Top 10 Things To Do In Porirua, New Zealand

1. Explore the cultural exhibits at Pātaka Art + Museum

Located right at the town centre of Porirua, on Parumoana Street, Pātaka Art + Museum is a place full of an unconscious burst of creativity. It is always encouraged to stop by during your free time and discover the latest exhibition of local art, join art classes, and learn more about the local history throug a very informative local. When you are done exploring the museum, be sure to stop by the gift store which has beautifully crafted jewellery, art and souvenirs that you can take back home as a gift. If you plan your trip on the second-last Sunday of the month, you can experience Pātaka Art + Museum market and grab local artistic souvenirs.

Pātaka Art + Museum

Address: 17 Parumoana St, Porirua 5022, New Zealand

Website: Pātaka Art + Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 4:30pm

Price: Free entry

2. Enjoy exclusive shopping at Porirua Saturday Market

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Porirua Saturday Market is held every Saturday at Waitangirua Mall carpark, from 4am to 12pm. The market is known for ethnic food, fancy clothing, bric-a-brac and fresh produce. Normally, the admission is free but the stalls may charge a small fee. It began as a small car boot sale at Ferry Place in 1977. By 1986, it was taken over by the Lions Club of Titahi Bay and has since been run by this body.

Porirua Saturday Market

Address: Niagara St, Waitangirua, Porirua 5024, New Zealand

Website: Porirua Night Market

Opening hours: Sat : 4am - 12pm (closed from Sun - Fri)

3. Test your bravery at Adrenalin Forest

If you want to find out just how brave you are, head to Adrenalin Forest. Here, you will be able to hire a GoPro and spend three hours, 31 m (101.7 ft) from the ground, hopping from one tree to another or just feeling the zeal of weightlessness on a swing. All activities at Adrenalin Forest are safe thanks to the state-of-the-art equipment and the professional instructors. When you get tired, you can head to the Gear Homestead, a nearby café where you can fascinate each other about your escapade over coffee or something stronger. This activity is perfect for both adults and children at the age of 10 and above.

Adrenalin Forest

Address: Okowai Rd, Aotea, Porirua 5022, New Zealand

Website: Adrenalin Forest

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: 38 USD (Adults); 30 USD (Children)

4. Drop by New Zealand Police Museum

Originally named as Scotland Yard’s Black Museum and founded in 1908, New Zealand Police Museum is located in Royal New Zealand college in Porirua and it is home to various exhibits of New Zealand criminal cases and the cultural properties of the New Zealand Police. It includes memorials of officers who were killed in action and worn-out technology. Apart from the exhibits, the museum also offers educational programs that are suitable for all ages. Come along with your kids and learn more about the country’s infamous crimes. Even though the admission is free, please note that extra services such as educative programs and tours are chargeable.

New Zealand Police Museum

Address: Royal New Zealand Police College/Papakowhai Road, Papakowhai, Porirua 5024, New Zealand

Website: New Zealand Police Museum

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

5. Hike to the summit at Colonial Knob

If you love hiking, Colonial Knob is one of those trails you have to try out whenever you are in Porirua, New Zealand. Colonial Knob is a 468 metres (511 yards) peak that offers scenic views of Wellington for anyone who dares to reach the top. The trail is rated as difficult, therefore, you will need good cardiovascular endurance to reach the top. Please note that the trail gets slippery especially during the raining days due to loose rocks. Always be cautious when coming back down the hill. Colonial Knob is also the perfect destination to enjoy cycling, running, and dog walking.

Colonial Knob

Address: Broken Hill Road Colonial Knob Scenic Reserve, Porirua, New Zealand

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

6. Indulge in delicious grub at Peppermill

If you are a foodie, you should definitely try out the food scene here. From food truck treats to fantastic café, all have a surprise for you. One of the spots you have to check whenever you are here is Peppermill café. The café features comfy booth seating that makes the restaurant feel more homely. Always drop by with your kids, you will love watching them enjoy the kid’s menu. Please remember that even though street parking is available nearby, the café does not offer a parking space.

Peppermill

Address: 4 Norrie Street, Porirua City Centre, Porirua 5022, New Zealand

Website: Peppermill

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 4pm

7. Delve into history at Museum of New Zealand

Museum of New Zealand, known by the locals as Te Papa Tongarewa is the place to be if you are looking forward to learning more about New Zealand in one building. Located on the waterfront of Wellington, is home to most of New Zealand’s treasures that revolves around the countries culture, its fascinating history, the natural environment and the country’s dynamic art history. One of the exhibits that will blow your mind is the Gallipoli which was designed with the help of Weta Workshop. Please note a safe parking space is not guaranteed but the general admission to the museum is free.

Museum of New Zealand

Address: 55 Cable St, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Website: Museum of New Zealand

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

8. Take lessons at New Zealand Photography Workshop

It does not matter if you are a professional or not, New Zealand Photography Workshop is the one place you should always go if you are looking forward to improving your skills. Unlike other photography workshops, this one specializes in wildlife, landscape and nature photography. It focuses on enhancing your overall photography skills, to do that, you will be taken to some awesome destination in New Zealand such as the pristine bays of the National Park coastline. To make sure you grab every single information given to you, the owners always ensure that you travel in small groups making it easy for one-on-one advice.

New Zealand Photography Workshop

Address: Unit 22/4 Northpoint Street, Plimmerton, Porirua 5026, New Zealand

Website: New Zealand Photography Workshop

9. Relax on the beaches of Ngati Toa Domain

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Located 30 minutes’ drive north of Wellington, Ngati Toa Domain is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon. Here you will be able to enjoy several activities such as yachting, swimming, fishing, or playing beach volleyball, soccer, rugby, cricket, or just basking in the sun. The destination also has an area set aside for camping and picnics, it is partially sheltered and features benches and picnic tables. This is the perfect place to take a break from your road trip and watch your children have fun on the beach as you enjoy your glass of wine while mingling with other parents. A safe parking space is available.

Ngati Toa Domain

Address: Paremata, Porirua 5026, New Zealand

Website: Ngati Toa Domain

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

10. Buy a unique souvenir at Village Gifts

If you are almost done with your visit and you want to check out a collection of souvenirs, drop by Village Gifts. It is located at a strategic point at the heart of Porirua and features an outstanding collection of New Zealand-based souvenirs of different varieties and qualities. Apart from amazing souvenirs, Village Gifts also has friendly staff who are always ready to help. The only negative is that purposely or mistakenly the souvenirs are arranged in an uninteresting layout, you will have to dig deeper if you want to take something special back home.

Village Gifts

Address: North City Shopping Centre Village Gifts, Suite 124/2 Titahi Bay Road, Porirua City Centre, Porirua 5022, New Zealand

Opening hours: Mon - Wed, Fri: 9:30am - 5pm; Thu: 9am - 9pm; Sat: 9:30am - 5:30pm; Sun: 10:30am - 5pm

Come and discover all the charms of Porirua

It does not matter what brings you to New Zealand, you will have plenty to see and do here. In case you run out on what to do, check out the list above. Have a fantastic vacation ahead!