Wellington's south coast and bays drive

Wellington has one of the world's great natural harbours, and a drive (or bike ride) around the bays and the wild south coast shows it off. Start at the waterfront and Oriental Bay, the city's beach, and drive up Mt Victoria for a 360-degree view of the city and harbour. Then follow Marine Drive around the Miramar Peninsula, past sheltered swimming beaches such as Scorching Bay and the old gun emplacements at Point Halswell.

On the rugged south coast, Lyall Bay is the surf beach, and Island Bay has a marine reserve with a snorkel trail around Taputeranga Island. At Owhiro Bay, the road ends at the start of the Red Rocks walk, where fur seals haul out from May to October. On a clear day you can see the snow-capped Kaikōura mountains across Cook Strait. Stop for a picnic or one of the cafés along the way.

The full loop is about 30 km.