Feeling hopeful, as the weather begins to get warmer, its time to get outside. I thought I would give a quick little run down of COMPLETELY FREE things you can do in Wellington that are most fun on a sunny day.
How great would it be if we have an absolutely amazing summer this year in Wellington? We are owed it really, after the debocal that was last years summer!
But if its raining and you are looking for something to do you check out my post: 17 FREE Things to do in Wellington on a Rainy Day.
Hope it helps!
17 COMPLETELY FREE Things to do in Wellington on a Sunny Day
Walk up Mount Vic
Mount Vic, is a Wellington must do for sure. A short stroll/drive from the center of the city provides an amazing 360 degree viewing platform of the entire city. This is beautiful at all times but particularly on a sunny day during sunset/sunrise when the sky does that magical thing with the colours.
Where: Mount Victoria, (Start from Courtney Place)
Info: Mount Vic Loop
Hang out at Lyall Bay
On a sunny day, Lyall Bay is a hub of activity and worth heading down for a stroll/surf or just to take in the action. This is a dog beach too so you can hang out with the pups or just watch the planes fly in from the south.
Where: Lyall Bay, Kilbirnie, Wellington
People watch on Cuba Street
Cuba Street is the heart of Wellington and as it is pedestrianised, there is loads of space for sitting and chilling and watching the world go by. Particularly lovely on a sunny day as every one is out and about.
Where: Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Promenade at Oriental Parade
Oriental Parade is just beautiful in the sunshine. Just a stroll from the city takes you to a lovely calm beach complete with boats and promenade. This is a great place to while away some hours with a book, go fishing or just hang out and people watch.
Where: Oriental Parade, Roseneath, Wellington
Get lost in the Botanical Gardens
My absolute favorite Wellington place to visit on a sunny day is the Botanical Gardens. You can wander for ages and there are loads of different sections to get lost in, the rose garden, the duck pond and the native bush for a start! You can even spend sometime in the Free Cable Car Museum if you have some time. Enjoy!
Where: Enter from the Cable Car off Lampton Quay, or from Tinakori Road in Thorndon.
Info: Wellington Botanical Gardens
Stroll along the Waterfront
This is one not to miss in Wellington on a sunny day. You can walk all the way from the Railway Station to Oriental Parade and the views across the harbor to the mountains on the other side is simply wonderful. It is absolutely one of the loveliest places you can be on a sunny day and not to be missed.
Where: Wellington Waterfront
Visit the bays and beaches
Wellington is surrounded by a vast number of bays and beaches. From Oriental Parade right around to Houghton Bay. Wherever you are in the city on a sunny day you can head down to one of the bays and take in the views. Or, you can drive around them all stopping off to explore on the way and really getting to know beautiful coastal Wellington
Where: Multiple Locations
Info: Wellington’s Bays and Beaches
Walk the City to Sea Walkway
If you are feeling ambitions, you can walk the 13km city to sea walkway, from central Wellington to Island Bay. Said to take around 5/6 hours, you take in much of the city including suburbun, and coastal views.
Where: Start at Bolton Street Cemetry close to Parliment. There is a map and information here.
Info: City to Sea Walkway
Try one of the many Wellington walks
There are several other walks in Wellington that can be done without leaving the city. Including The Mount Vic Loop, The Southern Walkway, The Art Deco Heritage Trail and more. A good way to get out and see some less beatn parts of the city. Check them all out at the link below.
Where: Multiple Locations
Info: Wellington Walks
Jump in the harbour
This might seem crazy, but people do it all the time. As the Wellington Harbor is so clean and the water is so clear, it is a great way to cool off on a hot day! Honestly!
Where: Wellington Waterfront
Walk along the skyline from Mt Kaukau
This dual use track runs North and South along the ridge between Old Coach Road in Johnsonville and Makara Saddle in Karori. It is said to take 5 hours to traverse some of Wellington’s 12km of ridgeline. Head here to get some of the most spectacular views over Wellington possible. And that says something! You dont need to complete the whole thing, just as much as makes you happy!
Where: Just above Kandallah,
Info: Skyline Walkway
Check out the Bolton Cemetary
This might seem like a morbid suggestion, but I promise its not. This is the oldest cemetery in Wellington and many notable figures are buried here. It is actually really beautiful and magical and the graves are really well preserved. I recommend making it part of your visit to the Botanical Gardens.
Where: Bolton St, Wellington, 6011 (next to the Botanical Gardens)
Info: Bolton Street Cemetry
Walk to Red Rocks Reserve
This is a brilliant Wellington walk to do and it hardly feels like you are in the city. Start from the carpark at Owhiro Bay and check out this area of amazing Geology and Maori history. The rocks are red due to iron oxide and seals are known to bask in this area so if you are lucky you will spot a few of the cuties.
You can take the bus here too, so possible even without wheels. The walk is about 40 minutes each way, but totally flat so an easy stroll.
Where: Owhiro Bay, Wellington.
Info: Red Rocks Reserve
Enjoy the view at the Brooklyn wind turbine
Another of Wellington’s spectacular views can be found at the top of Brooklyn next to the huge wind turbine. You can drive, take the bus or walk a couple of kms up to this Wellington landmark for sweeping views of the harbour. Needless to say, it is windy up here so hold on to your hat. Great for photos though!
Where
Info: The Brooklyn Wind Turbine
Wellington Panoramic from the Brooklyn Windmill
Visit the glow worms
Did you know that you can find glow worms in Wellington? I know, how amazing! There is a couple of places to check them out, but many like to see them in the Botanical Gardens, at Otari Wiltons Bush. For the Botanical Gardens, you can find them in the Glenmore Street area. Take a torch and see if you can find them.
Apparently, it is best to see them after there has been rain and when the moon is just out.
Where: Wellington Botanical Gardens
Hear some Music at Garden Magic (January)
Every January, the Wellington Council puts on a series of amazing free concerts at the soundshell in the Botanic Gardens. These are in a range of different genres and they take place every single night and are completely FREE. Grab your blanket and your picnic and head down for some music.
There is also an amazing light installation to wander round. A great sunny day activity if it is January.
Where: Wellington Botanical Gardens
Info: Garden Magic
Watch the sunset from the top of the Cable Car
A beautiful way to spend a sunny evening in Wellington is to take a picnic to the top of the Cable Car and watch the sun go down over the city. The sky makes for one of the most beautiful city sunsets I have ever seen.
Where: The Botanical Gardens, Wellington
I hope you have gained some inspo for free things to do in Wellington when it is sunny! If you have done something that I haven’t included here and it was great. Please, as ever, comment below, I would love to try some new places.
And even if its not raining, you can still do the things in my post: 18 FREE things to do in Wellington in crappy weather
Thanks for reading and come back soon!
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Josie x