🥾 Wellington Hike

you’re after a laid-back hike that’s super close to Wellington’s city center—and perfect for testing your Fuji’s film simulation—Te Ahumairangi Hill Reserve is a hidden gem! This trail feels like a “city escape in 15 minutes,” with easy paths, stunning harbor views, and tones that pop with the X100VI’s Protra (Protra film simulation)—every shot looks like a vintage film photo come to life. 📍 Trail Perks: Super Close & Beginner-Friendly The best part? It’s right next to Wellington’s CBD—no long drives, just a short walk or bike ride from the city center. The trail itself is 100% (beginner-friendly): mostly flat paths with gentle slopes, no tricky rocks or steep stairs. It’s the ideal spot for a post-dinner stroll—grab a coffee to go, lace up your casual shoes, and wander at your own pace. I even saw families with young kids and couples walking their dogs here—no one’s in a rush, just enjoying the fresh air and quiet away from the city’s buzz. 🏞️ Summit Lookout: Harbor & City Views in One Frame Hike up to the Lookout, and you’ll get a panoramic view that feels like a reward: the entire Wellington Harbor glistening below 🌊, with the CBD’s skyline stretching out to the horizon. On a clear day, you can even spot distant hills peeking through the clouds. This is where really shines—warm golden tones wrap around the city’s buildings, the harbor turns a soft turquoise, and the sky gets that dreamy, slightly muted blue of classic film. I stood here for 20 minutes just snapping photos: wide shots of the harbor, close-ups of the city’s rooftops, and even candid shots of other hikers pausing to admire the view—every frame felt like a keeper. I shot most photos in (Fuji JPEG straight out of the camera)—no editing needed. The Protra gave every image that “film grain + warm undertone” vibe, making my hiking photos feel like they’re from a vintage travel diary. ✨ Perfect Hike + Photography Combo This isn’t a “hike to work up a sweat”—it’s a hike to slow down, take photos, and soak in the city from a new angle. Here’s how to make the most of it: Go around golden hour (5–6 PM in summer)—the light is soft, and the Protra sim will make the views pop. Wear comfortable shoes (sneakers are fine!) and bring a small bag for your camera—no heavy gear needed. Stop often! The trail has little benches along the way—sit, sip your coffee, and wait for the perfect light to snap a shot. By the time I headed back down, my camera roll was full of Protra-tinged photos: the harbor at golden hour, a fern frond backlit by the sun, the city skyline from the lookout. It’s the kind of hike that makes you fall for Wellington all over again—easy, beautiful, and so photogenic. #NewZealand #Wellington #HikingSnapshots #EasyHikingRoute #FilmSimulation #MyPhotographyDiary #FujiCamera #FujiJPEG #FujiRecipe #Photography #CityEscapeHike