As the saying goes, you can’t beat Wellington on a good day. Vouched as the most walkable city in Aotearoa New Zealand and with hilly streets at every turn, it’s the Welly way of life for those on their daily commute to work or uni. Grab your sunscreen, put your laces on and get your heart racing with our top picks for the best walks in this city.
Here are our picks for the best walks in Wellington.
Mount Victoria Lookout Walkway
Mount Victoria
Fondly referred to as “Mount Vic,” Mount Victoria or Matairangi has arguably the best views of the city. It’s a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, with varying trails (and mountain bike trails) to test your fitness (or breathlessness) levels. Don’t worry, the view is worth every step—the last slog up the pine-covered hill will take you to stunning 360 degree views looking out into the harbour, airport and the rolling hills in the distance.
THE DETAILS
Distance: 2.6 or 4.6 kilometres (Majoribanks Street or Bayview Terrace for the shorter loop, and from Courtney Place for the round trip)
Walking Time: 45mins, 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Varies
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
53 Waiapu Road, Karori
This sanctuary out in Karori is home to 225 hectares of regenerating native forest and birdlife, and is the world’s first fully fenced eco sanctuary. Zealandia is open every day except for Christmas Day, with a variety of guided walking tours including their popular Zealandia By Night (where you might be able to spot a kiwi or two). They also have guided dawn, day and twilight walks available, as well as general admission so you can explore at your own pace. With bridges, a dam and lots of native birds flitting through the trees, this is the perfect forest bath getaway while still being in the city. Family-friendly and a fun day out for all ages, this “urban island” is a tick off the Welly walks bucket list.
THE DETAILS
Distance: 32km worth of tracks
Walking Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Red Rocks Coastal Walk
Owhiro Bay
Image credit: Red Rocks (Owhiro Bay) | Vicki Young
Enjoy that salty breeze and make your way to Red Rocks to experience the rugged and wild South Coast of Welly. Starting off at the carpark (make sure you grab a coffee and snack from The Beach House and Kiosk on the way there to fuel up for your big trek). This walk has some pretty challenging terrain, with rocky shores and a steep hike up to Sinclair Head or Te Rimurapa (also known as the Devil’s Gate) so pack some sturdy shoes and a warm jacket. On Sundays, this walk is closed off to walkers and brave mountain bikers (the other days you may see a fair bit of four-wheel-driving as the gate opens for vehicle access). Spot the two historic baches along the way, and stunning views of the South Island in the distance. Catch the seals when they come to rest at this old Māori settlement site (mainly during May to August but give them space, they can get grumpy.)
THE DETAILS
Distance: 7.4km
Walking Time: 2-3 hours return
Difficulty: Medium to Hard (especially in winter)
Mt Kaukau Summit
Woodmancote Road and Simla Crescent in Khandallah, Sirsi Terrace in Broadmeadows, Truscott Avenue in Johnsonville
As the most visible and highest point in Wellington, the hike along Wellington’s Northern and Skyline walkways to Mount Kaukau opens up to views across Wellington, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Tararua Ranges and the distant South Island. Spot Wellington’s main TV transmitter at the very top—you can’t miss it. Enjoy the hilly walk up with lots of native birds and bush, wide paths and under a canopy of trees, plus the odd bench seat if you need to have a breather. The incredible views at the top are definitely an incentive to keep going (trust us, it’s worth it!). Go early, as the sun sets behind the city from the peak, and the hills can get dark quickly.
THE DETAILS
Distance: 3-4km (depending on the entrance taken)
Walking Time: 1-2 hours (depending on where you start)
Difficulty: Medium
Fort Ballance
Fort Ballance Road, Miramar Peninsula
Built back in the day to protect the city during the wars, these old bunkers are now covered in graffiti and a fun walk through the tunnels to explore the different lookouts. As some of the oldest concrete buildings in New Zealand, you can also explore the other bunkers behind Massey Memorial (in Shelly Bay) or at Wrights Hill Fortress (Karori). Open anytime, bring a torch and wear covered shoes. During the summer, head down to Scorching Bay afterwards for a dip in the bay and an ice cream at Scorch-a-Rama.
THE DETAILS
Distance: 2km
Walking Time: 10 minutes (park the car at the gate)
Difficulty: Easy
Wellington Writers Walk
Along Lambton Harbour to Oriental Bay (Wellington Waterfront)
Image credit: Wellington Writers Walk | Facebook
Opened in 2002 during the New Zealand Post Writers and Readers Week, this inner-city walk showcases 23 typographical sculptures from New Zealand writers, poets, novelists and playwrights. From Patricia Grace to Bill Manhire, there are so many inspirational and thoughtful snippets transformed into typographical sculptures by New Zealand’s award-winning designers. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the waterfront and relish in the words as you explore the waterfront to find each piece amongst the sea breeze.
