Put a spring in your step on these Wellington trails

In spring, the Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā comes alive. Stroll through 25 hectares of blooming flowers, protected native forest, and plant collections. Whether you have 10 minutes or two hours, there are walking tracks for everyone to explore.

Explore themed gardens like the Australian Garden, or the sensory experience of the Fragrant Garden. The sculpture trail, which starts at the Lady Norwood Rose Garden, lets you spot six works among the flora. Around the gardens, you will find unique landscapes and views over the city.

Whareroa Farm is a large recreation reserve north of Paekākāriki with regenerating native bush and wetlands. It doubles as a working farm and has a network of walking, mountain biking, and horse riding trails. There are sixteen different trails to explore, many of which lead to superb views of the Coast.

The Kāpiti Coast farm has seven remnant blocks of native forest and numerous streams home to over 30 bird species. Because the park is a working farm, in spring, some of the tracks close for lambing season. Many of the tracks stay open and give you a glimpse of the new life from afar.

Have you ever wondered what Wellington looked like before settlers arrived? A short trip from the city, find Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush. There’s a wide variety of walks available, ranging from gentle 10-minute strolls to 2.5-hour hikes. As New Zealand’s only botanic garden dedicated solely to native plants, it encompasses 100 hectares of native forest. 

There are five hectares of plant collections, containing 1,200 species, hybrids, and cultivars. The collections include plants from New Zealand’s mainland and offshore islands. There is plenty of information on the native trees along the path.

In spring, Zealandia’s 225 hectares of regenerating forest and birdlife are a must-visit. The world’s first fully fenced ecosanctuary, Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is an incredible slice of the wilderness only minutes from the city centre. 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.

During spring, many of the birds in Zealandia are preparing for chicks. Throughout the valley you’ll see birds nesting, or swooping overhead in courtship rituals. If you are lucky, you may see a new chick at the feeders.

Hidden away from the southerlies in the Hutt Valley, Tane’s Track is a leisurely 2.3km walking route. The track takes you from the Tunnel Gully car park through native bush to Mount Climie and back.

The trail has surprises from start to finish, including native trees such as rimu, mātai, kahikatea, and tawa forest. If you opt for the full loop, you will find a rail tunnel, Collins Stream, and Tane’s Waterfall. Stop for a picnic and take in the fresh spring air amongst the native trees. This hour-long walk is protected from southerlies and is dog-friendly.

Te Ara o Tipapa (Wetland Loop) is an easy trail near the US Marines Memorial in Queen Elizabeth Park on the Kāpiti Coast. The track is 2.1 kilometres long and takes about 30 to 50 minutes depending on your fitness. Enjoy a variety of scenery with great views of the working farm and coastal vegetation — a contrast to the evolving wetland landscape.

The wetland areas are home to a wide range of native birds and noisy frogs. Keep an ear out for pīwakawaka and weweia as you wander along the trail. The trail has information about the birds you might see, and a bird hide to watch them from.

A hidden gem across the harbour, Kowhai Street track is a well-maintained short walk. Located in Eastbourne, Lower Hutt, it is a zigzag track that climbs to reveal wonderful views over Wellington Harbour. There are options for exploring more of the East Harbour Regional Park, including the popular Butterfly Creek picnic area.

Depending on the track you take, walks last between 30 minutes and two hours return. If you’re heading down to Butterfly Creek, make sure to pack a picnic. The valley is sheltered from the wind, and on a sunny day, the canopies of the beech trees provide shade.

This short flat trail in the Wairarapa region is suitable for the whole family. It passes through some of the best mixed podocarp and broadleaf forests in the Tararua Range. You’ll see rimu, miro and northern rata, along with kamahi, red beech, and silver beech.

In places, the trail runs alongside a stream, with access points throughout the trail. It is the perfect place to cool off as the weather gets hotter, or for kids to throw stones. There is also a picnic area — so bring some kai with you. Because of Donnelly Flats’ sheltered position in the valley, camping is popular here.