Wellington: The Wild Calls

Wellington, New Zealand, situated at the southern end of the North Island and nestled between green hills and a sparkling harbour, is home to a number of nature and wildlife experiences, ranging from eco-sanctuaries to kiwi spotting, among which are situated close to the city center.

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Rimutaka Forest Park is a 22,000-hectare park that encompasses almost all of the Rimutaka Range. Beech forests cover most of the area, with many other native trees growing in the lower elevations. A variety of native birds such as bellbirds and honeycreepers live in the park, as well as animals such as horse deer, alpine goats, wild boars and possums. It is not only popular with hikers of all ages, but is also a must-see for those who come to New Zealand for hunting. There are also forest cabins in the park, allowing visitors to experience true forest-style living. 

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Zealandia is an award-winning eco-sanctuary, as well as a home to native birds and tuatara. The predator-free islands, constituted of New Zealand's most rare and extraordinary wildlife, restore a Wellington valley's forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to their pre-human state and allow immersive hikes through native bush, as well as night time kiwi spotting tours in the wild.

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Wairarapa, a rural area with an off-the-beaten-track charm, offers a wide range of experiences, where the whole vista there opens up before you, bush-clad ranges to the west across flat plains to a rugged coast on the east. Head up to the Waiohine Gorge at the foot of the Tararuas for tramping tracks into the ranges or head out to Cape Palliser on the coast for inner peace away from the hustle and bustle.