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?

At start of items
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.

A section of the Sawmill trail in Waimapihi Reserve overlooking the Wellington Harbour.

Sawmill

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

A section of the Transient trail in Waimapihi Reserve. The dirt trail goes around burms, onto wooden platforms, and has great views of the city.

Transient

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveThe main trail through Waimapihi Reserve that connects some of the most popular trails.

A secton of the Ikigai trail in Waimapihi Reserve. The mountain bike track has a clay surface with wooden platforms and views of Wellington.

Ikigai

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveIkigai is a fun, flowy downhill mountain bike trail through native bush in Waimapihi Reserve.

An adult and two children exit a forest trail next to a sign post with a map.

George Denton family loop walk

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveTake the whānau on an adventure into the bush and reward them with time in the playground afterwards.

A section of the Transient trail in Waimapihi Reserve. The dirt trail goes around burms, onto wooden platforms, and has great views of the city.

Transient to Ikigai loop

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveGradually climb through regenerated bush and enjoy the downhill ride on one of Waimapihi Reserve’s newest trails.

Clay coloured dirt mountain bike jump surrounded by trees.

Highbury Fling to Roller Coaster loop

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveJust a stone’s throw from central Wellington, head to Waimapihi Reserve for a fun loop ride that will get you into nature and among birdlife.

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.