Top Things to do in Porirua
What to do and see in Porirua, North Island: The Best Free Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Porirua, New Zealand including Pataka Art + Museum, New Zealand Police Museum, Get Fixed Bicycle Cafe, Battle Hill Farm Forest Park, Whitireia Park, Ngati Toa Domain, Colonial Knob Walk, Porirua Harbour.
Restaurants in Porirua
1. Pataka Art + Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
A museum and art gallery only 15 minutes north of Wellington, PATAKA is dedicated to celebrating our heritage & specialises in showcasing Maori, Pacific Island, New Zealand, Asian and international contemporary art & culture. PATAKA has five main galleries with over 14 major exhibitions annually. Enjoy a coffee at the cafe while relaxing beside our Japanese garden. Be inspired, stimulate your creativity or let us tempt you with a gift from our shop.
Reviewed By JohnDeereQueen - Bay of Plenty Region, New Zealand
This is an excellent museum and art gallery for all ages. I highly recommend a visit! There is a children's play space, stunning art exhibitions which change regularly, very interesting local historical displays and high quality items for sale in the gallery. There is also a cafe on site which has friendly staff and a good selection of vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free items as well as the usual cafe items. The Porirua library with free wifi is also based in this building. Go check it out!!
2. New Zealand Police Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Free general admission, guided tours $5 adults, $3 children and senior citizens, interactive crime-solving puzzles and dress-ups for children. Toilets inside the museum, wheelchair access, parking, gift shop. 2 minute drive off State Highway 1 and 20 minute drive from central Wellington.
Reviewed By cpcog - Wellington, New Zealand
The museum is free of charge but full of interactive activities. It is suitable for everyone, from young kids to adults. You will learn a lot about nz police about history, uniform, job nature and so on. You can have self guided activity according to your age. It is interesting. The staff was very friendly and helpful. She gave us briefing about the museum and let us know what we could do, such as fingerprint machine and photo booth. There are different police uniform for guests to try! Love it! We went there on easter holiday so no paid education activities were available. It was a pity but it also gives us reasons to visit again! Before going, i contacted the museum via email. They replied quickly personally. I am impressed! There will be police dog activity in April! It should be fun! I think it is the best to drive to the museum but taking bus from wellington is ok too. Prepare about 1 hour would be enough.
3. Get Fixed Bicycle Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Eco Cafe based on Porirua's beautiful harbours edge offering delicious gourmet bagels and salads with lots of vegan options.
4. Battle Hill Farm Forest Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By Artnita - Porirua, New Zealand
I always enjoy Battle Hill park. It’s so good for so many reasons; walking, sightseeing, feed eels, swim, camp, picnic... in fact I am going again on Sunday with my church. I’m looking forward to it
5. Whitireia Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By cpcog - Wellington, New Zealand
It is a big area and the view is stunning. You better drive to explore the area. you can see rocks, large grassland, ocean and so on that you would like to capture all scene! Don't miss the point at the cliff! There are not many people on our visit. I love the quiet and peaceful atmosphere. We can see some people taking their dogs. The only problem was the strong wind. Sometimes we can't stand still. I can't have my hat secure on my head. Maybe you should find a day with mild wind if possible. You can see Mana Island from some angle. Stunning!
6. Ngati Toa Domain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
7. Colonial Knob Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By natleamy - Wellington, New Zealand
It's a hard slog going up the steps from Camp Elsdon, but boy the views from the top are worth it! The track is very sheltered from the wind and to a large extent from the rain (the canopy is very thick), so you can do the walk in most weather. On windy days, take a jacket as the top is very exposed and the wind can be chilly up there.
