With cafes, art galleries, museums and some of the country’s best culture, there are so many different reasons to visit Wellington, New Zealand’s capital on the North Island. Easily accessible from Picton via ferry and a quick flight from Christchurch and Auckland, Wellington is a great place to stop over for a weekend or short week-long break. Although it is mostly known for the city, there are some beautiful parks and gardens that you should visit while you are there.

Wellington Botanic Garden

Wellington Botanic Garden is a 25-hectare protected native woodland and collection of plants. Located between Thorndon and Kelburn, a large rose garden and a number of exotic and non-native species are big draws for plant lovers. The Wellington Botanic Gardens were established in 1868 with the Lady Norwood Rose Garden added in 1950, the Begonia House in 1960 and the Treehouse Visitor Center in 1990. You’ll also find the Wellington Cable Car Museum and the Carter Observatory, which features a digital planetarium, which is dedicated to the science of the Southern Skies.

Frank Kitts Park

Located on the Wellington Waterfront, the park is named after the capital’s longest-serving mayor. Frank Kitts was Mayor from 1956 to 1974 and also served as the Labor Member of Parliament for Wellington Central between 1954 and 1960. Even after his retirement, Frank Kitts continued to serve on the Wellington Harbor Board and was knighted in 1979. The park is home to a children’s playground, most importantly having recovered from the Wahine ferry disaster of 1968.

khandallah park

Khandallah Park is a spacious forest preserve that stretches from the northern suburb of Khandallah towards Johnsonville. It’s the ideal place to take the kids with an excellent playground and the hiking trail up Mount Kaukau offers great views for those willing to take the hour to reach the top.

Central Park

Located on Brooklyn Road, on the outskirts of the CBD, Central Park offers a wonderful break from the concrete jungle of Wellington Central. Check out the flying foxes with the kids and get on the swings yourself!

Take a look at some of these fantastic parks and outdoor gardens in Wellington. Make the most of your time in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful cities. There are some great places for the kids and some even better places to walk or have a picnic.