Wellington Walkways
- The Botanic Gardens of Wellington (25min)
This signposted walk from the top of the Cable Car takes in the Carter Observatory, the sun dial and native forest on Serpentine Way.
- Thorndon Heritage Trail
Wellington's oldest suburb contains some fine examples of 19th century wooden villas. On Tinakori Road, the Prime Minister's official home, Premier House, dates back to 1843. One of New Zealand's oldest pubs, the Thistle Inn (1840), can also be found on the corner of Mulgrave Street and Sydney Street East. A self-guide brochure is available from Wellington Visitor Information Centre, 101 Wakefield Street.
- Tinakori Hills
An area of native bush and pines offering city and harbour views, and native birdlife. Entrances are on Weld Street, Wadestown Road, Gant Road and Mary Street.
- Red Rocks Coastal Walk (4km each way, 2-3hrs return)
Follows the dramatic volcanic coast from Owhiro Bay to Red Rocks and Sinclair Head, with its colony of New Zealand fur seals. The seals are able to be seen from May to October. Take bus no 1 or 4 to Island Bay, then 29 to Owhiro Bay Parade. The walk starts 1km away at the quarry gate.
- The Northern Walkway (16km, 4hrs)
Starting from the top of the cable-car terminus in the Botanic Garden, this track runs through to Johnsonville, taking in native birdlife on Tinakori Hill (tuis, grey warblers, fantails and silver eyes), regenerating native forest in Ngaio Gorge, and great views across the harbour to the Rimutaka and Tararua ranges from a lookout on Mt Kaukau (430m).
- The Southern Walkway (11km, 4-5hrs)
This walk takes in the inner city town belt from Oriental to Island Bay, offering excellent views of the harbour and central city, and the coastline between Houghton and Island Bays. Highlights include sweeping views from the summit of Mt Victoria (196m), and from Mt Albert (178m), and the beach at Island Bay. To start at the city end, take the No 14 Kilbirnie bus (via Roseneath) to Oriental Parade. The walkway entrance is signposted near the hotel at 360 Oriental Parade.
- The Eastern Walkway (4.5km)
A short walk around the southern end of the Miramar Peninsula from the Pass of Branda to Tarakena Bay.
- City to Sea Walkway (12km, 6hrs)
Starting in the heart of central Wellington near Parliament, this trek crosses to the rocky shores of the South Coast, taking in two historic cemeteries, the cable car, Victoria University, the Aro Valley, parks, reserves and ridge tops. There are wonderful views of the Cook Strait and the Kaikoura, Rimutaka and Tararua ranges on a clear day. Catch the No 1 Bus back to the city from Island Bay.
Battle Hill Farm Forest Park Located at Paekakariki Hill Road, 6km from State Highway 58 at Pauatahanui.
- Battle Hill Summit Loop Walk (1-2hrs return)
A loop walk leads through pastoral farmland to the site of the historic 1846 battle (after which the park is named), affording splendid views of Horokiri Valley.
East Harbour Regional Park Located on the eastern side of Wellington Harbour, stretching around the coastline to Baring Head.
- Pencarrow Walk (4hrs return)
This coastal walk follows a metal road at the end of Muritai Road in Eastbourne. After 2 hours, a track leads up the hillside to Upper Pencarrow Lighthouse, then continues around the coast to Pencarrow Head, at the eastern entrance of the harbour.
Tararua Forest Park, Holdsworth Located off SH2, 2km south of
Masterton. Turn off at Norfolk Road which leads to Mt Holdworth Road. There is a daily rail connection between Wellington and Masterton.
- Rocky Lookout (1.5hr)
Follow the well graded Gentle Annie track from the loop walk for fine views over the mountains and Wairarapa plains.
- Holdsworth Lookout (1hr)
Cross the Atiwhakatu footbridge and continue up a forest-clad spur to a clearing with magnificent views of the Tararua Ranges.
Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve Located 13km along Cape Palliser Road, about 1 hour's drive from
Martinborough.
- Putangirua Pinnacles (2-3hrs round trip)
Erosion has created these spectacular rock towers in southern Wairarapa. Visitors can walk up the streambed, or take the bushwalk that starts about 10mins along the streambed.
Rimutaka Forest Park, Catchpool Valley Located 45 minutes drive from Wellington on Coast Road, 112km south of
Wainuiomata. There is a bus service between Wellington and Wainuiomata.
- Orongorongo Track (3-4hrs return)
One of New Zealand's most popular walks passes through different types of bush, leading to the scenic Orongorongo Valley.
Rimutaka Incline Recreation Area
- Rimutaka Incline Walk (18km, 5-7hrs)
This walk leads along a historic railway line which linked Wellington and the Wairarapa between 1878 and 1955, passing through historic tunnels and over bridges. The walk begins from SH2, 9km north of Upper Hutt.