, so you don’t need to be a pro to enjoy it. Bring your dog along (on a lead), and stop for lunch at the historic ‘Summit’ Village. You can also camp, swim and fish along the way. I have a love/hate relationship with the suspension bridge which can move a fair bit in the wind. 😅
There are multiple old railway tunnels, which are VERY dark and made me VERY worried my phone would run out of battery and then I would have no torch. Pro tip: bring an actual one. You might also want a second layer for the tunnels even on a hot day, as they’re very cool and damp. The walk otherwise is very exposed and can get pretty windy – so slip, slop, slap and wrap!
Glen & Celeste’s Pick: Kaitoke Regional Park 🏕️🐾
Our pick is the short bush walk along the Swingbridge Track at Kaitoke Regional Park. It’s a nice little 1-hour, 2km loop, and the highlight is the swing bridge! It’s dog friendly, so we love taking Ollie – although we have to carry him across the swing bridge because he’s afraid of heights! 🙄
You can’t beat a good ‘lil bush walk in summer, and it’s only just down the road from the studio.
Close second for us is Wainuiomata Regional Park. I feel like most Wellington locals haven’t been out here. There’s a walk to the riverbed we love to do in summer with a group of our mates. It’s an easy walk - Glen even did it with a broken foot!
We pitch a tent on the river bed, and there’s absolutely no one around. No busy holiday park vibes! It feels like a true escape – just what we like. At night, we light a fire and roast some marshmallows, and in the morning, a dunk in the river is such a good way to start the day.
Laura’s Pick: Red Rocks & Te Kopahou Reserve 🌿😄
My favourite way to get out and enjoy the outdoors is walking. There are so many great walks around Pōneke, it’s hard to choose, but one of my favourites has to be Red Rocks. It’s only a half hour walk from my house, and perfect for dogs.
Oreo loves to fossick on the rocky beach and find disgusting things to roll in. Luckily he’ll also swim as long as he has a stick to chase! (Sidenote and fun fact: Oreo is Ollie’s SON so technically Celeste and Glen are grandparents!)
If you’re after a flat walk, you could just stick along the coast, but we like to head up the ridgeline to Te Kopahou Reserve. It’s a steep climb but ooooh the views! Here’s Oreo soaking it up (and recovering).
From here there are also options. Head back down the Tip Track for a shorter route back to Owhiri Bay, or if, like me, you’re walking mad, take a longer loop up to the Brooklyn wind turbine. From there you can connect to tracks heading into the city, or loop back to Island Bay on the winding City to Sea walkway.
You can create your own full-day adventure with a bit of everything from beach to coastal views, native bush and quirky neighbourhoods. There’s no better way to get out and explore our beautiful city!
Rach’s Pick: Days Bay 🌞 🌊
When it’s time to unwind after the Christmas rush, I like to head to Days Bay in Lower Hutt. It’s such a peaceful spot, and it’s my go-to for recharging and soaking up the summer vibes.
There’s something so calming about the sound of waves crashing against the beach. I love sitting by the sea, feeling the warmth of the sun and watching the world go by. I prefer to stay dry, but I definitely admire everyone brave enough to go swimming (too cold for me!)
Days Bay has some great spots to grab a bite. My fav is the iconic Days Bay Pavilion for a double scoop of ice cream on a scorching summer’s day. 🍦☀️
Getting there is part of the fun! I like to drive but there is the option to take the ferry from Wellington to Eastbourne for a more scenic option!
Now It’s Your Turn!
Where are your favourite spots to enjoy nature? 🌞Let us know your top picks in the comments.
Whether it’s the beach, the bush, or somewhere in between, we hope you find time to recharge and enjoy Aotearoa’s beautiful outdoors.
Who knows – maybe we’ll see you out and about at one of our favourite spots! 🌿✨
