The Best Day Trips from Wellington

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Wairarapa

The Best Day Trip from Wellington for Foodies

Travel time by car: 1 hr 10 mins to 2 hrs 10 mins one-way
Relevant tour: Martinborough Wine and Wild Coast Tour with Zozo Travel

Venture into the Wairarapa wine region for a day of winery-hopping, sampling some of New Zealand’s finest pinot noirs and sauvignon blancs in charming towns like Martinborough. Picturesque vineyards, cellar doors, and gourmet food make it a top spot for wine lovers.

If you’re up for more adventure, continue your journey south to Cape Palliser. There, you can conquer the steep 250-step climb to the iconic red-and-white lighthouse, rewarded with sweeping views of the coastline.

Nearby, the eerie and dramatic Putangirua Pinnacles offer a striking landscape of towering stone pillars, perfect for hiking, photography, and spotting filming locations from The Lord of the Rings.

For more activities to add to your day trip itinerary, see the 10 Damn Good Things to Do in Wairarapa.

© WellingtonNZ

Upper Hutt

The Best Day Trip from Wellington for Couples

Travel time by car: 30 minutes one-way
Relevant tour: The Lord of the Rings Locations Tour with Wellington Rings Tours.

Venture north to Upper Hutt, a destination that offers a surprisingly diverse mix of activities. Movie buffs can explore Lord of the Rings filming locations hidden among lush native bush, while outdoor enthusiasts can ride sections of the renowned Remutaka Cycle Trail, which winds through scenic forests and historic railway tunnels.

Families and wildlife lovers shouldn’t miss Staglands Wildlife Reserve, where you can get up close with native animals in a forest park setting. The town centre itself has all the city conveniences; cafés, restaurants, and local shops, making Upper Hutt a well-rounded spot for both day trips and longer stays.

For more ideas on what to do, check out the 10 Excellent Things to Do in the Hutt Valley.

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Kapiti Coast

The Best Day Trip from Wellington for Luxury Travellers

Travel time by car: 45 minutes one-way
Relevant tour: Kapiti Coast and Foxton Beaches Day Tour with New Zealand Photo Safari.

Hit the road north to the Kapiti Coast, where a mix of seaside charm and unique attractions awaits. Spend the day soaking up the sun on Paraparaumu Beach or strolling through the coastal trails of Queen Elizabeth Park.

If you’re into history and classic machines, don’t miss the Southward Car Museum, home to one of the largest and most impressive vintage car collections in the Southern Hemisphere.

For a nature-filled escape, book a tour to Kapiti Island, a predator-free sanctuary where rare native birds like the kākā and little spotted kiwi thrive, an unforgettable experience for wildlife lovers and curious travellers alike.

Plan more of your day trip using the 8 Excellent Things to Do in Paraparaumu, 5 Best Things to Do in Paekakariki and 8 Best Things to Do in Waikanae.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Remutaka Forest Park

The Best Day Trip from Wellington for Budget Travellers

Travel time by car: 40 minutes one-way

Swap the city for nature by hitting the hiking trails of the Remutaka Forest Park. Delve into the forest and hike the hills of the Remutaka Ranges, where a popular access to the walking trails is via the Catchpool Valley. The Five Mile Loop Track is an easy option, while the Orongorongo Track takes you to a glorious swimming hole at the end of a two-hour walk.

Find out more about the walking trails of the Remutaka Forest Park on the Department of Conservation website.

© WellingtonNZ

Matiu Somes Island

The Best Day Trip from Wellington for Families

Travel time by ferry: 25 minutes one-way

Take the East by West ferry from Queen’s Wharf in Wellington city centre to Matiu Somes Island.

The island has an intriguing history of being an internment camp during World War Two, an animal quarantine centre and a Maori pa site.

Some of the buildings from its past remain, while today, the island is a wildlife sanctuary for tuatara, weta and native birds including penguins.

For more places to visit around Wellington, check out the 20 Incredible Things to Do in Wellington.