Get close to nature in Wellington

The world’s first fully fenced ecosanctuary, Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, is an incredible slice of the wilderness a few minutes’ drive from Wellington’s city centre. Named by Time magazine as one of the 100 greatest places in the world, Zealandia’s 225 hectares of regenerating forest and birdlife is a must-visit. The urban sanctuary is responsible for the reintroduction of 18 native species into the region, some of which were previously absent from mainland New Zealand for over 100 years.

Set into the hills of the city-fringe suburb of Newtown, Wellington Zoo is a thoroughly modern institution. It leads the way as the first carboNZero-certified zoo in the world.

With 500-plus animals spread across 13 hectares Wellington Zoo may be small by world standards but it’s big on heart, sustainability, welfare, and conservation. Its Close Encounter programme where you get to see animals in close quarters is both educational and memorable.

Nestled in the Hutt Valley’s beautiful Akatarawa Valley, Staglands Wildlife Reserve offers a rare opportunity to interact with the local fauna on its own terms. Here, 10 hectares of bush, farmland and wetlands have been sensitively cultivated into an idyllic home for some of New Zealand’s endangered species. This natural and genuine experience blends tourism, conservation, and education into a great experience for all.

Wildlife, wild coast, and a wild time. What more can you ask of a tour? Seal Coast Safari offers a distinctly Wellington experience. You’ll see historic rainforest, farmland, a century-old lighthouse, native birds, and wild seals. All this is within minutes of downtown Wellington. From a central pickup point at Michael Fowler Centre, four-wheel drives will whisk you away on a photo-filled adventure. The tour takes in Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush and special private access to Terawhiti Station above the southwestern coast. The best is kept until last. You’ll descend to Wellington’s coast and explore the rocky foreshore. There, only metres away, you can watch wild seals in their natural habitat.

Kapiti Island is one of New Zealand's oldest and most important nature reserves, and a place rich in human history. A dominant feature of the Kapiti coastline, the island is home to many endangered species.

Visitors can take a 20-minute boat ride from Paraparaumu Beach and spend a day exploring the island. If you choose to stay overnight you can go glamping or stay in a cabin for an authentic Kiwi lodge experience. The night stay includes an opportunity to go out and catch a glimpse of one of 1,400 little spotted kiwi who call Kapiti Island home.

The Lower North Island’s only outdoor adventure park is set to challenge you mentally and physically while soaring among giant pine trees. It’s the perfect place to test your limits. Walk across a high-wire or suspended boardwalk up to 31m off the ground or take an exhilarating ride on a zipline. Whichever challenge you tackle you’ll always be in the safest of hands with Adrenalin Forest’s world-leading instructors and their equipment.

Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre is an unfenced breeding sanctuary for native wildlife. Located on the border of the Tararua and Wairarapa regions, the 942-hectare site is home to a dense lowland podocarp forest. That forest is home to native wildlife including birds and reptiles. Pūkaha has contributed to the recovery of several endangered native species including kōkako, kākā, whio, pateke and shore plover. The aviaries on-site hatch kiwi, kākā and kākāriki for release back into the wild.

One of the country’s oldest gardens, Wellington Botanic Garden encompasses 25 hectares. You’ll find specialised plant collections, colourful botanical displays, unique landscapes, a protected native forest, and spectacular views over Wellington City. It is a vast tract of land that has offered relaxation, playtime, shade, and education about flora and fauna for over 150 years. Only a few minutes walk from Parliament, the gardens are accessible and offer activities for the whole family.

One of the largest remnants of coastal lowland swamp forest on the Kāpiti Coast, Nga Manu is home to a variety of native fauna and wildlife. Since the 14-hectare opened to the public in 1981 Ngā Manu has partnered with DOC breed-for-release programmes. It has helped re-establish at-risk species of birds and reptiles in the wild. There are many tours available where you can see native birds, reptiles, and eels up close.

The 24.8-hectare island is a great place to spend the day. Its location made it perfect for New Zealand’s first inner harbour lighthouse. It has also been a human and animal quarantine station, a prisoner of war camp, and a military defence position. 

Steeped in local history from early Māori settlement, Mātiu/Somes Island is now predator-free, full of birdlife, native flora and fauna. If you’re lucky you might even spot native tuatara reintroduced to the island. There are loop tracks and easy walks to enjoy 360-degree views of Wellington harbour. 

Mātiu/Somes Island is only accessible by booking through East by West Ferries. Scheduled services operate from Queens Wharf and Days Bay, seven days a week.