Mount Victoria, a short drive from Wellington's central business district, offers spectacular views of the capital city.

From the viewpoint at the top, visitors can see the city beneath them, the Cook Strait to the south and the harbour and Hutt Valley to the north.

Near the bottom of Mount Victoria lays the Basin Reserve sports ground and the National War Memorial, while its slopes were used to film parts of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, making it a must-see location for film fans.

Children and adventurous adults will enjoy a ride on the tyre swing at Charles Plimmer Park near the top of the mount.

Mount Victoria has several walking and mountain biking tracks, or visitors can drive or catch a bus to the viewpoint. There is plenty of free parking near the summit.

Mount Victoria Lookout is situated on Lookout Road. To reach the Lookout, drive just past Oriental Bay from the CBD and turn right into Carlton Gore Road, following the Victoria Peak Lookout brown signs as you climb a winding and steep road.