Wellington Regional Trails

Adventure 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.

Walking time

1 hr 30 min

Length

4.7km

Uses

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Mountain Bike Grade

Intermediate: Grade 3

Profile

135m climb

-533m descent

421m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

About the trail

Starting high above the city, follow the ridgeline by bike or foot, down to the south coast. Red Rocks Track starts as a 4WD access road and changes to a challenging single trail for the descent to the coast.

Leave plenty of time to stop and take in the sweeping views over the Cook Strait. You can even marvel at the colony of fur seals perched near Red Rocks/Pariwhero past Sinclair Head in winter.

There are two stream crossings, so pack extra socks in preparation.

If you’ve still got energy once you’re at sea level, follow the coastline on the Red Rocks Coastal Walk to Owhiro Bay.

A fur seal sitting on a rock on the Red Rocks Coastal Walkway on Wellington's south coast.
  • The trail starts from the southern end of the Barking Emu track in Waimapihi Reserve. Cross the Tip Track and head south.
  • There are regular bus services to Brooklyn, Island Bay, and the surrounding areas. Timetables are available from Metlink.

Looking for more?

Two people walking along the rocky beach at Red Rocks Coastal Walkway in Wellington, New Zealand.

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.

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.

A vast landscape with tall dry grass in the foreground, rolling hills, houses along the coastline and a mountain range across the water.

Tip Track

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveA punishing route to the top of Hawkins Hill with stunning views over Wellington.

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

Te Araroa Walkway

A sturdy single trail that runs from Ohariu Valley Road to the top of 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.

A lookout at the top of Wrights Hill Fortress, looking east toward Wellington city and Hutt Valley.

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.

a birds-eye view of four people walking across a swing bridge surrounded by lush green forest on the Cannon Point Walkway in Upper Hutt, New Zealand.

Cannon Point Walkway

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

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

Skyline Walkway

Journey along Wellington’s highest peaks from Mākara Saddle to the summit of Mount Kaukau, ending in Johnsonville.

The summit of Belmont Trig Track, a biking and walking trail in Lower Hutt.

Belmont Trig Track

Belmont Regional ParkGet a taste of back country life on this half-day scenic walk or ride through mature native forest.

A walking path through the bushes at Te Ara Utiwai in Rangituhi in Porirua, New Zealand.

Te Ara Utiwai

The Te Ara Utiwai trail in Porirua is a gentle climb to the Rangituhi lookout through native bush.

A mountain biker sits at the end of a hill ridge on the Puketiro Loop track looking out towards the Pāuatahanui Inlet.

Puketiro Loop

Battle Hill Farm Forest ParkClimb through dense pine plantations and take in views over Pāuatahanui on this intermediate trail suitable for walkers, bikers, and horse riders.

A small wooden bridge goes over a swamp and leads into trees on the Restoration Trail, at Battle Hill Farm.

Restoration Trail

Battle Hill Farm Forest ParkEnjoy a short leisurely bike ride or stroll through farmland, wetlands, and an old airstrip.

Rolling grassy hills with groups of trees scattered throughout under a blue sky with big white fluffy clouds.

Battle Hill Summit Loop

Battle Hill Farm Forest ParkClimb to the summit of Battle Hill for great views over the Horokiwi Valley and towards Pāuatahanui Inlet.

Two people walking along Te Onepoto trail in Porirua. Walkng canes are assisting both. The harbour and hills of Porirua are in the background.

Te Onepoto Loop Track

An easy trail loop in Whitireia Park. Walk or ride through the active restoration area for great views out over Onehunga Bay.

Looking through a flower garden as two people walk along a path in the Botanic Gardens.

City to Sea Walkway

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