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)

About the trail

The walk up to Mount Kaukau summit is a Wellington favourite. At 445 metres above sea level, it is the most visible high point in the Wellington landscape. It offers classic views of the hills surrounding Wellington, the harbour, and on a clear day, Te Waipounamu .

From Simla Crescent, the trail follows the Northern Walkway to the summit where there are picnic areas and Wellington's main television mast. You'll cover grassy hills, steps, native bush, and open farmland.

From the summit, the trail returns down via the Skyline Walkway towards Sirsi Terrace. Once you see the sign for the swimming pool, head down the steps into the pines. Take the walkway to Clark Street, following the signs back into the bush to return to Simla Crescent.

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.

Getting there

To get to Simla Crescent in Khandallah:

Take the Johnsonville Line train from Wellington Central Station to Simla Crescent Station (15 minutes), and then walk 4 minutes to the trail entrance.
You can also catch Route 25 to the Clutha Avenue bus stop (25 minutes from the city) and then walk 5 minutes to Simla Crescent.
Plenty of parking is available at Woodmancote Road and Truscott Avenue car parks.

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.

Know before you go

Get ready using Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews, and a packing list.
Take warm waterproof clothing, durable footwear, sunscreen, food, and water. Neither water nor toilets are available.
The trail is a steep incline with stairs and farm stiles, that aren’t suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.
There are picnic tables and benches at the summit.
Dogs must be on leads outside dog exercise areas.

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.

Sawmill

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveA quick connector between Ashton Fitchett Drive in Brooklyn and the popular Fenceline trail.

Transient

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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.

Two people walking on lush green grass on top of Mount Victoria. Wellington city and harbour are in the background, surrounded by green hills in the distance.

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.