Outdoor activities in Wellington

Experience Wellington from the water. East By West Ferries allows you to get a different perspective on the city. Hop on at Queens Wharf and head across the harbour. You can take a harbour explorer tour on the Ika Rere, the first fully electric ferry in the southern hemisphere. The 90-minute tour explores Wellington’s history and natural environment. If you're looking for land, stop off to explore Mātiu/Somes Island in the middle of the harbour. Alternatively, continue across the water to explore the eastern bays. The sea air will get the heart pumping.

If you want to venture into the many picturesque hills and bays around Wellington, then Switched on Bikes is a great companion. Pedal with the greatest of ease on an electric bike. You can let the bike do the work when you get to a hill.

The staff at Switched On HQ can give you tips on the best routes for views (and snacks) and how to keep safe when navigating the roads. There are convenient cycle lanes around the city and the bays, so you can enjoy the scenery as you explore.

Local iwi Te Ati Awa offers a series of tours that delve into Wellington’s early history and cultural background. The city’s stories come to life on land with guided walking, e-bike, and e-scooter tours. You can also try tours on water in a waka or on the electric ferry. Learn about the past and how the iwi connect to the landscape.   

All tours leave from Te Wharewaka o Pōneke — a distinctive building located by Whairepo Lagoon on Wellington’s waterfront. It is the site where Te Aro Pā was located — one of the largest Māori communities in Wellington up until the 1880s.

Take a ride on the wild side with Wellington’s iconic crocodile bikes. You can hire three or six-seater crocbikes for leisurely trips along Wellington’s waterfront. Everyone gets to pedal, so no one has to do too much work. Canopies keep the sun off your head, and the bell lets pedestrians know where you are. Enjoy the city in style. Take in the sights along the city’s picturesque waterfront — from Oriental Bay to Te Papa and along to Whairepo Lagoon and beyond. Stop for an ice cream along the way, and you have all the ingredients for a fun afternoon.

Explore the mighty waters of the Te Awa Kairangi Hutt River with Wellington Rafting.

With multiple outdoor experiences on offer, you can choose from a gentle paddle on the river or thrilling white water adventures. Each experience takes you deep into the heart of the Hutt Valley wilderness. You’ll get close to nature and see idyllic scenery.

Made up of a skilled group of guides and adventure-seekers, the Wellington Rafting team has years of experience. So, you’re always in safe hands. They’ll guide you through exciting white water while you take in riverside scenery and untouched native bush.

The Remutaka Cycle Trail is an exhilarating 122-kilometre cycle trail connecting Wellington to the Wairarapa region. The spectacular ride is one of the 23 Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand and winds through diverse grades and environments. Running between the Petone foreshore and Palliser Bay on the Cook Strait, the trail can be cycled or walked in either direction. It’s split into four sections, so you can choose how much of it you want to do. On the way, you can experience railway tunnels, river swims, and rugged coastlines to historical sites, native bush and peaceful farmland.

Located in Porirua, Adrenalin Forest is the lower North Island’s only outdoor adventure park. It’s the perfect place to test your limits. Walk across a high-wire or suspended boardwalk up to 31 metres off the ground. Ziplines and swings add to your outside odyssey. Challenge yourself mentally and physically while soaring among giant pine trees. With more than 100 activities in the treetops, the whole family will be entertained. The forest has six different levels covering all fitness and ability levels. Each takes approximately 45 minutes to complete, and you can tackle as many as you like within a three-hour time frame.