Itineraries
Day Trips
Wellington: Sumptuous Shopping
Park your Pegasus Rental Car in one of the many inner city car parks and venture into the glorious bustle of the little city that is sure to win your heart.
- Check out fantastic designer boutique shops like Andrea Moore and Minnie Cooper at Old Bank Arcade.
- Wander up to the Willis Street Shopping village to see the beautiful pieces at Voon, or take a flight of fancy at Starfish, just down the road.
- Experience the fantastic service at Wellington’s most prestigious department store, Kirkcaldie and Stains – personal shoppers are also available if you need a rest from the hubbub.
- Stroll up Cuba Street; delve in the racks for your own vintage treasure, discover the boutique bargains and designer gems.
- Marvel at Quoil’s spectacular array of contemporary New Zealand jewellery, or visit The Village Goldsmith, Wellington’s specialist designing and manufacturing jeweller.
Delectable Delights
Park your Pegasus Rental Car in one of the many inner city car parks and venture out to taste the best of what is on offer – a clear palate and a healthy appetite are a must!
- Soothe yourself with a wickedly indulgent chilli hot chocolate from Schoc. Made with real hot chocolate, cinnamon, cloves and a hot chilli hit, this is one drink you won’t want to miss!
- Visit The City Market on a Sunday morning to sample the products and produce, such as locally produced olive oils and freshly roasted coffee. If you are lucky you might see Loukoumi, confectioners specialising in exquisitely handcrafted Turkish Delight. These little sweets melt in your mouth – beware, one is never enough!
- Visit the award-winning store Moore Wilson Fresh for some of the best fresh meat, breads, produce, deli products, coffee and condiments from around the world.
- Take a gourmet walking tour with the experts at Zest Food Tours as you explore the city, tasting good food, chocolates and coffee as you go.
- You may also want to check out Motel, Wellington’s Cocktail Bar of the Year, Matterhorn, Bar of the Year, or Wellington’s Supreme Winner of the 2009 Cuisine NZ Restaurant of the Year Competition, Logan Brown.
- Sit in the sun on the idyllic waterfront and enjoy a mouth-wateringly delectable gelato from Kaffee Eis.
- Lunch at Floriditas, renowned for their awesome eggs, sweet treats and organic produce. Floriditas has all the old world charm of a stylish Parisian café – you won’t regret your visit!
Wellington: Cultural Capital
- Enjoy a fabulous movie experience at Embassy Theatre – remember to check out the individually owned seats while you are there; including some belonging to stars of Lord of the Rings movie trilogy (even Peter Jackson has a chair!)
- Get a feel for our national heritage at Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand – this is a must-see!
- Tour Parliament and check out the Old Government Building, the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Investigate The Film Archive – a wealth of moving images of New Zealand (and ‘Wellywood’’) past. With weekly screenings in their on-site cinema, a café and gallery space, it is a great place to spend a few hours.
- Tour the City Gallery - it will inspire and challenge you with its world-class programme of events and arts-related projects.
- Take a drive to Porirua and visit the Pataka museum, or drop in at TheNewDowse, the cultural hub of Lower Hutt.
- Experience the tranquil beauty and serene history of the Bolton Street Cemetery on a self-guided walking tour.
- Read poems cast in stone along the stunning harbour waterfront on a Wellington Writers Walk.
Wellington: Fantastic for Families!
Park your Pegasus Rental Car in one of the many inner city car parks and let the city win over the whole family.
- Start the morning with a visit to Wellington Zoo – great family entertainment, with close animal encounters also available!
- Ride the Wellington Cable Car up to the spectacular Botanic Gardens – a great spot for a picnic or play. Check out the Cable Car Museum, or spot the stars at Carter Observatory
- Experience the attractions of Wellington’s waterfront at a leisurely pace on a two or four-seater covered bicycle from The Enormous Crocodile Company. Sit on the beach and enjoy a gelato from Kaffee Eis afterwards.
