The best day trips from Wellington: Where to go for wine, walks, and windswept coastlines
All my favourite places to explore near the capital city
The wider area around Wellington has a lot to offer. Head up the coast for walks, inland for wine, or a little further afield for a lighthouse on what feels like the edge of the world.
Walk through the Patuna Chasm
The Patuna Chasm is something of a hidden gem.
Located on a traditional sheep and beef farm 90 minutes outside of Wellington, the Patuna Chasm is carved out of limestone.
A walk takes you through the stream at the bottom of the chasm, where you can admire the clear water and elaborate rock formations.
The walk takes around three hours, depending on how much time you spend admiring the fossils, stalactites, and native bush.
You’ll see the chasm from above, before walking through the water — keep an eye out for eels.
The Patuna Chasm is only open from the start of November until the end of March.
Walk the Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay Escarpment Track
One thing to know before you walk this track is that you are above the highway pretty much the whole time. So, the views are beautiful but it doesn’t feel rugged and remote.
Reach the end of the road at Cape Palliser
The drive from Wellington to the lighthouse takes just over two hours.
To break up the drive, stop by the Putangira Pinnacles to go for a bush walk and marvel at distinct rock formations.
The track follows the streambed to the knobbled fairy chimneys of the pinnacles, reaching up from the stony ground. There is a DOC campsite here if you enjoy the peace of the bush.
The road to Cape Palliser follows the pebbled coast and is dotted with one-way bridges, slowing you down in preparation for the pace of life in Ngawi, a quirky fishing village wedged between a cliff and gravelly beach.
Bulldozers tinted orange from salt spray sit in a haphazard line along the water’s edge, where their rusted hulks waiting to drag homecoming fishing boats from the ocean. Rogue sheep trot across the road, only mildly perturbed by passing cars.
Continuing on past Ngawi, you’ll start to feel as if you’re reaching the end of the world, and in some ways you are; this is the southernmost point of the North Island.
The road becomes narrow and potholed, dipping in and out of fords and clinging to the rocky cliff in places. Only attempt it if you’re in a small to medium-sized campervan.
On the way to the lighthouse is the largest fur seal colony in the North Island. The seals are everywhere, hopping between bushes and lugging themselves over rocks, wafting pungent smells as they go. They are often sprawled right by the parking area, so take care and make sure you keep at least a 20-metre distance.
The Cape Palliser lighthouse is the last stop on the road. Boldly candy striped in red and white, it has stood at its fantastic vantage point since 1897. Climb the 253 steep steps to enjoy views of the harakeke-covered hills and surf surging onto shingle beaches below.
Don’t miss: Make a pit stop for coffee and cake at The Land Girl cafe in blink-and-you-missed-it Pirinoa. It’s the perfect amount of quirky, with upcycled outdoor seating where you can enjoy country views, and even some vintage clothing treasures to browse.
Go on a day trip to Martinborough’s wineries in the Wairarapa
Location: 90 minutes from Wellington Central
Going on a wine-tasting tour of Wairarapa wineries is a must-do in Wellington.
Located only an hour and a half from Wellington, the Wairarapa region has stunning vineyards. The wine town of Martinborough is at the heart of the region.
Visit renowned wineries like Ata Rangi, known for its top-tier Pinot Noir, or Poppies Martinborough, celebrated for its elegant white varietals.
You can visit with a wine tour from Wellington, or DIY your own visit with a few tastings and a vineyard lunch — just make sure you have a sober driver if you do.
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