Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including a plethora of national parks that offer a diverse range of landscapes, from rugged coastlines to lush rainforests. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a serene escape, Wellington’s national parks provide an array of unforgettable experiences.
From the majestic landscapes of Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its volcanic peaks and emerald-colored lakes, to the rugged beauty of Kahurangi National Park, known for its pristine rainforests and towering mountains, Wellington’s national parks cater to every taste and adventure level, promising an unforgettable journey through New Zealand’s breathtaking natural wonders.
Top National Park in Wellington, New Zealand
![Wellington (; Māori: Te Whanganui-a-Tara [tɛ ˈɸaŋanʉi a taɾa] or Pōneke [ˈpɔːnɛkɛ]) is the capital city of New Zealand. It is located at the south-western tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Remutaka Range. Wellington is the third-largest city in New Zealand, and is the administrative centre of the Wellington Region. It is the world's southernmost capital of a sovereign state. Wellington features a temperate maritime climate, and is the world's windiest city by average wind speed.Māori oral tradition tells that Kupe discovered and explored the region in about the 10th century. The area was initially settled by Māori iwi such as Rangitāne and Muaūpoko. The disruptions of the Musket Wars led to them being overwhelmed by northern iwi such as Te Āti Awa by the early 19th century.Wellington's current form was originally designed by Captain William Mein Smith, the first Surveyor General for Edward Wakefield's New Zealand Company, in 1840. Smith's plan included a series of interconnected grid plans, expanding along valleys and lower hill slopes. The Wellington urban area, which only includes urbanised areas within Wellington City, has a population of 215,200 as of June 2023. The wider Wellington metropolitan area, including the cities of Lower Hutt, Porirua and Upper Hutt, has a population of 440,900 as of June 2023. The city has served as New Zealand's capital since 1865, a status that is not defined in legislation, but established by convention; the New Zealand Government and Parliament, the Supreme Court and most of the public service are based in the city.Wellington's economy is primarily service-based, with an emphasis on finance, business services, government, and the film industry. It is the centre of New Zealand's film and special effects industries, and increasingly a hub for information technology and innovation, with two public research universities. Wellington is one of New Zealand's chief seaports and serves both domestic and international shipping. The city is chiefly served by Wellington International Airport in Rongotai, the country's second-busiest airport. Wellington's transport network includes train and bus lines which reach as far as the Kāpiti Coast and the Wairarapa, and ferries connect the city to the South Island.
Often referred to as New Zealand's cultural capital, the culture of Wellington is a diverse and often youth-driven one which has wielded influence across Oceania. One of the world's most liveable cities, the 2021 Global Livability Ranking tied Wellington with Tokyo as fourth in the world. From 2017 to 2018, Deutsche Bank ranked it first in the world for both livability and non-pollution. Cultural precincts such as Cuba Street and Newtown are renowned for creative innovation, "op shops", historic character, and food. Wellington is a leading financial centre in the Asia-Pacific region, being ranked 35th in the world by the Global Financial Centres Index for 2021. The global city has grown from a bustling Māori settlement, to a colonial outpost, and from there to an Australasian capital that has experienced a "remarkable creative resurgence".](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/34/Beehive_Building_Wellington_New_Zealand.jpg)
Top National Park in Wellington, New Zealand
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
- Address: 53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (4865)
- Phone: +64 4 920 9213
- Website:
- Opening hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Embark on a thrilling journey through the diverse array of National Park in cities like Auckland, Wodonga and Gladstone across the Oceania continents, revealing hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a local business or a multinational company, these cities proudly display a rich tapestry of profesional services designed to cater to a wide array of preferences.
The 10 Best National Park near Wellington, New Zealand
Pukeahu National War Memorial Park
- Address: State Highway 1, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (1025)
- Phone: +64 4 385 2496
- Opening hours:
Monday: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours - Reviews:
a year agoReally cool place. It’s only a wee bit out of the hustle and bustle of everything. I’ve been here at pretty much every time imaginable and it’s always nice. There are often skateboarders filiming their videos and doing tricks too which is quite neat. The history of each art piece and memorial is very interesting and is good for reflecting it all. It’s even just a nice place to sit around and chill out!8 months agoWalk about the memorial and feel the pain and suffering of those who served in the NZ armed forces during the war. We need to thank them for their service. Take time to read the signs regarding the sculptures, know the history and we could learn from it so that we can plan for the future.9 months agoThe ANZAC day parade was awesome with atleast 30000 people attending it.Military veterans, serving personnel and the public have gathered across New Zealand today at dawn services to commemorate Anzac Day.
