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

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)
A fur seal sitting on a rock on the Red Rocks Coastal Walkway on Wellington's south coast.

Marvel at the colony of fur seals perched near Red Rocks/Pariwhero past Sinclair Head in winter.

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.

Getting there

  • 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.

Know before you go

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk by the NZ Mountain Safety Council for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews, and a packing list.
  • During wildfire season, Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) actively monitors fire danger in regional parks. This trail may have restrictions or closures. Check the latest fire risk status on the GWRC website before heading out on the trails.
  • For more tips and advice before heading out on Wellington’s trails check out our before you go section.

Looking for more?

The Fenceline Trail in Waimapihi Reserve. It travels alongside the fence of Zealandia, amongst trees, to the Brooklyn Wind Turbine.

Fenceline

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

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.

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 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.

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.

A section of the Salvation Bush Walk on Wrights Hill above Karori.

Salvation Bush Walk

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

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.

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.