5 Most Scenic Drives in Wellington, New Zealand

Of course I had to make my first ever travel post about Wellington, and its most scenic drives. My love for this city knows no bounds.

Since Shaun and I have known each other, our favorite activity is just… driving around.

Wellington is a quirk of a city and my eyes can’t get enough. Living in Midwest, USA for so long clearly starved me for views.

Also, driving is therapeutic. We both lead busy lives and going for a drive offers some quiet time to catch up with each other, and count our gratitudes for the amazing place we call home.

So I decided to list the top 5 most scenic drives in Wellington, New Zealand.

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Side note: this post has a special place in my heart. Driving around Wellington was once the only remedy for my daily anxiety attacks. Watching the sun cast its rays on the hills, roving from sleepy neighborhoods to the city bustle, soothed my senses.

So here goes, the 5 most scenic drives in Wellington — including but not limited to:

1. Mount Victoria to Roseneath to Hataitai suburbs

If you want incredible views over Wellington, Mount Victoria lookout is the obvious choice. It’s a bit of a tourist spot so best to go at night. The sea of twinkling lights rolling in every direction is a sight to behold. 

But for this post, I’m not talking about the lookout. 

Driving through Mount Victoria and the surrounding suburbs of Roseneath and Hataitai is a thrill. The tight winding roads can’t possibly fit two lanes but the Kiwis make it work. Around every corner is a view of the hills, the harbour, and the Cook Strait. The haphazard stacking of homes and streets is a little terrifying… but also feel like a masterpiece. There are Art Deco vibes, a sense of age and charm… a photographer’s dream.

Unless you know the streets by heart (like my lovely Kiwi partner), pull up your Google maps or you’ll get turned around quickly. Frolic through the green spaces of the Town Belt or visit the iconic St. Gerard’s Church and Monastery.

Once you’ve had enough, find shelter at Genghis Khan Mangolian Barbecue and build your own noodle bowl with sauces galore.

2. The Bays

What I lovingly call “the Bays” is my favorite scenic drive in Wellington. This is where I asked to go during those anxiety attacks. It’s a great drive for summer days or the quiet winter months when the beaches are empty.

Start at Shelly Bay and drive around the peninsula until you reach Lyall Bay and continue through to Red Rocks. It’s a long drive but worth every second. The landscape morphs from still waters and white sand beaches into turbulent waves crashing into rock. 

On the way, pull over at the coastline suburb of Karaka Bays. Enjoy the view from the little pier next to an old red telephone box filled with books. The low tide exposes many little white sand beaches if you’re looking to escape the crowds at Scorching Bay. But remember to be respectful of the locals!

At Lyall Bay, grab a bite at Queen Sally’s Diamond Deli, where you can enjoy incredible coffee and innovative snacks with views of kitesurfers in the waves.

If the weather is nice enough, you may get a glimpse of the South Island across the horizon as you approach Island Bay. The coastline turns rugged and you’ll want to go exploring around Red Rocks, where the majestic cliffs rise high above and the sea water froths among the rocks and makes little pools and mini ecosystems of sealife.

3. Paekakariki Hill

To get away from the hustle and bustle, head toward Kapiti Coast and climb Paekakariki Hill Road. Wellington is predominantly made of green hills and along this road, you’ll find lifestyle blocks nestled in their great shadows.

There isn’t much anticipation as you climb… the road is quaint but ordinary. Shaun drove me out here without context, so I audibly gasped when the hills opened up abruptly to a magnificent lookout over Kapiti Coast and the great big sea. Kapiti Island looks great from up here and you feel a bit god-like as you watch life rushing far below. This is a great place for coffee and a camera, or even an epic meditation. 

4. Mākara

Mākara deserves a place in this post as one of Wellington’s most scenic drives for its wind turbines and epic hills.

Wellington’s notorious wind is internationally known, so of course we had to have a wind farm. From Karori, head up toward Mākara to get a glimpse at West Wind and its 62 wind turbines. The wind farm generates enough electricity to power 73,000 homes every year… yay for clean energy! 

The farm is open to those who want a close look at the turbines and the view. Afterward, head out to Mākara beach or finish the drive heading toward Johnsonville, enjoying dips and peaks and yes, more views. 

The Mākara region holds a lot of history as the hills were once a strategic vantage point for defense. It’s difficult to imagine war in a place like Wellington, with soldiers trekking the hills or gunfire on the wind. Today you’ll find nothing but peace and beauty to replenish the spirit.

5. Rimutaka Range to the Wairarapa

To reach the Wairarapa wine region, we go “over the hill” of Rimutaka. I was all awe when we first took this drive, making it a contender as one of the most scenic drives in Wellington.

Rain or sunshine, the views are a delight as we climb the Rimutaka Ridge and descend into farmlands and the quaint town of Martinborough. The roads are rather serpentine and flirt with the edges of cliff drops, which I find rather exciting.

On the way, stop at Kaitoke Regional Park where the elven city of Rivendell was filmed in the Lord of the Rings movies so you can pretend to be an elf (I’m a shameless fan, don’t hate). Or check out the swing bridge at Pakuratahi Forest. Explore for awhile… the Rimutaka ranges offer a myriad of peaceful nature walks, the best medicine for the mind and body.

Once in Martinborough, grab brunch at the charming In the Neighborhood Coffee House, then meander through the country roads. If you’re a fan of wine (hello me) then this is the place for you. Another great thing about the Wairarapa is that it’s the perfect escape from Wellington’s gloomy weather. Enjoy the sun on this side of the hill and befriend the locals! You never know, they might invite you back to their own private vineyard.

Today’s tunes: “The Open Road” by Hollow Coves