Looking for a romantic and adventurous outdoor date idea in Wellington? This article is the perfect guide for you. We listed down our favorite outdoor activities in Wellington best for couples! 

We also made sure we included important details such as the address, contact details, price points, and where to get more information about each activity. 

1. Play mini golf at Carlucci Land.

Want to go on a unique mini golf experience? We recommend Carlucci Land as your next date activity in Wellington.

They boast of an 18-hole mini golf course that revolves around the “junkyard” theme. Rugged landscapes, putt around trees, and even discover hidden passageways.

What’s great is that Carlucci Land is only 10 minutes from Wellington CBD! So it’s so accessible. 

They do not offer food in the area, but you can bring your own utensils and food. They will supply the gas bottle for the BBQ, which sounds perfect for those summer afternoons! 

They also offer a package wherein if you hire their BBQ area, you are given unlimited mini golf for your stay. The fire brazier costs $70 only.

2. Explore Wellington Botanic Garden.

If you want a relaxing date idea where you can admire the surroundings and have great conversations, take your significant other to the Wellington Botanic Garden. 

The Wellington Botanic Garden is 25 hectares of pure beauty and has been recognized by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture as a “Garden of National Significance”. Talk about a big deal. 

The garden has a lot of curated collections designed and cared for by a dedicated staff. It contains a lot of plant species from all over the world. 

Our personal favorite, Begonia House, is a glasshouse filled with tropical and temperate displays such as orchids, begonias, and ornamentals. It also features a lily pond with aquatic plants.

Another great find is the Discovery Garden, which is a living classroom targeted for school programs. They show the different uses of plants in food, medicine, and even construction.

The Treehouse Visitor Centre offers a wonderful stop that gives you a fantastic view of the garden. You can also ask the trusty garden staff for assistance. 

They will guide you and give you information about the garden. If you want to shop for a trinket to remember the trip, stop by the Botanic Garden Shop. 

Every purchase goes to the development of the garden. 

When you get hungry, Picnic Café is a place where you can stop for snacks and drinks. They have a lot of meals and sweets on their menu.

Plus, you can also bring your bike or electric scooter if you want. 

3. Check out Zealandia.

If you and your partner are nature lovers, you’d enjoy a trip to Zealandia. 

Zealandia is the world’s first fenced urban ecosanctuary. It spans 225 hectares and has reintroduced 18 species of native wildlife to the area – pretty amazing, huh?  

Its vision is to bring back the biodiversity of the city as close as possible to the pre-human era.

You can either go explore the area at your own pace or go with a guide. You can even go at night on the “beauty after dark” guided tour to see glow worms and kiwi. 

At night, their tour lasts for 2.5 hours. The price for adults is $95 for non-members and $47.50 for members.

They also have a guided tour during the day that lasts for 2 hours and costs $60 if you’re not a member and $30 for members. 

Their guides are very knowledgeable and could track down Zealandia’s rarest animals. They’re a delight to meet. 

You and your significant other can also opt to go on a guided tour by twilight which lasts for 2.5 hours. Price for adults is $90 for non-members and $47.50 for members.

You’ll be able to experience the first sights and sounds of night birds as they wake up. Imagine being immersed in a chorus of birdsongs while taking in the picturesque dusk sky in a calm forest. 

Lastly, you can go on a guided tour by dawn which also lasts 2.5 hours. Price for adults is $95 for non-members and $45.50 for members.

On this tour, you’ll get to witness the awakening of Zealandia and hear the first sounds of unique species within the sanctuary. The tour will pause in the forest for a cup of kawakawa tea and take a moment to enjoy the sounds of dawn.

This is something you surely don’t want to miss. So set your alarm clocks, bring your power banks, and go on a great adventure. 

4. Enjoy biking at Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park.

If you are both bikers, we recommend going to Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park. It is Wellington’s best mountain bike park with 250 hectares of native bush.

Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park boasts over 40 kilometres of a track, a suspension bridge, and a scenic view of Wellington Harbour, South Island, and Cook Strait. It has a lot of trails for different bikers of all skills and abilities.

They have everything, from trails that offer the steepest angles to family-friendly strolls. Visit their website for a list of trails and recommended loops.

