Driving Adventures
When you want to go for a drive on the wild side there are quite a few options available to you; quad bikes, 4×4 instruction and tours, guided CAT tours… here are a couple of suggestions in the Wellington area.
Kapiti Four x 4 Adventure Ltd
Maungakotukutuku Road, Paraparaumu
Negotiate fern valley, and over the hills. Tracks wind through farmland and pines, into fern valley and over the surrounding hills, with a stop for refreshments and photos en route.
Can include a drive on a ridge in the Akatarawa Ranges and breathtaking views of Kapiti Island.
Capital Adventure Tours Ltd (CAT Tours)
405 Marine Drive, Eastbourne, Wellington
Get off the beaten track in style aboard CAT’s Mercedes Benz Unimog for a 4WD scenic tour. The 18 passenger 4WD army truck has been modified so you can explore Wellington’s wild surrounds in comfort. You choose between four stunning coastal farm routes, or a Lord of the Rings Tour.
Walking and Trekking Adventures
Get out of the drivers seat and enjoy walks in Wellington’s conservation areas. The Department of Conservation has all the information you could need to find and follow the walking trails to suit you. There are hundreds of walking opportunities on conservation land throughout New Zealand. These offer a variety of recreation opportunities to people of differing ability to explore New Zealand’s natural, cultural and historic heritage.
www.doc.govt.nz
Here are some other options for walking in the Wellington area.
Walk Wellington
Wellington Visitor Information Centre
Guided walks in Wellington city. The best way to discover the heart and soul of Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, is on foot. Walk Wellington makes this very easy by giving you a personal introduction to the city. We will reveal stories about Wellington’s past, present, people and places – things you won’t always find in the guide books.
Staglands Wildlife Reserve
Staglands, Akatarawa Valley, Upper Hutt
Less than an hour from Wellington and in the beautiful Akatarawa Valley, Staglands offers you a unique look at New Zealand’s natural heritage. Wander through the 10 hectares of carefully created walkways, enjoying the many different native and introduced birds, animals and trout; all in beautiful, natural surroundings.
www.staglands.co.nz
Kapiti Tours Ltd
Marine Parade, Paraparaumu Beach
Kapiti Island offers a variety of different walks for those wanting to experience what this beautiful island has to offer. There are easy walking tracks and a steep challenging track to the highest point on Kapiti Island (521m). The magnificent view from the top is well worth the trek. The coastal walk to the north end of the island is quite challenging in the steeper parts.
Cycling/Mountain Biking Adventures
Throughout the cities and parks of New Zealand, cyclists are welcomed.
To locate city cycle paths contact the local I-Site via www.i-site.com
To locate National Park cycle tracks contact the Department of Conservation at www.doc.govt.nz
Riding Adventures
Kiwi Equestrian Adventures Ltd
Gilbert Road, Kaitoke, Upper Hutt
Kiwi Equestrian Adventures provides an environment for enjoying multiple equestrian activities in a natural environment.
They provide horses for horse treks, camps, and clinics. They have a number of magnificent horse treks available from farmland, rivers and forest riding. Rides are planned for the level of experience of the riders.
Stables On The Park
Queen Elizabeth Park, McKays Crossing
State Highway 1, Raumati South
Stables on the Park operates pony rides and treks for all ages and experience levels. Riders are lead or escorted. Singles or groups catered for. Instruction available. Trekking is off road along beach tracks or on the beach.
Phone Number 04 292 8787
Queen Elizabeth Park
Google Earth Co-ords –
Lat 40°57’27.62″S Long 174°58’32.88″E
Other Adventures
Paintball
Counter Op’s Ltd
Paintball Adventure Challenge Site, 9-13 Western Hutt Road, SH 2, Petone, Wellington