- Visit the award-winning Capital E, which gives children access to wide range of creative technology and live performances. Your kids will love it!
- Refuel at one of the many family-friendly restaurants; The Flying Burrito Brothers for contemporary Mexican-themed food, One Red Dog, a renowned pizza restaurant, or Chow for fresh Asian cuisine the whole family can share.
1-2 Days
Wellington to Wairarapa: the Beautiful Wine Region
175 kms – approx 3 hours 15 mins driving time
Pop a chiller bag in the back seat, and set out from Wellington in the morning heading north along State Highway 2 to the beautiful Rimutaka Ranges.
In summer you will be treated to staggering views, golden gorse flowers, cascading mountain streams and a chorus of cicadas as you wind your way up through the hills. In winter you may see a snow flurry, but more likely you’ll watch as fog blankets the Rimutaka peak.
At the summit of the hill you might like to stop your car and snap some photos or just take a moment to enjoy the view.
Winding down the north side of the Rimutaka hill to the township of Featherston will take about twelve minutes. From Featherston, turn right towards Martinborough onto State Highway 53. Sparkling views of the mighty Ruamahanga River and the magnificent Martinborough vineyards will usher you on.
Packed with charm, Martinborough was established by Irish immigrant John Martin in 1881. In a quirky twist, the streets are laid out in the shape of a Union Jack and are named after the places Martin visited on his world travels. You can stroll along Broadway and take your sweetheart for a quick trip to Venice or New York (Venice and New York Streets that is!)
Martinborough features over thirty wineries – many within walking or cycling distance of the village. Premium wines, boutique stores, olive groves and top notch restaurants abound!
Experience ‘The Vintner’s Choice’, a 45 min interactive wine tasting film at Circus Cinema, book lunch at the award-winning Tirohana Estate, or ask at the Martinborough i-SITE for a wine trail map and cellar door opening details.
Stop at Scotty’s Meats on Jellicoe Street and get some of Scotty’s magnificent cured bacon. Renowned locally and featured prominently on many local menus, it has the wonderful smoky flavour and crispy texture that bacon-lovers dream of.
Perfect paired with a side of Parkvale Mushrooms or even for a simple bacon butty.
When you have picked up some top local wines, bacon and other goodies to cram into your chiller bag, it is only fifteen minutes drive to leafy green Greytown (follow the signs on State Highway 53 to Bidwills Cutting Road).
You will fall in love with Greytown, the oldest town in the Wairarapa. Not only is Greytown blessed with the most complete main street of original Victorian wooden architecture in New Zealand, but it also has a wealth of charming cafes, antique and craft stores. Allow plenty of time to check out the fabulous ceramics, designer clothing, jewellery, furniture and local produce.
Stop at The French Baker in Greytown (81 Main St) for afternoon tea – the coffee is divine when paired with one of the mouth-watering artisan treats. You may even catch a glimpse of the baker - classically trained chef Moise Cerson.
Cobblestones,Wairarapa’s early settlers’ museum is located at the southern end of the town, or, if local history isn’t your thing, check out the sumptuous hand-made chocolates and Chocolate Therapy Studio, Schoc Chocolates, right next door.
For dinner, stop at Salute for a selection of tapas; their amazing plates to share and enjoy and extensive wine list are to die for. You can even eat under the stars in the tranquil courtyard if the night is clear.
Sated and content from an evening of good food and conversation, it is time to head back to Wellington. Drive south along Main Road, through Featherston and over the Rimutakas. Or, if you can’t bear to leave just yet, how about staying the night at a boutique self-contained cottage or apartment? Settle in; open a bottle of great local wine and wake up to another beautiful Wairarapa day tomorrow.
N.B. To continue on to the Hawkes Bay, the Kapiti Coast, then back to Wellington, please refer to the ‘Wairarapa to Waikanae - with optional Napier Getaway Detour’ itinerary.
