The Zealandia ecosanctuary is close to the University: a 30 minute walk, or 10 minute bus ride away.
Zealandia (opens in a new tab) was the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with an extraordinary 500-year vision to restore a Wellington valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to their pre-human state. New Zealand’s flora and fauna differs from every other large land-mass on earth due to its long isolation and uniqueness as a (near) mammal-free environment. Zealandia has a wide variety of New Zealand native and endemic birds, plus tuatara. It is open until 5pm, although there are night tours available (booked in advance).
Getting there:
Walking: head out of the university onto Kelburn Parade, and up Glasgow St. See the map below.
Bus: on Kelburn Parade, right outside Vic Books, catch the 2, 18e, 21, or 22, getting off just after the tunnel, then walk 350 metres down Waiapu Road.
Matiu/Somes Island
Right in the centre of Wellington harbour is a scientific reserve island (opens in a new tab): Matiu/Somes IslandGetting there:
Access is by passenger ferry from Queens Wharf, a 20 minute walk from campus. See the map below.
The ferry is run by East by West, and their website (with timetable) is here (opens in a new tab): East by WestNot every ferry stops at Matiu. In particular, the last ferry off the island is at 3:30pm on weekdays, unfortunately.
Botanical Gardens
Wellington Botanic Garden (opens in a new tab).
Getting there: Walk up the Glasgow St from campus, and turn right at the top. You will reach the cable car museum, and the gardens are on your left.
Polhill Reserve
The closest reserve to campus is Polhill https://wellington.govt.nz/recreation/enjoy-the-outdoors/walks-and-walkways/across-the-city/polhill-reserve-loopGetting there:
From Kelburn Parade, follow Fairlie Terrace and then head down Devon St. Turn right when you get down on to Aro St, cross the road, and then look for entrances to Polhill Reserve. Try and avoid the mountain-bike only paths unless you are on a mountain bike!
Finish your walk with a trip to the Garage Project Taproom (see below).
Useful information on Wellington
Pubs
Wellington has an embarrassment of good pubs with local beer.
A very small selection of good options are (in approximate distance from campus):
Kelburn Village Pub: up Glasgow St from campus, turn left and walk along to the Kelburn Village (10 mins). The pub is the left-hand side.
Garage Project taproom: on Aro St, so head down Devon St from campus.
Fork and Brewer: Bond St (off Victoria St).
The Temple of Taste/Third Eye: on Arthur St. Walk down to the centre of town, then up Cuba St (away from the sea), turn left onto Arthur St.
Black Dog Brewery: on Cuba St, close to the corner with Abel Smith St.
Rogue and Vagabond: in a small plaza between Ghuznee St and Garrett St.
Golding's Free Dive Bar: Leeds St (off Ghuznee St).
Wellington is the Capital City of New Zealand . It is serviced by international flights direct from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, as well as flights from major NZ cities. It is the perfect spot for those who wish to explore Wellington pre- or post-conference.
Sights & Activities - Wellington's a city where having fun is easy. You can meet meerkats, kiwis and cave trolls on the same day. Paddle on the harbour in the morning, mountain bike in the afternoon. Galleries for breakfast, museums for lunch and theatre for dinner.
Eat and Drink- Wellington has an endless appetite for new cafes, bars and restaurants, as well as legendary favourites. Plus, with world-renowned coffee, vineyards up the road, and the hip hops of our craft beer scene, there's always something delicious on hand to wash it down.
Shopping - From boutiques stocking local and international designers, to quirky gift stores, Wellington is a treasure trove of beautiful new things. Street markets, antique, vintage and second-hand stores hold one-of-a-kind creations to uncover.
Here are suggestions for some places to visit (these open in new tabs):
Day Trips are a great way to explore the greater Wellington region.
Te Papa is a landmark building in the heart of Wellington. It’s an engineering feat, rich with symbolism, and accessible to all. Te Papa is a bold and innovative national museum and a recognised world leader in interactive and visitor-focused museum experiences.
Weta Studios Tours is where New Zealand's filmmaking experiences and creativity is born. There are exhibits of props for "Lord of the Rings" & other films, plus a documentary & studio souvenirs.
Red Rocks Reserve. Explore the rugged south coast of Wellington by walking from Owhiro Bay to the Red Rocks (Pari-whero). Check out the seal colony and the red-coloured rocks that were formed 200 years ago.
