You haven’t seen Wellington until you’ve visited these five spots...

Here’s our pick of places to explore in Wellington this summer, and some climate-friendly ways to get there.

1. The Botanic Garden ki Paekākā 

Spend the long summer evenings enjoying a picnic among the flowers, heading to the free music and light display at Gardens Magic in January, or racing on duel flying foxes before a glow worm discovery adventure with the kids.

How to get there

Getting there is easy as. The number two bus passes the main entrance every seven minutes, the Cable Car leaves Lambton Quay every 10 minutes, or you can ride on a protected bike lane which passes the main entrance on Glenmore Street.

2. Freyberg beach 

With a playground and super central location, Freyberg beach is the perfect spot for a picnic, dip, or coffee, and a popular meeting point for ocean swims. Like Oriental Bay beach, it’s just a scenic stroll or bike from the central city via the waterfront.

How to get there

A number 14 or 24 bus will get you there, or catch any bus to Courtenay Place and walk from there. If you’re coming by bike, please park in the pouaka pahikara bike box in the car park, and keep the handrail on the ramp to the toilets and changing rooms clear for people who need it.

3. Zealandia 

This world-class wildlife sanctuary is minutes from the CBD, with an option to also have an excellent brunch with complementary forest views before you get to cross paths with wildlife.

How to get there

Only a few kilometres from the central city, Zealandia is easy to get to. You can follow a bike lane from the city either up Glenmore Street or Aro Valley, or take the iconic Cable Car from Lambton Quay to the top to hop on a free Zealandia shuttle bus, which runs hourly. Or catch the shuttle from Wakefield Street near the Michael Fowler Centre. You can also take regular buses, including the frequent number two. Find more information on how to get there on the Zealandia website.

4. Wellington Zoo 

Whether your spirit animal is the king of the jungle or a giant guinea-pig, chances are you’ll find it at Wellington Zoo.  And since Wellington Zoo is all about animal conservation, you’ll learn lots about its role looking after wildlife and wild places both in New Zealand and in other countries.

How to get there

To get there, take the hourly number 23 bus from the train station and be dropped at the door. You can take the more frequent number 3 as far as the hospital, and transfer to the zoo bus, or stay on to Newtown and walk from there. If you’re on your bike, you can take protected bike lanes from the city to just past the hospital. From there, carry straight on sharing the road and follow the brown Zoo signs. Check out all the transport options here.  

5. Lyall Bay and the south coast 

Blow the cobwebs out and let the fresh air in with a visit to Wellington's south coast. Lyall Bay offers swimming and surf, cafes, restaurants as well as fish and chips and ice cream. Lyall Bay is the site of a coastal replanting effort, and home to kororā (little blue penguins). Be soothed by the sound of waves as you stroll along the high-tide mark.

How to get there

Get there on the number 3 bus through Newtown from the city, or take a scenic bike ride on separated bike lanes by following the bike route around Evans Bay Parade to Onepu Road, and from there all the way to the beach.