5 best day trips from Wellington

Day trips compared

The day trips

80 km · About 1 hour 15 minutes by car

1.Martinborough

Over the Remutaka Hill in the Wairarapa, the small town of Martinborough is surrounded by vineyards known for Pinot Noir, many within cycling distance of its central square. Bikes can be hired in town to ride between cellar doors.

Getting there

Car, wine tour, or train and bus via Featherston

Best for

Couples, Food lovers

110 km · About 2 hours by car

2.Cape Palliser and Putangirua Pinnacles

The southernmost point of the North Island has a red-and-white lighthouse reached by about 250 steps and a fur seal colony beside the road. On the way, the eroded Putangirua Pinnacles were a filming location for The Lord of the Rings.

Getting there

Car

Best for

Families, First-timers, Quiet stays

60 km · About 1 hour by car or train, then a short boat crossing

3.Kāpiti Island

One of New Zealand's oldest nature reserves, the predator-free island off the Kāpiti Coast is home to takahē, kākā, kererū and, at night, little spotted kiwi. Visits are by booked boat, which arranges landing permits, with walking tracks to the summit.

Getting there

Train or car to Paraparaumu, then a licensed boat operator

Best for

Quiet stays, Families, Solo travellers

12 km · About 25 minutes by ferry

4.Days Bay and Eastbourne

Across the harbour, Days Bay has a sheltered beach, a café, kayak hire and bush walks, with the seaside village of Eastbourne a short walk along the coast. The ferry crossing gives fine views back to the city.

Getting there

Harbour ferry from Queens Wharf

Best for

Families, Couples

92 km · About 3 hours 30 minutes each way by ferry

5.Picton and the Marlborough Sounds

The Cook Strait ferry sails through the forested waterways of Queen Charlotte Sound to the small port of Picton, gateway to the Marlborough Sounds and the Marlborough wine region. As a day trip it is long, so most travellers continue south.

Getting there

Interislander or Bluebridge ferry

Best for

First-timers, Couples

Day-trip tips

• Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
• A Snapper card gives cheaper fares than cash on buses.
• Metlink suburban trains from Wellington Station serve the Hutt Valley, Johnsonville, the Kāpiti Coast and the Wairarapa.
• For trips over about 150 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.

Questions travellers ask