We meet at Te Papa and soon leave the bustle behind, winding our way through our lush forest towards the 196-metre summit of Mount Victoria.

Taking the scenic route on foot, we move at a relaxed, immersive pace - enough to breathe in the fresh air, hear the birdsong, and enjoy the dappled light filtering through the canopy. It’s a chance to step away from the rush and truly connect with Wellington.

Along the way, we pass through iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations (though this is not a LOTR tour) and share stories, landmarks, and insights about life in Te Whanganui-a-Tara.

We then descend towards the north-facing beaches passing the historic St Gerard's monastery and continuing down to Oriental Bay. From there, it’s a gentle stroll back into the city, where we finish with a well-earned drink of your choice.

© WellingtonNZ, Jeff McEwan