Waterfall Walks

Aaron and I took a day trip to hike to some waterfalls in Belmont Regional Park and Percy's Scenic Reserve. Both parks are located just a short train ride away in the Wellington region.

We picked up some wine and cheese and headed to the Hutt Valley.

Start of the hike at Belmont

Aaron stepping into the very cold water

Perfect lighting in the little valley

Those aren't trees, they're native giant Silver Ferns

Having some lunch

A Weta cave with hundreds of Wetas at Percy's Scenic Reserve

Wetas are basically really big grasshopper like bugs that love the dark

Waterfall at Percy's Scenic Reserve

Miramar

Wellington is also known for is strong winds

Miramar is an Eastern suburb of Wellington. It is most famously known for housing the post production studios of Peter Jackson; Weta Digital, Weta Workshop, Park Road Post, and Stone Street Studios. It also has some amazing bays and some great downhill bike runs. 

Top of Maupuia Park where the bike runs start

Aaron and I decided to take a walk around Miramar and see what we could find. First we stopped at the Weta Workshop and visited the gift shop and mini museum. We decided to not take the $50 tour. Afterwards we hiked to the top of Maupuia Park to see some of the crazy downhill bike runs. My friend Sam frequents these runs and promises to take me down them one of these days.

At the top of Miramar looking South to Cooks Strait

The old Wellington Prison, closed for a few years now

The former prison garden...

...is now a community garden and art park

People write thoughts and hopes and hang them from lines

Godzone is another nickname for New Zealand

Walking around the Miramar bays