Photo: credit Nicholas Dench, SXC
Wellington to Waikanae: The Nature Coast
150 kms – approx 2 hours 15 minutes driving time
Set out from Wellington in the morning and head north along State Highway 1, as it traces its way around Wellington’s gleaming harbour and then climbs the steep Ngauranga Gorge.
The gently rolling hillsides of Johnsonville and Tawa soon descend to the tranquil Mana inlet. Birds wade in the shallow estuary and water laps softly at the boats anchored offshore. Fishermen languidly trail their lines and doze peacefully at the end of the marina.
The road continues parallel to the railway for much of the trip through Mana village, past Plimmerton and through Pukerua Bay. Hold your breath as you crest of the hill (before coasting down the bay) because the view of Kapiti Island is spectacular.
Absorb the amazing coastline and soak it all in as the road meanders along the rugged foreshore. The waves will take your breath away in rough seas, although a glassy calm will showcase Kapiti Island beautifully.
Paekakariki and Raumati villages are just off the main road as you continue towards the hustle and bustle of Paraparaumu. Here you can stop for a quick bite and a spot of shopping at Coastlands (after all, you have been on the road for an hour now!) or head down to Paraparaumu Beach for a coffee at one of the fabulous beachfront cafes.
Fancy a trip to Kapiti Island while you’re here? Just five kilometres off the coast, Kapiti is one of the few accessible island nature reserves; set aside purely for the protection of native plants and animals.
The boat journey from Paraparaumu Beach takes only fifteen minutes, but you need to pre-book your visitors permit. (Remember to wear sturdy footwear, warm clothing and bring a waterproof jacket). Keep an eye out for dolphins and seals while you are on the boat – even whales are occasionally spotted in this marine reserve!
Learn about the flora, fauna and human history of the island and listen to the birdcalls in the tranquil bush surroundings. Native takahe birds rustle in the bushes and the friendly keas may even join you as you picnic!
Want to stay longer and relax in this nature experience? Contact Kapiti Island Alive to arrange a stay at the lodge in the serene Waiorua Valley.
Lindale Park is just one kilometre north of Paraparaumu along State Highway 1 and offers a unique experience of specialty shops and family activities within a farm/park setting.
Here you can sample the award-winning Aorangi and Kikorangi cheeses, luxury chocolates and meltingly delicious icecreams, treat yourself to a unique gift, or mingle with the llamas and emus on the farm walk.
Three minutes north along State Highway 1 is the magnificent Southwards Car Museum on Otaihanga Road. The museum is home to the largest private collection of cars in the southern hemisphere - over 350 vehicles; as well as aircraft and motorcycles, fire engines and more! Make sure you check out Marlene Dietrich’s 1934 Cadillac Town Cabriolet and the 1950 Cadillac gangster special that belonged to infamous gangster Mickey Cohen.
Continue north to Waikanae, turn left down Te Moana Road and finish the day at Nga Manu Nature Reserve on Ngarara Road (just ten minutes from Southwards Card Museum). You can feed eels, see real kiwis in the nocturnal house and marvel at the ancient-looking tuatara lizards and wetas - some of the largest insects in the world!
Or, if you’re desperate for a shopping fix, check out the fantastic outlet and boutique shops in Otaki (just eleven minutes from Waikanae) before you go home.
The day is nearly over and it is time for the 60 minute drive back to Wellington. Returning to the highway you may still hear a far-off birdcall, as dusk blankets the Tararuas and the golden sun melts into the distance behind you.
N.B. To continue on to the Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa, then back to Wellington, please refer to the ‘Wairarapa to Waikanae - with optional Napier Getaway Detour’ itinerary
Photo: credit Jenny Rollo, SXC
3-6 Days
Wairarapa to Waikanae - optional Napier Getaway Detour
130 kms – approx 2 hours driving time (excluding Napier mini-break)
(The Napier mini-break will add another 330 kms (approx 4 hours driving time) to the trip).
