Wellington Travel Guide - Day Trips

Cape Palliser: visitors to the cape, located on the southern most tip of the island, will be treated to stunning coastal vistas on the two hour drive from Wellington. The cape has an old and beautiful light house to explore and is also the home for the breeding colony of fur seals.

Makara Beach: the area is a haven when the winds start blowing into Lambton Quay. In addition to its beautiful coastline, the town also has a lovely cafe to while away some time. The Makara Walkway can be found here and attracts many tourists who enjoy walking.

Visitors can enjoy swimming at river pools or trek along clearly marked scenic pathways. One of its main attractions is a visit to the area used as a set for Rivendell in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Kapiti Coast: is one of Wellington’s favourite weekend get-a-ways. Located less than an hour’s drive from the city, the coast is known for its fantastic beaches and the amount of sunshine it gets.

Masterton: a great day trip to enjoy would be to explore Wairarapa coast which is not far from Wellington. Visitors who make the trip to this wine region will be rewarded with peace and quiet, a rural charm and picturesque vistas. There are beautiful gardens in almost every town along the Wairarapa coast but a visit to the wineries around Masterton should not be missed.

Many activities can be enjoyed in the region including diving, surfing, biking or walking. Don’t forget to visit the Castle Rock east of Masterton, the beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park with its suspension Bridge, rose gardens and pond. Each year, Masterton plays host to the Masterton Wine and Food Festival and this is a great time to not only enjoy the beauty of this area but also try some of the fantastic wines produced here.