6 Best Sights in Greater Wellington, Wellington and the Wairarapa

This sprawling tipple-town and entertainment center is an embodiment of a sunny summer's afternoon feeling, all conveniently within walking distance of Upper Hutt train station. Four award-winning breweries and a whisky distillery are spread around a large green of picnic tables, the perfect place to sip and enjoy the vast menus of elevated bar food. Guided tours are a great way to get a behind-the-scenes look and taste of the best in town. All five senses, not just taste, are stimulated at Brewtown: it has a go-kart raceway, axe-throwing, knife-making classes, an ice-skating rink, a ten-pin bowling alley, a large trampoline park, an indoor paintball field, and a multiplayer VR gaming station. Essentially a massive playground, Brewtown is incredibly family-friendly, so everyone can join the fun.

The innovative designers and effects wizards at Wētā have brought many high-profile movies to life. At Wētā Cave, you get a fascinating "behind the scenes look" detailing the characters and equipment used in special effects for the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit series, Avatar, King Kong, and many other award-winning films. Memorabilia (think models, limited-edition sculptures, books, posters, and T-shirts) is sold at the on-site shop. The workshop tour showcases original props, costumes, and the artists at work. You can also pre-book special interactive workshops to try your hand at sculpting, leatherworking, special effects make-up, and even making chain mail.

Near Petone, this museum stages a changing array of exhibitions—including ones focused on extraordinary jewelry, fashion, photography, and ceramics—that showcase the creativity of New Zealand's artisans.

From Petone, a winding road leads south about 10 km (6 miles) to the suburb of Eastbourne. Have an alfresco bite in its tiny shopping area before driving on to where the road eventually transforms into a 4-km (2½-mile) walking trail, following the coast to Pencarrow Head and its lighthouse, with views across the strait. There's a kiosk where you can rent a bike; for more adventure, Wildfinder in Days Bay has kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and bikes for rent.

From Upper Hutt, continuing north on State Highway 2 takes you to the Wairarapa region, but if you have time to spare, stop into Kaitoke Regional Park, just beyond Upper Hutt. It's a great camping and picnic spot with pleasant walks by the river. Lord of the Rings lovers can check out the corner of the forest that stood in for Rivendell, the great homeland of the elves. Trails, varying from 15-minute ambling loops to 3-hour hiking routes, all follow sections of the crystal-clear river, flanked by towering trees and native birdsong.

A 15-minute drive north of Wellington on State Highway 2—with magnificent harbor views all the way—leads you to the Hutt Valley and its namesake river. The Petone Esplanade, on the eastern side of the town's harbor, has good fishing from the wharf and is overlooked by houses clinging to steep, bush-clad hills. On the waterfront, visit the small but interesting Petone Settlers Museum. Housed in the historic Wellington Provincial Centennial Memorial building, the free museum stands near the 1840 landing site of New Zealand's first organized European settlement. Nearby, Jackson Street is home to many boutique shops and eateries.