N.B. This links the ‘Wellington to Wairarapa: the Beautiful Wine Region’ and ‘Wellington to Waikanae: The Nature Cost’ itineraries to form a glorious round-trip departing from and returning to Wellington.
The trip showcases the very best of the surrounding regions; starting from Greytown in the Wairarapa, and finishing in Waikanae on the Kapiti Coast. However, it can easily be reversed if you prefer to set out from the Kapiti Coast.
Drive north from Greytown along State Highway 2, towards the farming town of Carterton (approximately ten minutes drive). Originally called Three Mile Bush, Carterton was established in 1857 and renamed after local philanthropist Charles Rooking Carter.
The town is nestled between the Waiohine River to the south and the Waingawa River to the north, with the magnificent Tararua Ranges to the west.
Among the town’s many attractions is the quant clock tower situated in the centre of the town. You may even hear the bells as they chime every quarter hour from early morning to late evening.
Stop at Paua World (turn left onto Kent Street) to discover how the world’s most colourful shell is crafted to manufacture an exquisite range of jewellery and souvenirs. A range of shell jewellery and other products are created on-site using Paua (a unique abalone shell that iridesces when viewed at different angles), Pink Mussel and Mother of Pearl.
Wander through the factory, watch the informative video on the life of Paua, browse the expansive shop, or simply enjoy a complimentary tea or coffee.
Foodies will also enjoy a tour of Parkvale Mushrooms, a family business owned and operated by Clive Thompson.
Located 4 km east of Carterton, Parkvale Mushrooms are renowned for establishing the Gourmet Brown mushroom in New Zealand. These mushrooms are praised for their superior flavour, texture and quality. A favourite with the locals, many of the Wairarapa cafes and restaurants showcase the mushrooms spectacularly on their menus.
Tour the factory, growing rooms, machinery and lovely gardens (established using Parkvale’s very own mushroom compost).
Recipes are complimentary and the mushrooms are amazing. Pick up a tray of fresh-picked mushrooms to enjoy later, perhaps with a crisp rasher of Scotty’s bacon on the side? (See ‘Wellington to Wairarapa: the Beautiful Wine Region’ for more information about Scotty’s bacon).
Alternatively, take a look around Gasoline Heaven, situated on State Highway 2, just north of Carterton. Gasoline Heaven (Carterton’s newest museum), is home to a vast collection of automotive memorabilia. From antique oil cans to enamel signs, hot rods to nostalgia dragsters, this is a truly surprising display - one of the biggest single collections of its kind in New Zealand.
Masterton, the commercial hub of the Wairarapa region, is located 15 minutes north of Carterton. Home to the iconic Golden Shears, the premier shearing and wool-handling championships, Masterton is a perfect rural retreat in heartland New Zealand.
Take in the shops along Queens Street, let the kids unwind in the peaceful 130-year old Queen Elizabeth Park, or tour Aratoi, the Wairarapa Museum of Art and History. Cafe Entice is also on-site and offers a stunning range of salads, cakes, hot food and coffees.
Next stop is the National Wildlife Centre at Pukaha Mount Bruce (a half hour drive north of Masterton along State Highway 2). Talk a wildlife walk through the ancient rimu forest, watch the monster eels feeding, or see the tuatara up close!
Then head to the Tui Brewery, 46 kms north of Mount Bruce in Mangatainoka. You’ll pass through Eketahuna and Pahiatua on this half hour drive.
The staff will show you around the brewery so you can see how the beer is made. The tour includes beer tastings and you can even keep your glass! (Remember to make sure that you nominate a sober driver). Alternatively, have a look around their free-entry museum or stop for a bite to eat at the Kiwiana Café.
Sober driver behind the wheel, head north to Woodville (only ten minutes away on State Highway 2).
