 | Wellington Off the Beaten Path | Tips 1 - 10 of 36 |  |
Popular Off the Beaten Path | Miscellaneous Off the Beaten Path Tips | All Tips (36) Makara Beach, just a short jog in the car from downtown Wellington, is a hotspot on the weekends and maybe one of the quieter beaches in New Zealand during the week. When I visited on a Friday morning, there were only 5 cars in the lot and only 2 people to be seen collecting drift wood.
To further enjoy the rough and rigid nature of Makara, head up the Makara Track. Makara Track begins and ends at the beach, and gives some of the better views in all of Wellington, and dareIsay the North Island.
The beach is at the end of Makara Road which runs from the south end of Karori Road. You will come up in between no more than 15 houses and be set on the black rock beach sorrounded by vast cliffs and wave breaks.
To view more Makara Beach photos, click here. Leave a Comment Phone: 04 472 7356Website: http://www.doc.govt.nz/Explore/002~Tracks-and-Walks/By-Region/008~Wellington/020~Makara-Walking-Track.asp
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Head out to Red Rocks to see a seal colony!
There's a 'proper' tourist 4WD tour of the place that takes two and a half hours but it's pretty expensive ($50 adult / $25 child).
If, like me, you enjoy a bit of a walk as well as saving money, then catch the No. 1 or No. 4 bus to Island Bay and then walk the 3.5 kms along the Esplanade past Owhiro Bay, to the Quarry Entrance.
The Red Rocks (Pari-whero) Coastal Walk follows the coastline from the old Quarry past the old baches to the seal colony at Sinclair Head (Rimurapa). This is a dramatic coast, offering views all the way across Cook Strait to the South Island. The walk to Sinclair Head is approximately 4km one way and takes about two - three hours return.
Sinclair Head is a haul out area for New Zealand fur seals during the winter (May to Nov) when up to 80 males can be found, although you should (allegedly) be able to see seals all year round.
Post breeding bachelors leave the females at rookeries on the West Coast of the South Island. The males then gain condition for the coming breeding season here, dining on squid, octopus, barracuda and hoki. The average weight of a bull is 160kg.
NB: Never stand between a seal and the sea. He might get upset, and they can become aggresive when threatened! Leave a Comment Phone: For the tour, ring+(0)4 802 4860
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It's worth trying to visit Wellington in late February/March because that's when the Cuba Street Carnival and the Fringe Festival take place. Visitors in even numbered years will also be able to catch the New Zealand Festival.
The Cuba Street Carnival showcases a wealth of buskers, musicians, djs, food stalls, craft stalls, community action booths, all celebrating the diversity that is Cuba Street. The shows are free and the food is cheap. Plus, you might get the chance to see one of Wellington's fine fine bands.
The Fringe Festival allows artists to use the city as a backdrop for their visual art, drama, comedy, and music. Some shows really work and become bigger productions because of their positive exposure at the Fringe Fest.
The New Zealand Festival brings together world class, international and national acts in gorgeous venues like the Kiwi-built tent on the waterfront (an homage to 100 year old tents like Belgium's Dans Paleis or Germany's Spiegletent) , the Opera House, St. James Theatre, etc. If you missed shows at the Edinburgh Fringe or the Edinbugh Festival, don't despair, they might be in Welli for the NZ Festival! The Fest always ends with world famous writers, who use the venues for lectures, readings, etc. There are moderately priced tickets for events and there are heaps of free and subsidized lectures.
http://www.cubacarnival.org.nz/
http://www.fringe.org.nz/
http://www.nzfestival.telecom.co.nz/home/page.aspx Leave a Comment
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