Cheap Wellington Day Trip Ideas

In addition to visiting Willington for all of the mountains, bays, and beaches, spend a little time in the city. There you can check out the bar scene at night, and the coffee and brunch culture the next day. To make manoeuvring around town little bit easier, consider booking minibus hire in Wellington. Why get frustrated with traffic and miss viewing all the sights? Leave the driving to someone else who knows their way around.

Bring Your Camera to The Wairarapa Moana Wetlands

The Wairarapa Moana Wetlands are the southern North Islands largest wetlands. Approximately an hour and 10-minute drive from the city, they play a vital role in the support of native animals and plants. From Onoke Spit at Palliser Bay to the south, the wetlands encompass Lake Onoke and Lake Waiarapa to the north – and the entire stretch in between. For nature photo buffs, you can’t beat the native wildlife in this area. Your best photo ops will be the walking track and look out found at Matthews and Boggy Pond Wildlife Reserve.

Otaki Is for Explorers With Shopping on Their Mind

This daytrip destination is located on State Highway 1, north of Wellington by about one hour. If you have shopping on the brain, don’t miss this attraction. You will find various outlet stores in this small-town shopping area. Some bigger, more recognizable brand names found here include Amazon, Kathmandu, Icebreaker and other well-known Kiwi week brands.

When you’re done shopping, or while your significant other shops, don’t miss an opportunity to check out the neighbouring beach. You can access the beach off Marine Parade. To fully enjoy the wildlife of the viewing platform, and for the best views around, head to the Otaki River Estuary Viewing Platform by going south along Kapiti Lane.

Who Wants to Go Blueberry Picking?

Looking to spend a day with nature in the great out-of-doors? You can do just that by heading out of central Wellington for about 35 minutes until you reach the Blueberry Farm. What better way to enjoy some fresh air than by taking a short drive for a blueberry picking day? In Upper Hut, situated in picturesque Akatarawa Valley, this bakehouse and farm are perfect for a single traveller, a couple, or an entire family. Spend the entire day exploring the area or just a few hours grabbing some fresh fruit. Beginning in December and lasting through most of April, blueberry picking is at its peak.

Makara Beach And Mountain Bike Park

Here’s an easy day trip that is ideal for those only wanting to take a short drive from Wellington. Adventure junkies will be happy to travel the 30-minute drive to end up in 250 hectares of native bush. This setting is a great place for a mountain bike park and is, in fact, a purpose built, award-winning location. The Makara Peak contains not only bike trails but walking trails as well. Throughout the year, they host running and biking events. Didn’t bring your mountain bike? Fear not. On your way to the trails, stop in to rent a bike from Karoti’s Mode Cycles.

After an exhilarating ride on the trails, head over to Makara Beach to cool off. It will only take about 20 minutes to get there from the bike park and, when the weather is calm, crystal clear, mirrorlike waters can be seen from the stony beach. Views of the old gun emplacements, wind turbines, and gorgeous coastline can be taken in from a variety of coastal walks. After a full day, stop in at the beach café for an ice cream.

One of the Best Beaches Around – Castle Point

The Castle Point Beach was voted one of the very best in New Zealand. Here you will find one of the last remaining beam light houses in New Zealand, built back in 1913. If beach and nature activities are your passion, there are hiking trails, surfing, swimming, and more taking place at this location. From Wellington, it’s a bit of a drive however, lasting about two hours and 30 minutes. So why not make a weekend out of it by camping at Castle Point Holiday Park?

The Areas Most Accessible Nature Reserve – Kapiti Island

New Zealand’s native birds call this tranquil island more than just home – it is literally a sanctuary. From Wellington, this daytrip location will take about 50 minutes. Grab your camera to capture the panoramic views from the island’s highest peak, or simply enjoy the native forest by wandering through the greenery. You will need to get in touch with an approved tour operator, however, because that’s the only way to get to the island.

Got Half a Day? Take a Tour of Mountainborough Winery

Quickly making a name for itself, Mountainborough is one of the leading wine regions in the southern hemisphere. This quick, perfect getaway to the European-style wine village is a trek made by native Wellington’s every weekend. If the locals love it, you can just imagine how amazing it must really be! The most convenient way to take in this attraction is with a small group tour. Here you can enjoy a relaxing, sit-down experience tasting wines from local vinters.

Lights – Camera – Action

For Lord of the Rings fans, you simply can’t beat a visit to the locations at which the trilogy was filmed. There are tours available that combine a full-day exploration of the filming locations at Wellington Movie Set and Family Movie Set. Actual movie sets were created here by Peter Jackson and his scouts.

If you’d like to add to your movie set exploration, ask for a Weta Workshop Tour. Here, you will be able to pick up some studio souvenirs, watch a documentary, and see props used in movies. When you purchase this combination studio tour, lunch and your entrance fees are included.

Once you decide which attractions appeal to you the most, hire a minibus in Wellington for a stress free, worry free commute. Chances are, this won’t be your only trip to Wellington. Those who don’t decide to stay usually come back for another visit. Whatever you couldn’t afford to visit this time around, save up your pennies for your next trip.