5. Go hiking at Paekakariki Escarpment Track. 

If you’re an active couple, we recommend going through the Escarpment Track. This trail offers a unique and exhilarating experience that could take half a day.

It’s a great chance to get your steps in and can be an alternative to your yoga and gym routine. 

The trail is well-guided by signposts so it might look like it is very easy to go through.  However, be prepared for its challenges such as 1,200 steps and a narrow trail with a drop-off below. 

It isn’t called the “Stairway to Heaven” for nothing. So make sure to keep all safety guidelines in mind. 

The Escarpment Track runs from Paekākāriki up to Pukerua Bay, so we recommend taking your time to take in the breathtaking view of Kāpiti Island and the ocean. Be aware that walking your dogs and or cycling is not allowed in this area since the track goes through privately-owned farmland.

Prepare adequate food and water for the journey and wear warm waterproof clothing and durable footwear. Sunscreen is a must, and walking sticks are recommended if you’re not used to hiking steep angles.

6. Go camping at Catchpool Valley.

If you’re a couple who loves being one with nature, Catchpool Valley is for you. A night under the stars can be very romantic. 

Catchpool Valley is one of Wellington’s most popular outdoor recreation and conservation destinations. 

You can use campervans, caravans, or tents in order to stay at the campsite. However, bookings are required for all three zones because the sites are limited. 

The campsite features a lot of facilities such as provisions for BBQ, phones in case of emergencies, cold showers, toilets, tap water, and 19 non-powered tent sites. The three zones are the following: Titoki zone, Maire Zone, and Totara zone.

Titoki zone allows only tents and a maximum of 15 people. Maire zone also allows only tents but since the Maire zone is bigger, they allow a maximum of 60 people. 

Lastly, the Totara zone allows campervans with a maximum of 32 people. 

7. Go swimming at Thorndon Pool.

If you like swimming, the Thorndon Pool is a must-visit. It’s clean and there are a variety of pools to choose from. 

They offer a 30.5 m long swimming pool with a 0.90m to 2.80m depth heated outdoor pool up to 28 degrees.

They also have a spa pool that they heat up to 38 degrees. They also offer hiring swimming lanes at $8.60 per hour for non-commercial uses and $30.00 per hour for commercial uses.

You can also book their pool and facilities for private events. However it is only limited to 7:00PM – 9:00PM from Friday to Sunday.

8. Hire rollerblades and do other activities at Fergs Kayaks.

A great nostalgic activity is rollerblading. It’s fun and a great way to exercise with your partner. 

It’s a great thing Fergs Kayaks offers more than water-based activities, they also offer rollerblading. Every rental includes the protective equipment that comes with it, so it’s a great deal. 

One thing we can suggest is to make sure your roller blades fit you well. Make sure to try them first before using them. 

Find a pair where the tips of your toes are just against the front of the boot when you’re standing. It should be a snug fit because having a loose pair of rollerblades might cause blisters and reduce your stability. 

9. Take a stroll at Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush

Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush.is another botanical garden that we recommend. It contains over 2000 plant species and hybrids. 

The plants here include those that are from mainland New Zealand and off-shore islands. Almost everything was cultivated from their original habitats.

You won’t be able to see plants from other countries here in Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush since New Zealand botanist Dr. Cockayne has designed it so that only native species are available in this garden.

It’s a nice place to breathe fresh air and just relax. 

10. Unleash your inner kid at the Wellington Zoo

Wellington Zoo features a lot of opportunities to get close to a lot of animals including cheetahs and giraffes. You may also opt for a chance for a close encounter with meerkats, lemurs, sun bears, capybaras, giraffes, small beasts, and red pandas. 

You get to see them up close and the guide will answer all your questions about them. Plus, you get to snap a pic afterward. 

Going to the zoo is always a fun adventure no matter the age. It’s educational and enjoyable as well.

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There you have it, 10 outdoor date ideas for couples in Wellington. We hope we were able to give you fun ideas to spend quality time together. 

Did we miss out on any other fun activities in the area? Don’t hesitate to hit us up and let us know! 

By the way, check out some related articles: 

• Summer Activities in Wellington
• Indoor Activities for Young Adults in Wellington