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 CBD. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Set in five hectares of magical gardens, Aston Norwood is home to boutique accommodation, a quaint café, and garden centre.

Best known for its cherry blossom trees, every spring Aston Norwood bursts into life as ‘Blossom Valley’. Thousands of visitors flock here to stroll through the gardens under a canopy of candy-floss pink cherry trees.

With fresh scenery every season, you can visit Aston Norwood all year round. The idyllic gardens offer a peaceful spot to unpack a picnic, or you can enjoy high tea in the café overlooking the grounds.