Called as the ‘Coolest Little Capital of the World’ by Lonely Planet, Wellington offers a plethora of options for the adventure and outdoor sports lovers. Like the rest of New Zealand, Wellington in North Island too boasts of natural riches, whether it is the Oriental Bay or the Makara Peak track. However, it is the sports aficionados who find the most joy on a visit to this city.
1. Westpac Stadium – Sports aficionados can catch their favorite team in action, at this grand stadium, whether they follow rugby, cricket or A-league football.
• The Westpac Stadium with its great facilities is the home stadium for Super Rugby Hurricanes. If you are a rugby fan, you can visit the stadium to witness many different levels of contests, whether it is the All Blacks’ international rugby matches or the IRB Sevens World Series.
• The stadium is also the home team for Wellington Firebirds, the local cricket team. Black Caps, the national cricket team, play here at least once a year too, against tourist sides.
• Wellington Phoenix FC, the soccer club, also plays their home matches at this stadium.
• The stadium with 84 square meter replay screen, 4 light towers and fully enclosed seating can hold nearly 35000 people.
2. Berhampore Golf Course – Golf lovers can get their kits, avail Wellington car hire services and ride to 570 Adelaide Road in Berhampore, where there is a beautiful golf course next to the Wakefield Park.
• The course is a 4km drive from the central city.
• It is an 18-hole, tree-lined golf course near Town Belt’s edge.
• Clubhouse facilities are available at Mornington Golf Club.
3. Counter Ops – If you are travelling with a group of friends, Wellington car hire services can be availed to drive down to Western Hutt Road where you can indulge in a special tactical game that has a mix of fun and adventure.
• Real Action Markers are used along with Counter Terrorism techniques.
• There is training offered in basic skills of special forces.
• A minimum of 6 and maximum of 10 players can participate in this activity.
4. Horse Riding Academy – Wellington is not just about regular games like rugby and soccer. One can also indulge in horse riding at different levels.
• You can drive to Ohariu Valley Road in Johnsonville to learn the art of horseback riding on Saturday and Sunday.
• There are excellent and well-bred horses for all levels
• You can choose between a single 2 hour trek and 3 half-hour treks
• There are also team building activities involved.
5. Water sports – Adventure sports enthusiasts can also drive down to Centennial Highway, Ngauranga for canoeing and kayaking.
• Kayak trips combined with team building activities are organized by tour operators
• There are instructional kayak courses as well for those who want to indulge in water based kayaking activities.
Wellington is the hub of a lot of outdoor sports activities. Sports aficionados can hire a car and explore different sports academies and stadiums to enjoy regular sports events of their choice, whether it is high profile games or training for water and mountain based sports.