The national anniversary remembering the landing of Australian and New Zealand soldiers – the Anzacs – on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915 was marked in services from first light on a cold autumn morning.
9 months agoBeautiful place and sobering the commitment and sacrifice of men and women during g war time. Pukeahu is a must visit and the Conch next door celebrating the sacrifice of Pacific soldiersa year agoPukeahu National War Memorial Park is a place for all New Zealanders to learn about, remember, and reflect on how New Zealand’s experience of war. perfect spot for a picnic or a walk. Visit the gardens to learn about Aotearoa’s history through the park’s various memorials.
Waitangi Park
- Address: Herd Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.4 (696)
Belmont Regional Park
- Address: Takapu Valley, Wellington 5010, New Zealand
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (473)
Central Park
- Address: Brooklyn Road, Mount Cook, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (473)
Khandallah Park
- Address: Woodmancote Road, Khandallah, Wellington 6035, New Zealand
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (338)
Seton Nossiter Park
- Address: 100 Mark Avenue, Grenada Village, Wellington 6037, New Zealand
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (269)
Kelburn Park
- Address: Salamanca Road, Kelburn, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.4 (260)
Trelissick Park
- Address: Trelissick Crescent, Ngaio, Wellington 6035, New Zealand
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (172)
Johnston Hill Scenic Reserve
- Address: Hatton Street, Karori, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (90)
Paekawakawa Reserve
- Address: 46B Derwent Street, Island Bay, Wellington 6023, New Zealand
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (26)
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5 Replies to The 10 Biggest National Park in Wellington, New Zealand
Visited here as a shore excursion on 19.11.2023 when i was doing a 10 night cruise to New Zealand. All I can say is that i wish i had travelled by plane and that i was staying at a hotel nearby so that i could spend from open of business til close of business of Zealandia Te Mara a Tane! The place was amazing, lush, clean and beautiful with so much bird life (wild bird life that could come and go as they pleased!) I really loved this place and i ended up spending a fair bit in the souvenir shop at the end. It was very educational and we had a private tour guide, who was very knowledgeable and very welcoming. I would highly recommend this place to visit and i can’t wait to go back here again!
This is bird heaven. I was so happy here. It’s a literal oasis in the middle of the city that surrounds you with so much nature you forget where you are.
I could have spent the entire day here and wish I was local to become a member. It’s truly magical. I mean what’s better than being surrounded by bird song and beautiful foliage?
I will say I don’t know how little kid friendly this place is, and by little kid I mean under 3 or 4. Apart from walking around and looking at everything, there isn’t much for the little ones. School aged kids, especially if they’re into birds and nature, will love it, but might be a bit boring for the wee ones after the initial bird spotting.
The walking trails are all very well maintained, played out by difficulty which was very helpful, and we had no problems spotting all kinds of wildlife.
We did the day tour at Zealandia and had the best time! We saw some amazing birds and our guide was fantastic. I would highly recommend booking the day tour and the night tour. We only booked the day tour and wished we did the night tour as well. The night tour books out in advance. So plan ahead so you don’t miss out!! I was told there are about 150 kiwi at Zealandia. It would have been amazing to see/hear them at the night tour.
A real highlight of our trip to New Zealand and so cool to see wildlife in a predator free environment on the mainland that doesn’t involve them being in cages. We went on the guided tour and the guide was excellent. If you’re doing a night tour to see the Kiwi I would definitely recommend doing a day tour too.
If you love nature and birds, then you’re in for a treat. Zealandia is the place to go for a day trip.
The main path is an easy(flat) walking path(wheelchair accessible) that leads to a larger open area for sitting by the benches and hearing birds call out to each other, if an easy day is on the list.
If you are more into hiking, then there are steeper paths that take you to more scenic spots throughout the sanctuary up and over the hills, across the suspension bridge and the dam.
I haven’t heard as many varying bird calls as I have whilst visiting Zealandia. It almost felt like how nature feels in fantasy films. Even if you aren’t a big outdoorsy person, this hidden gem is worth the visit.
The cafe is just above admissions. Private function times vary.
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