THE DETAILS
Distance: Approx. 3km (Chaffers Marina to Frank Kitts Park, and the City to Sea Bridge)
Walking Time: 1-1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Mākara Walkway
1099 Makara Road, Mākara Beach
Check out the Meridian energy wind turbines at this Department of Conservation (DOC) managed loop track, and bring your windbreaker—it’ll definitely be gusty. Only a 30 minutedrive from the city, the walk starts and ends at Makara Beach, going through coastal paths and farmland (parts of the track may be closed off during August-September for lambing season). As you walk past the gun emplacements that mark Fort Opau, you’ll see views of Mana and Kāpiti Island, and the South Island in the distance. After the massive walk uphill (and if you’re feeling brave) go for a dip in the sheltered parts along the beach, then perch up on a piece of driftwood with your thermos and packed lunch.
Side note: For those who are up for a bit more adventure of the mountain bike variety, Mākara is also famous for their epic mountain bike park, Mākara Peak. Walking is permitted, but riders get first priority so jump on ya bike and whizz through a 72m long suspension bridge amongst regenerating native bush—and soak in the best panoramic views.
THE DETAILS
Distance: 7km
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Escarpment Track
Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay
A one-hour train ride (or drive) from Wellington will take you to this “Stairway to Heaven,” where approximately 1,200 steps will take you across sweeping Kāpiti coastline views, with two swing bridges and through native forest as you reach Pukerua Bay. Part of Aotearoa’s Te Araroa Trail, this track is exhilarating and not for the faint-hearted or those who are scared of heights (you may get a little vertigo when you look down from over 200m above sea level!). Bring warm clothes, water, plenty of snacks, and your camera too.
THE DETAILS
Distance: 10km
Walking Time: 4 hours (allow half a day)
Difficulty: Hard
Mātiu / Somes Island
Image credit: Mātiu/Somes Island | Vicki Young
A predator-free historical and scientific reserve owned by local iwi (Taranaki Whānui) and managed by DOC, this island is pretty special as a sanctuary to native animals such as tuatara, kakariki, North Island robin, little blue penguins and weta. Take the ferry which runs between Queens Wharf and Days Bay, and check your belongings to make sure they are pest-free. Once you’ve gone through biosecurity checks, you can take the Bullock Track, walking through the forest to reach the centre of the island, or check out the WWII gun emplacements at the top of the island. The Loop Track is slightly longer, checking out the remains of old quarantine sites and the lighthouse. Don’t forget to take all your rubbish back with you to keep the island clean and predator-free.
Note that the island is currently closed due to rebuilding of the wharf and set to open again late November 2024.
THE DETAILS
Distance: 2.1km
Walking Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
City to Sea Walkway
Central Wellington to Wellington’s South Coast
This walk covers all of the beautiful sights of Wellington, and can be done in sections with so many iconic Welly places to stop at. From the Bolton Street Memorial Park near Parliament, walk up to the Botanical Gardens (with the colourful tulips in Spring). Check out the Aro Valley cottages and the Brooklyn wind turbine, and then walk through bush tracks and windy Welly ridgelines. The track shows distant views of Mount Vic and the Tararua ranges for days. The walk finishes at Island Bay or head on further south towards Owhiro Bay (past the Cambodian Buddhist temple) for the best views of the Cook Strait and the snow-capped Kaikoura ranges.
THE DETAILS
Distance: 14.4km
Walking Time: 6-7 hours (allow one day if exploring the whole walkway)
Difficulty: Varies
Honourable mention: Patuna Chasm
236 Haurangi Road, Ruakōkoputuna
Not in Wellington but only a short drive over the hill away in Martinborough, is the iconic limestone chasm walk at Patuna Chasm Farm Adventures—one of Wairarapa’s best kept secrets. Walk through lush native bush and by the beautiful Ruakōkoputuna river surrounded by million year old limestone rock formations. You’ll need to book in advance for their walks, and there’s the option of a guided tour (you can even book to stay in their tiny home or the larger house in the vineyard).
THE DETAILS
Distance: Approx. 4km
Walking Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Worked up an appetite? Check out:
- The best cafes in Wellington for a flat white
- Head to some of the best spots for breakfast in Pōneke
- 50 of the best things to do in the capital
Main Image credit: Mount Victoria Lookout | Vicki Young