As the saying goes, you can’t beat Wellington on a good day–and there's no better way to enjoy it than on foot. Widely considered the most walkable city in Aotearoa/New Zealand, Wellington pulses with walkers commuting to work or uni, strolling between cafés, or gearing up for their next hiking adventure. Grab your sunscreen, tie your laces and get your day's steps in with our top picks for the best walks in the world's southernmost capital.
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. Jump on this walkway, only minutes from the city, and trek your way from Courtenay Place to the summit and back via Oriental Bay. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike and the view is absolutely 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 walkway loop has both a 2.6km and 4.6km option, so whether you’re looking for a weekend stroll or trying to get your heart rate up over your lunchbreak, the Lookout Walkway has you covered. Check out more details here.
Insider Intel
- Distance: 2.6 or 4.6km (From Majoribanks Street or Bayview Terrace for the shorter loop, and from Courtenay Place for the round trip)
- Walking Time: 45mins to 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Varies
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
53 Waiapu Road, Karori
New Zealand is one of the most naturally beautiful parts of the world, and this is your chance to soak up a slice of it the way it was in pre-human times. Zealandia in Karori is home to 225 hectares of regenerating native forest and birdlife, and their fully fenced walking tracks allow you to explore the eco sanctuary with minimal human impact. Wander 32km of walking tracks at your own pace (general admission tickets are valid for two consecutive days), or join one of their guided tours—like the popular Zealandia By Night, where you might just spot a kiwi. With bridges, a dam and beautiful native birds flitting through the trees, this is the perfect forest getaway practically in Wellington’s backyard. Zealandia offers free shuttles to and from the sanctuary, departing from the Wellington site and the top of the Cable Car.
Insider Intel
- Distance: 32km worth of tracks
- Walking Time: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Price: General Admission $26 (Children and Concession available). Tours from $68 (Children and Concession available).
Red Rocks Coastal Walk
Owhiro Bay
Image credit: Red Rocks (Owhiro Bay) | Vicki Young
If a salty breeze, coastal cliffs and stunning views of the South Island in the distance sounds like your kind of walk, then you’ll want to make your way to Red Rocks Coastal Walk to experience the rugged and wild South Coast of Welly. Starting off at the Te Kopahou Visitor Centre carpark (make sure you grab a coffee and a snack from the Carabean Coffee Caravan to fuel up), you’ll venture off on a 7.4km trek from the old quarry out to Devil’s Gate at Sinclair Head. This easy, flat track is perfect for walkers of all abilities, but you’ll want to make sure to wear some sturdy shoes and a warm jacket to tackle the unsealed paths and windy weather. If you’re hoping for an uninterrupted experience, the track is closed off to vehicles from 9am to 6pm on Sundays (you may see a fair bit of four-wheel-driving on other days when the gate is open for vehicle access). Over the colder months, you might even get the chance to see seals coming up to rest, just remember to give them space… they can get grumpy.
Insider Intel
- Distance: 7.4km
- Walking Time: 3 hours return
- Difficulty: Easy
Mt Kaukau Summit
Woodmancote Road and Simla Crescent in Khandallah
As the most visible and highest point in Wellington, the hike along Wellington’s Northern and Skyline walkways to Mount Kauka boasts views across Wellington, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Tararua Ranges and the distant South Island. 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. Hike directly to Mount Kaukau Summit by taking the first main trail on the left as marked from Simla Crescent entrance, or jump on the Khandallah Park Loop to explore more of the area on a 4.9km round trip—the incredible views at the top are definitely an incentive to keep going. Note that the loop is not accessible for wheelchairs or prams, with steep inclines, stairs and farm stiles. We recommend going early, as when the sun sets behind the peak, the hills can get dark quickly.
