Wellington Region Conservation Walks
New Zealand's capital city is surrounded by natural landscapes and conservation treasures. Island wildlife reserves, a marine reserve, three forest parks and a stormy coastline frequented by marine mammals can all be found within one hour's drive of downtown
Wellington.
Tararua, Rimutaka and Aorangi Forest Parks have long been popular with hikers and are easily accessible for day trippers. New Zealand's most endangered native species are protected at the
Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre, in
Wairarapa, and on Kapiti, Mana, and Matiu/Somes Islands.
- Kapiti Island – one of New Zealand's most successful conservation stories, where native birdlife is prolific. Kapiti has been cleared of introduced animal predators, such as rats and possums, and is now a refuge for rare and endangered native birds such as the tieke (saddleback), hihi (stitchbird), kokako and takahe. Department of Conservation (DoC) licensed operators run day trips to the island - visitor permits are available from DoC.
- Matiu/Somes Island – in Wellington Harbour, just a ferry ride from the city, the small island reserve protects two of New Zealand's unique and most endangered species, the tuatara and giant weta. There are walking tracks on the island.
- Tararua Forest Park – the craggy peaks of New Zealand's first designated forest park can be seen from downtown Wellington. These sometimes snow covered ranges, with tussock tops, dense forests and deep-cut rivers, have a network of hiking tacks, huts, short walks and camping areas.
- Castlepoint Scenic Reserve (eastern Wairarapa) - the lagoon, fossil-rich reef and imposing Castle Rock make this a spectacular spot for day walks, swimming, surfing and fishing.
- Cape Palliser and Putangirua Pinnacles (southern Wairarapa) – wild seascapes and a seal colony are the main features on this very exposed, southernmost coast of the North Island. More sheltered but still a spectacle are the water-etched limestone Putangirua Pinnacles, accessible by a short and scenic riverbed walk.
