Karori offers both visitors and residents a wide variety of both indoor and outdoor activities and attractions such as Zealandia and the Makara Peak Bike Park.
Zealandia
Zealandia is Karori’s stunning wildlife sanctuary located at the entrance to Karori. Set around a picturesque reservoir, Zealandia is the world’s first fully-fenced urban eco-sanctuary with 18 species of native wildlife reintroduced.
https://www.visitzealandia.com/
Makara Peak Bike Park
Come and experience Wellington’s premier mountain biking park set in 250 hectares of regenerating native bush. With the largest trail network in the Lower North Island, Makara Peak has something for riders of all ages and abilities. Enjoy gorgeous panoramic views and a 72m swing bridge in this amazing mountain biking park, a real jewel in Karori (and Wellington’s) crown.https://makarapeak.bike/
Karori Cemetery Tour
Karori Cemetery is NZ’s second largest cemetery. Take a self guided tour (pick up a map at the office) or take part in a scheduled walking tour.
http://www.karoricemeterytour.com/
Otari Wiltons Bush
A short walk from Karori (accessible from the Karori Cemetery or Johnston’s Hill), Otari Wilton’s Bush Reserve is dedicated solely to NZ native plants. Take a guided tour or wander amongst the 11km of trails, enjoy a picnic or even a BBQ.
https://wellingtongardens.nz/our-gardens/otari-wiltons-bush/
Wrights Hill (fortress)
Best known for its fortress built in World War 2, Wrights Hill boasts an excellent lookout and a number of popular walking and biking trails. The fortress is only open to the public on (publicised) open days but you can enjoy the trails anytime.
https://wellington.govt.nz/recreation/enjoy-the-outdoors/parks-and-reserves/outer-green-belt-reserves/wrights-hill
Skyline
The Skyline Walkway is a 13.4km walkway from Makara Peak to Mount Kaukau over challenging terrain and with stunning views. There are multiple entry and exit points along the route but note there are no toilet or water facilities. Reasonable fitness is required on this undulating and at times steep walkway.
https://www.wellingtonregionaltrails.com/trails/skyline-track/
Makara Beach and Wind Farm
West Wind Farm located at Makara contains 62 wind turbines and generates enough electricity annually for 73 000 NZ homes. Meridian has created a recreational viewing area as well as walking and mountain biking tracks.
Makara Beach is a short (albeit narrow and windy) drive from Karori. A rocky beach sheltered from the Southerlies but exposed to the Northerly wind. Views from the hilltops are expansive but watch for gale-force winds on a rough day. Farmland, a beach, wind turbines and gun emplacements - enough to keep the whole family engaged.
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/wellington-kapiti/places/makara-beach-area/things-to-do/makara-walkway/
Johnston Hill Scenic Reserve
Johnston Hill is easily accessible by foot or car in central Karori. A walk to the top of the hill gives exceptional harbour views, out to Makara and over to Wrights Hill.
https://wellington.govt.nz/recreation/enjoy-the-outdoors/parks-and-reserves/outer-green-belt-reserves/johnston-hill