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

A punishing route to the top of Hawkins Hill with stunning views over Wellington.

Walking time

1 hr

Length

3.5km

Uses

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking

Type

Access Road

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Mountain Bike Grade

Advanced: Grade 4

Profile

577m climb

-174m descent

450m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

About the trail

Tip Track is the steepest and shortest route to the top of Hawkins Hill. Starting from Happy Valley Road near the entrance to the Southern Landfill, the track steadily climbs in altitude with places to rest along the way.

It's not technically challenging, but the steep gradient is best suited to advanced walkers and riders.

The trail has incredible views over Wellington city, including the Mākara wind farm and Brooklyn Wind Turbine. On clear days, you might be able to see the Remutaka Range and the South Island. 

The view of mountain ranges and the Cook Straight from Tip Trak at Te Kopahou Reserve.
An uphill gravel walking path at Te Kopahou Reserve.
An uphill gravel walking path at Te Kopahou Reserve.
A trig beacon on a grassy mountain summit in Te Kopahou Reserve.

Suggested loop

The Tip Track connects to the Red Rocks Coastal Walk via Red Rocks Track. To complete the loop from the Tip Track entrance:

  • Follow the trail to the top of Hawkins Hill.
  • Look out for the trail marker to turn onto Red Rocks Track (heading south).
  • Follow Ōwhiro Bay Parade around the coast until you reach Happy Valley Road.
  • Turn onto Happy Valley Road and continue until you're back at the Tip Track entrance.
A signpost near the summit of Tip Track showing different directions.

Getting there 

  • The trail starts on Happy Valley Road in Ōwhiro Bay, next to Landfill Road, and connects with the Red Rocks Coastal Walk. Follow the trail and then turn onto Hawkins Hill Road to get to the summit.
  • There are regular bus services to Brooklyn, Happy Valley and the surrounding areas. Timetables are available from Metlink.
The entry to Tip Track on Happy Valley Road. There is a locked gate with metal art on it, including a biker, dog, and walker. Behind it there is a sign showing you are on Tip Track.

Tip Track entrance on Happy Valley Road.

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.
  • Get an up-to-date weather report from the MetService before setting off.
  • The trail is steep and exposed in places. Prepare for changeable weather conditions.
  • 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.

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.

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.

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.

At the top of Mākara Walkway looking south, you can see the coastline with windmills dotting the hills. The top of the South Island an be seen in the distance.

Mākara Walkway

Clamber high above the Mākara Beach cliffs and discover exhilarating views, WWII gun emplacements, breathtaking beachfront, and historic pā sites.

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.