Stunning ocean views, native bush and dramatic hills - this cool little capital has it all. We've put together a list of trails perfect for a day's adventure.
#1 Ōrongorongo Track
- Location: Remutaka Forest Park
- Duration: 2-4 hours
- Length: 10km return
- Drive time from the CBD: 37km from the city (45mins approx.) Directions.
Boasting beautiful native bush and swimming spots - this popular, family-friendly trail will please all. It's an easy walk through lovely lush green forests with dogs being allowed on the track on a leash. There are some seasonal restrictions in place with the gate to Catchpool Valley closing at 8pm in summer and at 6pm over winter. To reach the car park a small ford must be crossed. If there is water in the ford it's best to park on the road and use the nature walkway to get to the car park and start the trail. Note: There is no phone reception for most of the track.
#2 Otari Skyline Loop
- Location: Wellington Central
- Duration: 1 hour 30min - 2 hours 30min
- Length: 4.5km as a loop
- Drive time from the CBD: 6km from the city (15mins approx.) Directions.
Oh-so-conveniently close to town, this lovely loop has scenic views galore. Moderately challenging most people take about 2h to finish the loop which is also great for bird watching. Open year round the track is a great option for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the Wellington CBD. Dogs are allowed on the track but need to be kept on a leash.
#3 Mākara Walkway
- Location: West Coast
- Duration: 2 hours - 2 hours 30min
- Length: 7km loop
- Drive time from the CBD: 24km from the city (35mins approx.) Directions.
Ideal for a sunny day, you'll enjoy high cliffs with rugged coastal views along the way. Part of the track closes for lambing season from early August til the end of September. The track crosses beaches and farmlands and an old gun emplacement but does not allow dogs.
#4 Rangituhi (Colonial Knob) Walk
- Location: Porirua
- Duration: 2 hours 30min - 3 hours 30min
- Length: 9km loop
- Drive time from the CBD: 23km from the city (30min approx.) Directions.
A rewarding loop track with epic views up the 468m summit. This track is more challenging than some of the others mentioned on this page as the first half of the track has some fairly steep sections. On a clear day the views from the summit are spectacular some days Mt. Taranaki can even be spotted in the distance. No dogs are allowed on this walk as the track crosses farmlands.
#5 Paekākāriki Escarpment Track
- Location: Kāpiti Coast
- Duration: 3 - 4 hours one way
- Length: 9.8km one way
- Drive time from the CBD: 39km from city (35mins approx.) Directions.
- Please note: it's easiest to make the most of public transport options. Learn more.
This spectacular track is part of Te Araroa, which means you'll likely encounter hikers with huge packs who are walking the length of New Zealand! Following along the Kāpiti Coastline the track offers amazing views across the waters. The track is on the easier site with an elevation gain of about 200m and the steepest section between the 3 and 4 km mark. Highlights include about 1200 steps and two swing bridges along the path. No dogs are allowed on this track.
Bonus track: Pari-Whero (Red Rocks) Loop
- Location: South Coast
- Duration: 2 hours 30min - 3 hours 30min return
- Length: 8.5km as a loop
- Drive time from the CBD: 9km from the city (20mins approx.) Directions.
Bask in the beauty of the rugged south coast, and if you're lucky, you may even spot some fur seals during winter. Crossing a few smaller streams and starting off with a rather steep section shortly after leaving the car park the trail offers great views and allows dogs on leash.
We can't wait for you to get out there! Make sure you tag @kathmandugear so we can see your epic pics.