Wellington Regional Trails

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.

Walking time

1 hr 30 min

Length

2.3km

Uses

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Mountain Bike Grade

Intermediate: Grade 3

Profile

40m climb

40m descent

357m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)
A lookout at the top of Wrights Hill Fortress, looking east toward Wellington city and Hutt Valley.

The view from the lookout at the top of Wrights Hill Fortress, looking north over Wellington city and Hutt Valley.

About the trail

The Wrights Hill Lookout Loop takes you around the historic Wrights Hill Fortress to the summit, past many WWII fortifications. The fortress is mostly an underground network of tunnels, but you can still see some historic gun emplacements above ground.

The trailhead is directly opposite the middle car park on Wrights Hill Road. Look for the ‘Wrights Hill Lookout’ sign and cross the road when it is safe. Walk up the first section, known as John’s Track. Take the first left and you will shortly join the Lookout track. 

Continue up the hill until you come to a t-intersection. Turn right to go to the lookout and the Wrights Hill gun emplacements. The lookout has great views over Wellington city and the nearby Mākara wind farm.

At the top, follow the directional signs to the Karori Sanctuary fenceline and turn right. Eventually you will come to a major intersection. Turn right, moving away from the fenceline, towards the grassy area known as the Parade Ground. Continue walking past the Parade Ground to return to the car park.

A shorter track to the lookout is also available and is suitable for assisted wheelchair users. Park at the end of Wrights Hill Road and enjoy an easy access trip to the top. Look out for the information board marking the entry point. 

Wrights Hill is surrounded by a network of trails, and you can easily turn your journey into a day trip. The Lookout Loop Walk shares a border with the Zealandia Fenceline track and it is located in between Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn turbine and Te Kopahou Reserve.

The entrance to a nature walking trail on the side of a road with a wooden sign post to mark it.

The entrance to the trail, opposite the middle car park on Wrights Hill Road.

Getting there

  • The Wrights Hill Reserve car park is on Wrights Hill Road.
  • There is also a car park closer to summit on Wrights Hill Road .
  • Public transport is available to get to Campbell Street which connects to Wrights Hill Road. Take bus 21 - Karori (Wrights Hill) from the city centre. Timetables are available on Metlink.

Know before you go

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews, and a packing list. For weather forecasts, check MetService.
  • Toilets and drinking water are not available on this trail.
  • Dogs must be on leash outside dog exercise areas.

For more tips and advice before heading out on Wellington’s trails check out our before you go section.

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