Wellington is the best city in the world for walking. I may be biased but it is so close to the sea, the mountains and the city that you can really explore.

Hope everyone has been having a good first week back at work. Yep, not mine but first full week so kind of the same. Now is about the time where you start staring outside, wishing you were still on holiday.

While I can't give you that luxury, I can suggest some ways to hang onto Summer. One way is to go and walk after work. My favourite walks are mostly close to the city (I will do a weekend walks post if you guys would like to see what I enjoy further afield). I am an urban girl at heart and I just like being able to sling on my active wear, meet a bud outside the Embassy Theatre and hit the pavement.

Why walking? It is a great way to shift weight while relaxing and drinking in beautiful surroundings. You can talk as you go which mean a walk is a great way to catch up with someone you don’t see enough. Also, it is tough to check your phone on the go so why not leave it at home altogether? For those of you wanting to make 2017 a less digital centric year, starting with leaving the old iPhone at home on a walk is a great place to start.

My Fav City Walks in Wellington

1. Mount Victoria

Mount Victoria is the walk of choice for the Wellingtonian. With many entrances, such as on Majorie Banks St, Oriental Bay, Roseneath and Newtown, walking through Mount Victoria is a chance to experience Welly’s natural beauty, stunning views and iconic filming locations (if I had a penny for every time someone yelled ‘Get Off The Road!!”…). When I walk up Mount Victoria, I like to get my proper lame-ass trainers on. You really are committing to a bit of dust and some steep hills, but really as much as it kicks your ass you feel awesome afterwards. I recommend heading all the way to Newtown, hitting up the Ramen Noodle shop and then walking down Adelaide Road home (total time - varies - 20 minutes - 2 hours).

2. Central Park

This is one of my favourite dog walking spots and with good reason. Take a brisk trot up Cuba Street and turn onto upper Willis and you’ll find Central Park at the bottom of Brooklyn Hill. Formerly considered a bit ‘rapey’, it was done up several years ago and is almost never chocka. This gives it the feeling of being in someone’s rambling private estate. I like to walk all the way up to the secret playground, then onto the Brooklyn Hill. From there, you’ll wander down the road to Aro Valley. It is quite sheltered so make sure you prepare for some unexpected mud (total time - 1 hour).

3. Wellington Botanical Gardens

While I may not win any prizes for originality on this one, what would a walk in Wellington be without the majestic walks of the Botanical Gardens. From the Rose Gardens around Kelburn to the exciting Summer Concerts currently on in the Soundshell off Tinakori Road, there is so much to explore. Make sure you see the tulips in October, visit the duck pond (which has free feed if you get there early enough) and the playground. This place is the stuff of childhood memories for me, a kid who went to Kelburn Normal Primary school. Bark, swings and endless flora will make for a fun afternoon full of discovery.

4. Brooklyn Windmill

What is more iconic to Wellington than the Brooklyn Windmill? Drive to the top of Brooklyn Hill and go walk through the winding tracks that cover the hills surrounding our city. This is one you want to leave plenty of time for, so make it a Saturday or Sunday where you just want to unplug. While it can be windy up there, the views are to die for and with a pod cast or spotify playlist, it can be a fab way to spend some quiet time, reflecting on life and Welly.

5. Otari Wilton Bush

This is great walk if you want to feel like you are in fern gully. Located up past Croften Downs and between Wadestown and Kerri, Otari bush is a lush green paradise. Again, it pays to dress appropriately as it can get muddy. Walk down to the damn, have a picnic in the clearing or simply admire the native bird life. Otari is a bit further out, but worth the mission.

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