Mount Kaukau Summit / Khandallah Park Loop

Walking time

3 hr

Length

4.9km

Uses

Walking/Running

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Intermediate: Easier tramping track

Profile

230m climb

445m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

Three people sit on a bench looking at the view from the Skyline Walkway, a hiking trail in Wellington, New Zealand.

Three people and a dog walking at the Skyline Walkway summit of Mount Kaukau / Tarikākā.

A birdseye view of three hikers walking along the Skyline Walkway in Wellington.

About the trail

Mount Kaukau is a Wellington favourite. At 445 metres above sea level, it is the most visible high point in the Wellington landscape. Its summit is home to Wellington’s main television mast and also boasts classic views of Wellington hilltops, the harbour, and on a clear day, Te Waipounamu .

The trail begins at Simla Crescent and traces the Northern Walkway up to Mount Kaukau, where there are picnic areas. On your climb, you’ll encounter grassy hills, steps, original native bush, and open farmland. The descent returns you back along the Skyline Walkway to Simla Crescent.

The most direct route to Mt Kaukau Summit begins at Simla Crescent. The first main trail on the left follows the main ridge to the summit. Allow an hour to get there and back.

A person wearing a yellow jacket sits on a wooden bench over looking the bay from the Skyline Walkway at Mount Kaukau in Ngaio in Wellington at sunset.

How to complete the loop

Start at Simla Crescent Khandallah. Follow the Northern Walkway from the entrance of Khandallah Park to the summit of Mt Kaukau. Continue all the way to the top, taking a break at the picnic areas and seats on the way if you need.

At the summit, the Northern Walkway joins the Skyline Walkway. You will walk along a 4WD track toward Sirsi Terrace. Stay on the track until you see a sign pointing to the swimming pool. Head back into the pines down a flight of steps, and you’ll end up behind the Khandallah Swimming Pool car park on Woodmancote Road.

Walk past the playground in the park and take the walkway to Clark Street. From the car park in Clark Street, follow the signs back into the bush and return to Simla Crescent.

Three people and a dog walking along the Skyline Walkway to the summit of Mount Kaukau / Tarikākā.

Getting there

The trail begins at Simla Crescent, Khandallah, follows the Northern Walkway to the summit, and returns down along the Skyline Walkway.

Khandallah is a short bus or train ride from the city centre:

You can catch the Johnsonville Line train from Wellington Central Station to Simla Crescent Station (15 minutes).
After you get off the train at Simla Crescent Station, the entrance is a 4 minutes walk further along the street.
You can also catch Bus No. 25 to the Clutha Avenue bus stop and then walk about 5 minutes to Simla Crescent. The bus ride takes about 25 minutes from the city.

The rocky coastline, blue water, and mountains are at Red Rocks Coastal Walkway.

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.

Fenceline

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveFollow the boundary of Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne ecosanctuary and tune into native birdsong.

A scenic view of Porirua Harbour from Colonial Knob Walkway on Rangituhi/Colonial Knob on a misty dawn.

Te Araroa Walkway

A sturdy single trail that runs from Ohariu Valley Road to the top of Rangituhi/Colonial Knob.

Three people are walking up the trail on Mount Victoria, surrounded by lush greenery, with a view of Wellington city centre behind them.

Mount Victoria Lookout Walkway

Start from the city and climb through historic pine forests to enjoy unbeatable views of the Wellington Harbour and the city from Mount Victoria Lookout.

Two people on a rocky coastline on the Southern Walkway, a hiking trail in Wellington, New Zealand.

City to Sea Walkway

See the best of Wellington by walking from the centre of the city to the south coast in Island Bay.

The wooden platform at the summit of Lookout Loop Walk at Wrights Hill on a cloudy day.

Wrights Hill Lookout Loop Walk

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.

Salvation Bush Walk

A walking and mountain biking loop trail at Wrights Hill Reserve.

Looking east over Wellington city. The sweeping view shows green hills dotted with houses. The sky is blue with a few clouds.

Brooklyn Wind Turbine

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.

Three people standing on top of Birchville Dam. Green trees and bushes surround them.

Cannon Point Walkway

Zigzag through the hills north of Upper Hutt to the historic Birchville Dam.

Bus Barn Track

East Harbour Regional ParkAn easy trail through mature beech forest and stunning kahikatea trees.