Walking in Wellington Region

From heritage walks to river trails and rugged coastal walkways, Wellington offers some wonderful opportunities for walkers.

Wellington City & Surrounds

• Botanic Garden (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 villas, including the Prime Minister’ official home, dating back to 1843. A self-guide brochure is available from Wellington Visitor Information Centre.
• Tinakori Hills
  An area of native bush and pines offering city and harbour views, and native birdlife, including tui, grey warblers, fantails and silver eyes. Entrances are on Weld Street, Wadestown Road, Grant Road and Mary Street.
• Red Rocks Coastal Walk (4km each way, 2-3hrs return)
  Follows the dramatic volcanic coast from the quarry at Owhiro Bay to Sinclair Head, with its colony of New Zealand fur seals. The seals are most numerous from May to October. Wellington Rover Tours can drop off and pick up from the start of the walk at the western end of Owhiro Bay, or take bus no 1 or 4 to Island Bay, then 29 to Owhiro Bay Parade.
• The Eastern Walkway (4.5km)
  A ridge walk along the southern end of the Miramar Peninsula from the Pass of Branda to Tarakena Bay, passing historical Maori sites and native flora and fauna. Wellington Rover Tours drops off at Tarakena Bay and picks up from Seatoun.
• 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, regenerating native forest in Ngaio Gorge, and views across the harbour to the Rimutaka and Tararua ranges from Mount Kaukau (430m).
• The Southern Walkway (11km, 4-5hrs)
  This walk takes in the inner city town belt from Oriental to Island Bay. Highlights include sweeping views from the summits of Mount Victoria (196m) and Mount Albert (178m). To start at the city end, take the No 14 Kilbirnie (via Roseneath) bus to Oriental Parade. The walkway entrance is signposted near 360 Oriental Parade.
• 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. 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.
  
  
  Hutt Valley - Lower Hutt/Upper Hutt

• Butterfly Creek, Lower Hutt (2 hrs return)
  The Kowhai Track in Eastbourne takes walkers over a ridge with spectacular views of the Wellington Harbour, to the peaceful bush-clad valley of Butterfly Creek. The picnic spot in a clearing by the creek is a popular stop off point for walkers.
• Hutt River Trail
  Running for 27km from Petone’s Hikoikoi Reserve to Birchville in Upper Hutt, the Hutt River Trail is ideal for walking, running and cycling. The trail also provides river access for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. In most cases the Trail runs on both sides of the river, offering shorter loop tracks between bridges. Enjoy leafy glades and open spaces, many linking with local parks and sports fields. 
• Rimutaka Incline Walk, Upper Hutt (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.
• Rimutaka Forest Park, Catchpool Valley, 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. Located 112km south of Wainuiomata. There is a bus service between Wellington and Wainuiomata.

Kapiti-Horowhenua Region
Battle Hill Farm Forest Park
Located on Paekakiriki Hill Road, SH 58.

• 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.

• 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 (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.