Northern Walkway, Johnsonville to Kelburn

Walking time

4 - 5 hr

Length

13.3km

Uses

Walking/Running

Type

Double track

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Profile

432m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

A person sits on a wooden bench overlooking a view of Wellington from the Northern Walkway Trail.

About the trail

The Northern Walkway is a half-day trek along Wellington’s outer Green Belt. It spans from Johnsonville to the Botanic Gardens via Te Ahumairangi Hill (Tinakori Hill), Trelissick Park and Mount Kaukau.

Wind your way through hilly bush-clad terrain and discover abandoned railway tunnels and the city’s oldest scenic reserve. From the highest vantage points, you’ll get 360-degree views from the Remutaka Range and back towards the city and the sea.

The trail has many entrances so if you’re short on time you can just complete a section.

Three people standing on an elevated wooden platform at the summit of Mount Kaukau on the Skyline Walkway in Wellington, New Zealand.

Getting there

The trail starts at the end of Truscott Avenue in Johnsonville and ends at the top of the cable car in Upland Road, Kelburn.
You can also complete the journey in the opposite direction.
There are regular bus and train services to the surrounding areas. Timetables are available from Metlink.
Limited on-street car parking is available on Truscott Avenue and Upland Road.

A view of Wellington Harbour/ Port Nicholson at golden hour with Matiu/Somes Island in the centre of the image.

Mātiu/Somes Island

Ramble around this stunning nature reserve that sits right in the middle of Wellington Harbour.

The bright blue water and rugged coastline at Red Rocks on Wellington's south coast.

Red Rocks Coastal Walk

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.

Two people take a selfie together at the Mount Victoria Lookout overlooking Wellington.

Southern Walkway

Start near Wellington’s city centre and follow the Town Belt through to Island Bay.

Eastern Walkway

Enjoy sweeping views over the south coast of Miramar Peninsula while walking through native bush on the Eastern Walkway. Loop back with an easy stroll along the coastline from Breaker Bay.

Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush

There’s a wide variety of walks available at Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, ranging from gentle 10-minute strolls to 2.5-hour hikes. Original forests and native botanic gardens attract plenty of native birds.