Your next Welly golden hour adventure

We are fortunate to live in a city where nearly all Wellingtonians live within 1.5-kilometres of a large park or reserve. Our capital has 4363 hectares of nature areas, making up 89 percent of our park network. Pōneke also has 100-kilometres of coastline to explore. 

Connecting to nature has great benefits to both physical and mental health. The Council is committed to supporting people to experience all nature has to offer through the open space and recreation strategy Te Whai Oranga Pōneke. We encourage you to explore your local reserve, trail, or beach.  

If you’re looking for a new place to explore after work or dinner in Pōneke, here are some that are loved by locals. 

Oriental Parade 

This central city spot is a must for every city-dwelling Wellingtonian. With Oriental Bay Beach and Freyberg Beach, the parade hosts a bunch of attractions including the Carter Fountain, two wave platforms, a beautiful pōhutukawa tree, and a playground. You’ll often find people having evening swims or picnics, and the vibes are unmatched! 

Wrights hill 

Best known for its extensive World War II (WWII) fortifications, this reserve is also an excellent viewpoint of the Wellington harbour, with bike and walking tracks. Head to the top of Wrights hill to catch the sunset with your friends or whānau. Be sure to keep an ear out for birdsong from the treetop neighbours at Zealandia.  

Grasslees reserve 

Tucked away near the centre of Tawa is Grasslees Reserve – a family favourite for locals! There’s plenty to do and see in the area with a playground, gardens, a dog exercise area, electric barbecues and Tawa Pool. Why not spend the evening with the whānau there? 

Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush 

With over 1200 native plants, hybrids and cultivars, Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush has many spots where you can set up your perfect picnic. Paths are fully accessible to wheelchairs from the Wilton Road car park to the Information Centre, over the Canopy Walkway to the lookout and along the Wilton Walkway to the viewing platform. 

Makara beach

This secluded beach is tucked away on the west coast. Just 30 minutes from the CBD it’s hard to believe this remote location is so close to the capital. It’s great for fishing, diving and walking. Take the nearby Mākara walkway to see a pā, the remnants of some WWII gun emplacements, majestic wind turbines and stunning views of the South Island. 

James Stellin Memorial Park

In Northland on Te Ahumairangi Hill, James Stellin Memorial Park has stunning 180-degree views over the city to the harbour. It’s a great spot to immerse yourself in nature, and you’ll be able to catch Kākā flying overhead in the evenings. 

Mt Kaukau 

This walk is a Wellington favourite for locals and visitors alike. It offers up stunning views of the harbour and the Wellington skyline, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to see the South Island on a clear day. 

Island Bay beach 

Known for its sandy beach, this spot is a popular destination for those wanting a dip in the ocean. Keep an eye out for the floating pontoon during the summer months. People can either swim up to Taputeranga Island, or divers and snorkellers can follow offshore reefs on a marked dive trail around the marine reserve to see a variety of wildlife. 

Princess Bay beach 

Arguably the best sunset spot in Wellington, this sheltered sandy beach is a great location for a dip and a picnic. It lies near the end of the Taputeranga Marine Reserve, providing a safe space for fish to mature. Walk around the rockpools on the Te Raekaihau Point side of the beach and you are sure to spot some interesting sea creatures. From this beach you can see Taputeranga Island, and if you are lucky you may even see the peaks of the Kaikōura Range in the South Island.   

Waterfront 

Separating central city from sea, the waterfront is home to a vibrant, ever-changing atmosphere with unique features and attractions, like the Odlin’s Plazza hospitality hub, the recently refurbished water whirler and the refreshed Te Aro Mahana playspace.  It’s the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat or head out for an evening adventure.   

Maupuia walkway 

This elevated hillside trail provides exceptional views from the airport across Evans Bay and towards the harbour. Loved by locals for its variety of seats to stop and take in the view. It is also a certified off-leash dog exercise area - perfect for those looking to take their fur-babies out for an evening stroll. The short walkway links up to a track that dips down to Shark Bay and Shelly Bay to make a nice loop walk, via the community Miramar Fairy Village. 

Header image credit: WellingtonNZ.