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.
230m climb
445m highest point
Unable to render element
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 - the South Island.
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.
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.
Caleb Smith Photography
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:
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.
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.
See the best of Wellington by walking from the centre of the city to the south coast in Island Bay.
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.
East Harbour Regional ParkAn easy trail through mature beech forest and stunning kahikatea trees.
Clamber high above the Mākara Beach cliffs and discover exhilarating views, WWII gun emplacements, breathtaking beachfront, and historic pā sites.
Ramble around this stunning nature reserve that sits right in the middle of Wellington Harbour.
The multi-day circuit around Mount Holdsworth gives you the opportunity to explore the tops of the Tararua Range. Enjoy 360-degree views of Wairarapa and Wellington.
Take a journey through Wellington’s outer green belt and discover abandoned railway tunnels and expansive views.
Take in spectacular views of Kapiti Island from high above the Kāpiti Coastline.
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.