Red Rocks Track
Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveAdventure along the ridgelines on the south coast for huge views of the Cook Strait and then down to the coastline to meet the fur seals.
197m highest point
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The 4.5km walkway begins on Courtenay Place. Wind your way up through turn-of-the-century Mount Victoria villas and historic pines to reach a lookout with panoramic city views. The climb through the town belt can be steep, but it’s definitely worth it for the view at the top.
Watch ferries make their way into the harbour or planes land and take off from the airport. The Ōrongorongo Ranges can be seen to the north, as can the peaks of the Southern Alps in the South Island. Continue the loop down to return to Oriental Bay. The whole walk takes about 1.5 hours.
At the lookout, there are information panels and a carved wooden pou. Just below the summit, you’ll find the Byrd Memorial, dedicated to American polar explorer and aviator Richard Byrd. There is also a bronze cannon that used to be fired at noon each day between 1877 and 1900, so colonial Wellingtonians could set their watches and clocks to keep time.
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Start the walk from the city, either at Oriental Bay or Mount Victoria.
You can also take the Number 20 bus up to the lookout. Bus timetables are available from the Metlink website.
If you’re driving, there is a large car park at the summit and a parking area near the toilets.
Pivot Photography
Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveAdventure along the ridgelines on the south coast for huge views of the Cook Strait and then down to the coastline to meet the fur seals.
A sturdy single trail that runs from Ohariu Valley Road to the top of Colonial Knob.
Check out a WWII military fortress, spot rare birds, and take in views of the city and sea on the Wrights Hill Lookout Loop walk.
Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveTake in some of the best views of the city from popular Wellington landmark, the Brooklyn Wind Turbine.
Zigzag through the hills north of Upper Hutt to the historic Birchville Dam.
Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveExperience the wildest part of Wellington’s rugged south coast, where you might encounter a colony of fur seals and catch views of the South Island.
Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveA punishing route to the top of Hawkins Hill with stunning views over Wellington.
Journey along Wellington’s highest peaks from Mākara Saddle to the summit of Mount Kaukau, ending in Johnsonville.
Belmont Regional ParkGet a taste of back country life on this half-day scenic walk or ride through mature native forest.
The Te Ara Utiwai trail in Porirua is a gentle climb to the Rangituhi lookout through native bush.
Battle Hill Farm Forest ParkClimb through dense pine plantations and take in views over Pāuatahanui on this intermediate trail suitable for walkers, bikers, and horse riders.
Battle Hill Farm Forest ParkEnjoy a short leisurely bike ride or stroll through farmland, wetlands, and an old airstrip.
Battle Hill Farm Forest ParkClimb to the summit of Battle Hill for great views over the Horokiwi Valley and towards Pāuatahanui Inlet.
An easy trail loop in Whitireia Park. Walk or ride through the active restoration area for great views out over Onehunga Bay.
See the best of Wellington by walking from the centre of the city to the south coast in Island Bay.