Miramar Activities You Can’t Miss
Whether you’re based in Miramar for work or want to check out Wellington‘s cool little suburbs, there are plenty of great things to do in Miramar to keep you busy! The Miramar Peninsula is packed with beaches, reserves and walkways. Just a stone’s throw away from the Wellington Airport, Miramar is a great first stop of your Wellington exploration!
Miramar is not only the centre of New Zealand’s movie industry, but it also has kilometres of sandy beaches, hill-top viewpoints, great food from the abundance of cafes and thought-provoking art galleries. To get to Miramar from the city centre by car, follow the signs to the airport then head east on Cobham Drive. Turn left at the last roundabout on Cobham Drive where Miramar is signposted. By bus, take the No 2 or 31 to Miramar, No 11 to Seatoun, No 24 to Maupuia and Strathmore, and No 30 to Scorching Bay.
1. Walk the Eastern Walkway
Extending between Seatoun and Tarakena Bay, the Eastern Walkway encompasses fantastic coastal scenery, lookouts and significant Maori historical sites on the southern end of Miramar. The 2.5km (1.5-mile) one-way walk takes about 3 hours to complete the return trip.
Location: Start at Tarakena Bay at one of the entry points at either Bury Grove, Sidlaw Street, Signallers Grove and Inglis Street (Pass of Branda).
© Aidan on Flickr2. Relax at Scorching Bay
One of Wellington best-loved beaches is right here on the Miramar Peninsula! Feel the sand between your toes and enjoy this safe swimming beach. Scorching Beach is backed by regenerating forest, a cafe, picnic areas, toilets, changing areas and children’s playgrounds. For more beaches to visit in Wellington, take a look at 10 Beaches in Wellington You Can’t Miss.
Location: Access Scorching Bay along Massey Road on the northeastern side of Miramar.
© Phillip Capper on Flickr3. Visit the Weta Workshop
Weta is the movie-making team behind blockbusters like The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Avengers, King Kong, District 9 and the list goes on and on! While the Weta Cave is a great free attraction with plenty of movie props to check out, the Weta Workshop and Thunderbirds guided tours are a great insight into the movie-making magic. Find out more about the tours on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Location: Weka Street.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Walk the Maupuia Walkway
For another great place to stretch your legs on the Miramar Peninsula, try the Maupuia Walkway. With a wide walkway, it’s a great one to do with friends and talk about all life’s mysteries. The walk provides views of Evans Bay and the planes landing at Wellington Airport.
Location: Access is via Prison Road and Akaroa Drive.
© D Coetzee on Flickr5. Watch a Movie at the Roxy Cinema
The Roxy Cinema is an experience in itself, no matter what movie is showing. The 1930s Art Deco-inspired architecture and interior flourishes by the Weta Workshop and Dr Grorbort’s give you plenty to marvel at! Combine your boutique cinema experience with some food at their on-site cafe and restaurant.
Location: Park Road.
© Gordon Haws on Flickr6. Go Mountain Biking
Yes, right in the heart of Miramar is the ultimate city mountain biking spot, the Centennial Reserve. From the grade 2 trail that is a great option for beginners or families to the adrenaline-pumping Jail Brake track which is an epic descent through native bush, you’ll find trails to suit all abilities. (This mountain bike park is best done if you have your own bike, as there are no bike hire stores close to the Centennial Reserve).
Location: Access is at the end of Darlington Road, and along Nevay Road and Main Road.
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Go Fishing on the Miramar Wharf
Cast a line for snapper, kahawai, skate, eagle ray and gurnard from the Miramar Wharf! Try a few different rigs and use a breakaway sinker, as there is no foul and to avoid lines getting tangled. Alternatively, head to Seatoun or Karaka Bay wharves for more excellent fishing spots. Learn more about What You Need to Know About Fishing in New Zealand.
Location: Corner of Cobham Drive and Shelly Bay Road.
© Jojoe.photography on Flickr8. Check Out the Views from the Ataturk Memorial
This memorial to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of modern Turkey and commander of the Turkish forces at the Battle of Gallipoli, is also a tribute to the 44,000 allied troops that died during the 10-month World War 2 campaign. The first major battle was undertaken by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). Check out the memorial and the amazing views at its locations.
Location: Access is above Tarakena Bay at166 Breaker Bay Road.
© Aidan on Flickr9. Grab Yourself a Bite to Eat
Miramar is blessed with great cafes, restaurants and bars. Try some barbecued seafood at the Chocolate Fish Cafe, Nicoletta’s for fancy sweet treats, Bongusto Pasta Workshop & Cafe for a French/Italian deli, and so much more! For more eateries to check out in the city centre, see The Foodie Guide to Wellington.
Location: Chocolate Fish Cafe – 100 Shelley Bay Road, Nicoletta’s – 12 Parks Road, Bongusto – 37 Miramar Avenue.
© NZPocketGuide.com10. Check Out the Art Galleries
Culture yourself at one of Miramar’s very own art galleries. Check out the Cecil Veda Gallery, set up like a quirky art shop with several artist’s works on display. The gallery hours are Wednesday to Saturday 10am-3pm. Additionally, head to Blackmore & Best Gallery showcasing paintings from two local artists. Open 11am-4pm Wednesday to Friday in winter, Tuesday to Sunday in summer. For more galleries to check out in Wellington see 12 Free Art Galleries & Museums in Wellington.
Location: Cecil Veda Gallery – 82 Para Street. Blackmore & Best Gallery – Shelly Bay.
© PexelsMore Things to Do Near Miramar
- 10 Blockbuster Movies You Didn’t Know Were Made in Wellington
- The Guide to Wellington on a Budget
- The Luxury Guide to Wellington
That’s it for the best things to do in Miramar. Find more activities for your travels in the 51 Best Things to Do on the North Island.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Visit Wellington (Regional tourism website)
- Destination Wairarapa (Regional tourism website)
- Wellington City Council (Local council website)
- Porirua City Council (Local council website)
- Greater Wellington Regional Council (Local council website)
- Upper Hutt City Council (Local council website)
- Hutt City Council (Local council website)
- Kāpiti Coast District Council (Local council website)
- Masterton District Council (Local council website)
- Carterton District Council (Local council website)
- South Wairarapa District Council (Local council website)
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