Insider Intel
- Distance: 1.5km (direct to summit) or 4.9km (Khandallah Park Loop)
- Walking Time: 30 mins-3 hours (depending on route)
- Difficulty: Medium
Fort Ballance
Fort Ballance Road, Miramar Peninsula
More of a stroller than a hardcore walker? We’ve got you covered too. Fort Ballance was built back in the day to protect the city during the wars, and still stands today as a graffiti-covered maze of old bunkers and tunnels for you to walk through and explore. The street art and hidden hidey holes make this area great for a solo adventure or a great way to get the whole family out of the house. Fort Ballance contains some of the oldest concrete buildings in New Zealand, and it’s close to the other bunkers behind Massey Memorial (in Shelly Bay) or at Wrights Hill Fortress (Karori). Open anytime, make sure to bring a torch and wear covered shoes if you’re planning to explore the tunnels. Heading down on a summer day? Visit Scorching Bay afterwards for a dip, and an ice cream at Scorch-O-Rama.
Insider Intel
- Distance: Varied, 1.2km to the Fort from Scorching Bay
- Walking Time: 10-30 mins
- 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, excerpts have been transformed into typographical sculptures by New Zealand’s award-winning designers. Enjoy a peaceful walk along Lambton Harbour and relish the words of the wise as you explore the waterfront to find each piece amongst the sea breeze.
Insider Intel
- 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
Bushwalking junkies, this one is for you. The Mākara Walkway is a half day walk for more advanced walkers who love a bit of rocky road and 200 metre climb. Check out the wind turbines at this Department of Conservation (DOC) managed loop track, and make sure you bring your windbreaker—it’ll definitely be gusty. Only a 30 minute drive 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 to 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. If you’re feeling brave, go for a dip in one of the sheltered areas of the beach.
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 your bike and whizz across a 72m long suspension bridge amongst regenerating native bush while soaking in the best panoramic views Welly has to offer.
Insider Intel
- Distance: 7.4km
- Walking Time: 3 hours - half day
- Difficulty: Hard
Escarpment Track
Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay
A one-hour train ride (or drive) from Wellington will take you to the stairway to heaven, where approximately 1,200 steps will take you along the sweeping Kāpiti coastline, across two swing bridges and through native forest as you reach Pukerua Bay. If The Mākara Walkway seems a bit intense for you, the Escarpment Track is graded as an easier tramping trail, making it a great place to start if you’re looking for more of a thrill. 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 you’ll definitely want your camera for this one too.
Insider Intel
- Distance: 9.1km
- Walking Time: 3 hours - half day
- Difficulty: Intermediate to Hard
Mātiu / Somes Island
Image credit: Mātiu/Somes Island | Vicki Young
Being a predator-free historical and scientific reserve owned by local Kiwi (Taranaki Whānui) and managed by DOC, this island is pretty special. On this easy 40 minute loop walk around Somes Island you might be lucky enough to spot native animals such as tuatara, kakariki, North Island robin, little blue penguins and weta. Take the ferry which departs from Queens Wharf and Days Bay, and once you’ve gone through biosecurity checks, you can set off. Head through the forest to reach the centre of the island, check out the WWII gun emplacements or embark on the island loop which passes by 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.
Insider Intel
- Distance: 2.1km
- Walking Time: 40 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
City to Sea Walkway
Central Wellington to Wellington’s South Coast
Reckon you’ve got what it takes to crack 14.4 kilometres in one day? The City to Sea Walkway covers all of the beautiful sights of Wellington, from Bolton Street Memorial Park all the way to Island Bay on the south coast. If sore legs aren’t quite your style, don’t stress—the walk can be done in sections, and you can use many iconic Welly places as checkpoints along the way. 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, and you can expect great vantage points for views of central Wellington and the southern suburbs. While the walk finishes at Island Bay, if you still haven’t had your fix, head on further south towards Owhiro Bay for the best views of the Cook Strait and the snow-capped Kaikōura ranges.
Insider Intel
- Distance: 14.4km
- Walking Time: 6 hours - full-day (can be done in stages)
- 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, wade and climb through lush native bush by the beautiful Ruakōkoputuna river surrounded by million-year-old limestone rock formations (yes, you’ll get wet). You’ll need to book in advancec for their walks, and you can even book to stay on site in their tiny home or the larger vineyard house.
Insider Intel
- Distance: Approx. 4km
- Walking Time: 3 hours
- Difficulty: Medium
- Price: Adults $50, Children $25
Worked up an appetite? Check out:
Main Image credit: Mount Victoria Lookout | Vicki Young
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