Woodville is positioned at the intersection of State Highways 2 and 3, between Wellington, Napier and Palmerston North. A peaceful town of green horizons, mountain ranges and country roads, Woodville also offers a wide variety of shops, windfarms, and the renowned Yummy Mummy’s Cheesecakes.
Stop for a spot of trout fishing in one of the nearby rivers, where experienced local anglers have been known to land up to fifteen fish a day! The Manawatu in particular has one of the highest fish populations of any river in New Zealand, and the fishing is good all year round.
Optional Napier Mini-Break Detour starts from and returns to here, or you can simply continue on to Palmerston North!
Cheesecakes devoured and fresh fish in tow, it is time to head northwest along State Highway 3 to Palmerston North (“Palmy”).
Palmy, a thriving city with a vibrant student population, is only a short twenty-five minute drive from Woodville. With a beautiful park in the centre, the inner-city is compact – making it a shopper’s paradise. Clothing boutiques, outlet shops, pre-loved-clothing stores, restaurants and cafes abound, with many of the shopping destinations and malls within easy walking distance of the city centre.
Local accommodation is also superb – you may wish to stay longer to truly appreciate the effervescent culture of this student city
Shopping done, Owlcatraz, is just a 25 minute drive along State Highways 56/57 to Shannon. Here you can meet native New Zealand owls as you walk through magnificent native bush. Get to know Moppy, the Jerusalem donkey and check out Big Snow, one of the world’s largest cattle beasts – you won’t believe your eyes!
When you hit the road again, it should only take half an hour to get to Waikanae. Book a place to stay and settle down for the night, ready to wake up to a stunning Kapiti Coast sunrise tomorrow.
N.B. To continue along the Kapiti Coast and back to Wellington, please refer to the ‘Wellington to Waikanae: The Nature Coast’ itinerary. Simply start at the end of the itinerary, and work your way to the beginning – you’ll love it!
Napier Getaway (Detour)
From Woodville, head north along State Highway 2 through Dannevirke and Norsewood, then onto State Highway 50 towards Napier.
The vineyards of the country’s oldest wine-growing region spread out their tendrils to greet you as you whistle through this spectacular countryside. With boutique bed and breakfast accommodation nestled amongst the vines, fabulous places to eat and drink and cellar door sales, you may well be tempted to stop along the way.
Napier, the city by the sea, is just under two hours drive from Woodville. Renowned for its stunning Mediterranean climate, Art Deco architecture and gourmet regional produce, this popular destination also boasts a vibrant café culture.
Drop off your bags at your lodgings, then head to the award-winning restaurant at Mission Estate Winery in the nearby Taradale hills for dinner.
Drenched in summer sun, the vista from the outdoor dining terrace is unparalleled – the perfect accompaniment to their exquisite cuisine and flawless local wines. A romantic stroll through the beautifully manicured lawns and fragrant gardens after your meal is also highly recommended!
After a good night’s sleep, why not browse the vintage shops, explore the National Aquarium, and then head to Splash Planet – the number one family attraction in the Hawkes Bay? Or simply relax and enjoy the panoramic views from the beachfront pools at Ocean Spa.
Whatever you do, don’t miss The Farmers’ Market, (held on Sundays at the Hawkes Bay Showgrounds). Wander at leisure, tasting hand-made cheeses, ice creams and seasonal produce. Get a coffee from one of the carts, grab some brunch, and even learn how to grow your own mushrooms!
Organise a visit to the Cape Kidnappers gannet colony – the largest mainland gannet colony in the world, swim at the beach or follow a food, art or wine trail to really make the most of this stunning, diverse region.
Waving goodbye to the sunny Hawkes Bay, drive south along State Highway 2 (turning onto State Highway 3 at Woodville) for the two hour drive to Palmerston North.
Your Napier Mini-Break Detour is over - resume your trip to Palmerston North and on to Waikanae (above)!
Photo: credit Rademacher Andre, SXC