While in Wellington, consider visiting Aro Valley, a hilly green suburb in the Te Aro district. The bumpy topography of this area formed as a result of fault activity. Now it is a quaint region filled with narrow alleys, leafy parks, quaint cafés and a main street of restaurants and shops. Hike along trails leading up the grassy mounds and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains.
Stroll through Aro Park at the center of the district on a sunny day and set up a picnic for your family and friends. Sit at a bench and read a book or join a sports game on the sloping field.
Play basketball in the Palmer Street Play Area and attend an event at the Aro Valley Community Centre. A little west, the principal avenue of Aro Valley has a range of cafés and bars. Browse the jewelry and fashion stores among the street’s many shops.
Continue west to Polhill Gully, where British troops stationed in the 1840s during a battle with Māori communities. The area is today known as Polhill Reserve, containing nature trails for trekkers, joggers and cyclists. Rest at one of the picnic tables and pay your respects at the Aro Valley War Memorial, which commemorates the fallen from World War I and World War II.
Follow the scenic Brooklyn Wind Turbine Route and climb to the top of its grassy mounds. From here, you can see as far as the Pacific Ocean, with much of the rest of Wellington spread out before it.
The district of Aro Valley skirts the western edge of Te Aro in the southwestern corner of Wellington. It stands between the areas of The Glen, Highbury and Brooklyn. Travel by bus to one of the stops along the main avenue or simply walk west from the center of Te Aro for about 15 minutes. Drive south from the Wellington railway station for less than 10 minutes to get here.
Aro Valley is a leafy community, whose walking trails provide stunning views.
