Great news - the Escarpment Track is reopening this Saturday (23 Oct) after being closed for a number of weeks. Just in time for the long weekend! There are loads of epic day trips around the Wellington region to explore. Have you ticked all these off your list? 1) Escarpment Track, Porirua/Kāpiti Coast 2) Castlepoint, Wairarapa 3) Pencarrow Coast & Lighthouse, Hutt Valley 4) Kaitoke Regional Park, Hutt Valley 5) Red Rocks, Wellington City 6) Mt Rangituhi/Colonial Knob, Porirua Check out our full list of ultimate day trips via the link in our bio!

Did you know Wellington's Southern Walkway stretches all the way from Oriental Bay to Island Bay? 📍Southern Walkway, Wellington 📍Walk the Town Belt from Oriental Bay to Island Bay 📍4-5 hour walk, or tackle it in sections If you're up for the adventure, start from Oriental Bay (grab a coffee first to fuel up!), then climb to the top of Mount Victoria to enjoy spectacular views from the summit. From there descend through Sinclair Park to The Esplanade, and continue along the coastline of Taputeranga Marine Reserve to finish in Island Bay for a well-deserved gelato. Check out a map, elevation profile and more info to plan your walk through the link in bio 🥾 📸 @jayfrench

Have you ever explored Kapiti Island? One of New Zealand's most important nature reserves, this month marks 25 years of the island being predator-free. On the island you'll encounter kākā, kererū, takahē and even hear the haunting call of the kōkako, thanks to a successful breeding season and recent translocations of the rare birds earlier this year. From bush walking to snorkelling or sea kayaking, a trip to Kapiti Island will take you on an epic island sanctuary adventure. Visitor numbers are limited and trips quickly sell out so make sure you book! Find out more at www.kapiticoastnz.com/a-new-side-to-kapiti

How epic is this shot by @golden_hour_gram! 📍Te Ara Tirohanga, Remutaka Hill Rd SH2 📍30min walk 📍170m climb to the trig The trig track is a short climb to these stunning views on the northern crest of the Remutaka range. On a clear day, you can see out to southern Wairarapa including Lake Wairarapa, Aorangi mountains and Pakuratahi Forest. 😍 Allow some time for this adventure next time you’re heading over the Remutakas!

Did you know there’s a stunning stand of nīkau palms in Kāpiti? The shady bush walk leads up through 11 acres of remnant nīkau to panoramic views of Kāpiti Coast. 📍 Barry Hadfield Nīkau Reserve, Kāpiti Coast 📍30 min return track to the panoramic view (100m climb) 📍5 min lower loop track suitable for wheelchairs and buggies 📷 Nicole Mouat

This view never gets old! 😍 With its classic views of Wellington hilltops and harbour, and the South Island on a clear day, Mount Kaukau is a Wellington favourite for both locals and visitors. But did you know Mount Kaukau summit is part of both the Skyline and Northern Walkways? Next time you’re heading up Mount Kaukau, why not venture further? These 🔥 images by @jayfrench

We're so excited to explore the region’s trails again and visit our friends at @wgtncc @greaterwellington @discoverporirua @kapiticoastdistrictcouncil @huttvalleynz @wairarapa. To celebrate being at Level 2 — we're encouraging you to join us, and we're giving away two $150 Prezzy Cards to boot. GIVEAWAY CLOSED To enter the draw: 👉 Tag a friend in the comments and name the Wellington trail you want to explore together 👉 Join our Find Your Wild Facebook Group (link in bio) 👉 Every tag is a new entry Entries close Wednesday 15 September at 7pm. Winners will be drawn and notified on Thursday 16 September. Open to NZ residents only. This giveaway is not affiliated, endorsed or administered by Facebook or Instagram. Remember to keep a 2-metre distance, wear a face-covering if possible, and if available, keep a record of your locations visited. Stay safe 💛

It’s Conservation Week! 💚 Conservation Week (4-12 September) is a time to celebrate and enjoy nature, and it’s super easy to get involved this year! It can be as simple as taking a moment to listen to a birdsong, taking a walk with the whānau or giving back and signing up to volunteer in your area. Read about father and son duo, Richard & Chester, who have been volunteering for @conservationvolunteers_wgtn - link in bio #ConservationWeek #fathersday

How stunning is this shot @nici_earthchild took yesterday from the top of Mt Rangituhi / Colonial Knob Walkway! The best way to kick off spring. ☀️ Mt Rangituhi winds its way from the Camp Elsdon car park up to the Rangituhi Lookout, or you can access the top of the trail from Te Ara Utiwai trail or Farm Road. You'll pass through the Porirua Scenic Reserve full of regenerating native forest, and at the top you'll be rewarded with this stunning view across the region! We hope you and your bubble are enjoying the sun this week. Check out the updated 'Wellington Trails in your Bubble' guide in our bio for info about outdoor activities and the trails still closed at Alert Level 3. Stay safe! 💛

Happy #internationaldogday from us and our friend Lola! Lola is @wairarapa’s newest employee, documenting her adventures around the Wairarapa region. Wherever you are, make sure you treat your special pal today and show us your dogs enjoying Wellington! Image: Jet Productions

How are you doing, trail lovers?   We're all living different lockdown lives and have eyes on different parts of our beautiful region.   If you're looking for some ways to make the most of the trails on your doorstep, check out the 'Wellington Trails in your Bubble' guide in our bio.   While we can't get out exploring right now, you can still enjoy the amazing trails in your local neighbourhood for a breath of fresh air and physically distanced walks.   We'd love to see your lockdown adventures. Tag us or use the hashtag #WellingtonNZlockdown to share with other Wellingtonians! 📷 @jayfrench

Who's been up Te Ara a Rangituhi / Colonial Knob before? It's well worth the hike to the top for that view. 📷: @aotearoawanderer