Day trips from Wellington
Wellington opens onto wine country, wild coast and island sanctuaries. Over the hill lies the Pinot Noir of Martinborough; up the coast, the bird haven of Kāpiti Island and its beaches; in the harbour, predator-free Matiu/Somes Island and the beach village of Eastbourne; and to the south, the seals and lighthouse of Cape Palliser. Here are the best days out.
Martinborough & the Wairarapa
The classic day trip is Martinborough — about 1–1.5 hours over the Remutaka Hill (or by scenic train) — where celebrated Pinot Noir cellar doors cluster walkably around the village square. Combine it with the Victorian charm of Greytown, the Wairarapa's wild south coast, and wildlife at Pukaha. It's a rewarding, relaxed day. See our dedicated Martinborough & Wairarapa guide.
Kāpiti Island & the harbour
Kāpiti Island, an hour north, is a superb predator-free bird sanctuary — visit by permit with a licensed operator to see rare natives like little spotted kiwi and kākā. In the harbour, hop the ferry to Matiu/Somes Island (a predator-free reserve) or across to Days Bay and Eastbourne for beaches and cafés. To the south, Cape Palliser has a fur-seal colony and a landmark lighthouse. See our wildlife guide.
The Cook Strait ferry
Wellington is the North Island end of the Cook Strait ferry — a scenic 3–3.5 hour crossing to Picton through the Marlborough Sounds (Interislander and Bluebridge), carrying vehicles. It's the natural link for a both-island trip and a lovely journey in its own right. Combine it with the South Island beyond. See our getting there guide and the wider New Zealand tours.
Day trips from Wellington: your questions
The favourites are the Martinborough wine country and the wider Wairarapa; the bird sanctuary of Kāpiti Island and the Kāpiti Coast beaches; predator-free Matiu/Somes Island in the harbour; the seals and lighthouse of Cape Palliser; and a harbour ferry to Days Bay and Eastbourne. Wellington is also the departure point for the Cook Strait ferry. See our Wellington tour.
Yes — Kāpiti Island, off the coast about an hour north of Wellington, is one of New Zealand's most important predator-free bird sanctuaries. Access is by permit with a licensed operator (numbers are limited to protect the wildlife), and guided landings let you see rare native birds like little spotted kiwi, kākā and takahē. Book well ahead. See our wildlife guide.
Martinborough and the Wairarapa lie over the Remutaka Hill, about 1 to 1.5 hours by car from Wellington, or by the scenic Wairarapa train to Featherston/Masterton. It's an easy, hugely popular day trip for the Pinot Noir cellar doors, the Victorian village of Greytown, and the wild south coast. See our dedicated Martinborough & Wairarapa guide.
The harbour itself is a playground. Take the ferry across to Days Bay and Eastbourne for beaches and cafés, or to Matiu/Somes Island, a predator-free reserve with historic sites and walking trails. Closer in, stroll the waterfront and Oriental Bay. These make relaxed half-day escapes without going far. See our things to do guide.
Yes — Wellington is the North Island terminal of the Cook Strait ferry (Interislander and Bluebridge), a scenic 3 to 3.5-hour crossing to Picton through the Marlborough Sounds, on which you can bring a vehicle. It's a memorable journey and the natural link if you're touring both islands. See our getting there guide.