Best Winter Day Trips from Wellington

Many a Wellingtonian’s favourite local escape, Martinborough is a true delight all year round, including in the coldest months of the year. There’s no hiding the fact the town’s wineries are its main drawcard and a long lunch paired with wine might just be the thing to warm up your winter. Poppies is always a winner, with its legendary platter, while award-winning Café Medici is an incredibly popular lunch spot. Don’t forget to stop by the institution that is the Martinborough Sweet Shop.

The Red Rocks Coastal Walk is one of the best day walks in the Wellington region. Hugging a decent stretch of Wellington’s rugged south coast, it’s a good two- to three-hour return trip offering great views and plenty of sea breeze along the way. While it’s suitable at any time of year, winter is one of the best times to visit as you can check out the seal colonies, making it a perfect adventure for animal lovers - just don’t get too close!

Need to burn off some of that winter comfort food you’ve been indulging in? Matiu / Somes Island is only a short ferry ride from central Wellington but feels like a world away and a fantastic day trip for keen walkers. The scientific and historic reserve offers a range of easy walking tracks suitable for all fitness levels, plus splendid panoramic views and the chance to spot native birds and tuatara. Pack your lunch - while the island doesn’t have any shops, you’ll find some great picnic spots along the way.

Another classic day trip destination just outside Wellington, Featherston offers the perfect winter getaway, especially for boutique shopping aficionados. Quaint specialty shops are one of the many things that put Featherston on the map: from the many charming bookstores to C’est Cheese, a true cheese lover’s paradise. Featherston is also the gateway to some of the most impressive natural wonders in the region - try the awe-inspiring Putangirua Pinnacles Track for a moderate challenge, or enjoy the scenic drive to Cape Palliser.

The sleepy beach town of Waikanae is as enticing in winter as it is in the warmer months of the year. That’s largely because you’ll find a surprising array of quality comfort food here. Olde Beach Bakery draws long queues on the weekends, no matter the weather, as its pies have a reputation for being among the best in the region - definitely give the beef and brisket pie a try. The Salt and Wood Collective is also a great spot for a hearty BBQ dinner, which you can walk off with a leisurely stroll along one of the finest beaches on the lower North Island.

Keen for a winter foodie day out a bit closer to home? Porirua is a perennially underrated spot that is only a short drive or train trip away and offers plenty of things to see and do on a day out. Your first stop is neighbourhood favourite Local Authority, where you can fuel up for the day with a coffee and a selection from the irresistible toastie menu. Make the short walk over to Pātaka Art + Museum to indulge in the local arts scene before a stop at The Regal Shortbread Co. to stock up on some delectable souvenirs.