This month is activity month at CPG Hotels and Wellington is an awesome place to get stuck into lots of exciting outdoor activities. From horse trekking to mountain biking to surfing, Wellington has it all. With summer almost over (*cries a little*) now is the time to make the most of the warm autumn days and get out and do something new on your next visit to Wellington. Here are some ideas for some great outdoor activities to try the next time you’re in the capital.
Horse Trekking
Horse trekking at Ohariu Valley Equestrian Centre in Wellington
One of New Zealand’s best places to go horse trekking is the Ohariu Valley Equestrian Centre which is located just a short 20 minute drive from the CBD. Set up in the early 1960s, this family owned and operated equestrian centre is set in an 850 acre sheep and cattle farm, providing the perfect horse trekking terrain for beginners and experts alike. As well as a big selection of horse trekking trails, the centre also has a great selection of horses to suit all levels of experience. Choose between a 1 and 2 hour trek and get out and explore the beautiful landscape right on the doorstep of one of New Zealand’s busiest cities.
Quad Biking
Quad Biking Expeditions in Wellington run some great tours
Quad biking is a great way to get out and explore New Zealand’s countryside. Just a short 45 minute drive from Wellington, you can get out to enjoy an exhilarating guided off-road quad bike expedition which will take you along one of New Zealand’s most rugged coastal environments. With expeditions ranging from one hour to two days, Quad Bike Expeditions will soon have you out riding confidently whether you are a beginner or a pro. Covering 20 kms of coastline and with over 100 kms of tracks, the routes varied and will take you from sea level to 900m, offering amazing views out along the coastline.
Surfing
Surfing in Lyall Bay, Wellington. Image credit: Keep Exploring NZ – https://www.flickr.com/photos/newslive.jpg
Wellington is a favourite amongst surfers and just 10 minutes from downtown Wellington you can be surfing some great waves in Lyall Bay which benefits from some pretty awesome southerly swells. The most popular spot is The Wall – a fast break created by a sandbank near the airport breakwater that can sometimes carry riders right back into the beach. To the west, Houghton and Island Bays have beach and reef breaks when the southerly swell fires up, and Titahi Bay can also attract big swells. Further afield in the Wairarapa, Castlepoint is a firm favourite with Kiwi surfers for its outstanding beach breaks and equally worth the drive for its dramatic scenery.
Mountain Biking
Wellington has some great mountain bilking trails
Wellington is a hot bed for mountain bikers and attracts avid cyclists from all over the country. The hilly, bush-clad landscape makes for exhilarating riding and there are over 350kms of tracks and trails around the city and surrounding area. Some of the most popular locations for mountain biking in Wellington include:
- Makara Park Mountain Biking Park with around 30kms of trails from easy to advanced
- Polhill Reserve – just minutes from the CBD there are 12kms of tracks ranked as intermediate
- Mount Victoria – another that is just 5 minutes from the CBD, Mt Victoria is a great place to ride with 40kms of tracks
To find out more about mountain biking in Wellington, check out Wellington NZ’s great posts:
Adrenaline Forest
Climb high into the trees at Adrenaline Forest in Wellington
With 7 great courses, get high above the treetops at the Adrenaline Forest in Wellington. The highest of the courses will take you 31m above the forest floor and all the courses feature a wide range of challenges ranging in difficulty. All of the courses end with a flying fox which is a highlight for most people. The Adrenaline Forest is situated just a short 20 minute drive from the CBD and is set in a beautiful forest of 50 year old pines, offering up amazing views of the Porirua Harbour.
These are just a few of our favourite outdoor activities in Wellington. Let us know if there are any we have missed off our list.