Wellington / Local Escapes

Local Escapes Near Wellington

The best weekend getaways and short escapes near Wellington — curated road trips, beach breaks & nature stays worth packing for.

Highlights

Food & Drink

The 2026 Wellington An A Plate Lineup Just Dropped, Here Are Our Hot Picks For 2026

For the month of August, Visa Wellington on a Plate turns the capital city into a gastornomical adventure. From pop-ups from acclaimed internatonal chefs like pitmaster Rodney Scott, to Auckland's Pici popping up in Poneke for two nights, outlandish themed dinners and intimate meals with growers and makers, WOAP once again brings all things wonderful to Welly.

A gorgeous wooden table sits outside this peaceful Hokotika stay for outdoor, beachside dining

Local Escapes

17 Dreamy Beach House Airbnbs In New Zealand To Book In 2026

NZ boasts some seriously gorgeous beaches and some of the best Airbnbs right by the water.

Local Escapes

Wellington Is The Cultural Capital You Can Actually Do In A Weekend

If you’ve got 48 hours and a curiosity for art, music, film and performance, this is your sign to make a beeline for Wellington.

Rest Of The Best

Food & Drink

How Our Editor Spends Golden Hour In Wellington

There’s a moment in Wellington when the day starts to soften and the city shifts gears. For our editor, this is Wellington at its best.

Sea views from the window of a cliff-side Wellington airbnb.

Local Escapes

25 Of The Best Wellington Airbnbs For An Unforgettable City Vacay

Brimming with vibrancy, and some of the best coffee you'll find in the country, Wellington boasts a selection of Airbnb stays that'll take your visit (and your Instagram) to the next level.

On The Point Lake View

Local Escapes

Hot Pools, Long Lunches And Lakeside Views: Here’s How To Spend 72 Hours In Rotorua

Swap your waterproof jacket for a robe and hiking boots for slippers, here’s how to spend a stress-free 72 hours in Aotearoa’s geothermal heart.

A stunning Airbnb overlooks the sea.

Local Escapes

25 Of The Best Airbnbs In New Zealand To Lock In For 2026

From rolling valleys to dense native forest and cliffs overlooking black sand beaches, we've found the most jaw-dropping Airbnbs across New Zealand that you can book for a getaway.

Food & Drink

The Capital Culinary Crawl: 48 Hours Of Wellington’s Best Eats

From small batch spirits and sweet treats to world-class coffee and fine dining that'll mesmerise eyes and taste buds alike, consider this your guide to 48 hours of seriously good kai.

Travel

SailGP And Harbour-Side Stays: Our Team’s Insider Guide To An Auckland Long Weekend

We’ve rounded up our crew's tried-and-tested favourites so you can skip the guesswork and dive straight into an epic Auckland getaway.

Local Escapes

10 Of The Best Martinborough Wineries To Sip At

Martinborough wineries make a serious splash in New Zealand's vino scene. So it's fair to say that this renowned Wairarapa wine region should be high on your sip list. Here's our top 10 picks.

Local Escapes

Your 2026 Guide To Akaroa

Quaint streets, sparkling harbour views, and a vibe so chill you'll toss up selling everything you own and never returning home: Here's your essential 2026 guide on where to eat, play, and stay in lovely old Akaroa.

Local Escapes

Your Guide To Euro-Style Road Trippin’—Minus The Long-Haul Flight

We’ve uncovered a luxurious lineup of local road trips that feel like a slice of Italy, the Alps and beyond.

Local Escapes

The Best Walks And Hikes In Wellington

As the saying goes, you can’t beat Wellington on a good day–and there's no better way to enjoy it than on foot.

Camping under the starry sky, Aorangi Forest Park, Wairarapa, New Zealand.

Local Escapes

7 Best Camp Sites Around Wellington For You To Connect With Nature

In the pursuit of serenity, we’ve found some of the best camping spots in and around Wellington. Whether you’re a tent-pitcher or glamping only type, there’s something for you, check out these epic camping spots.

More Wellington Tips

Where To Eat

Where To Stay

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