Walks and Hikes in Wellington
What is a free activity to enjoy in Wellington and one of the best ways to experience the scenery? Walking!
In the capital city of one of the world’s most “outdoorsy” countries, of course, you can find many walks to see the best that Wellington has to offer. Walk in the bush of the town belt or travel further afield to find amazing coastal walks or walk in forest parks.
In this list of walks in Wellington, we’ll give you a few city walk highlights, as well as walks that are a short drive from Wellington that are well worth getting to!
For more things to do in Wellington in between all the hiking, see these 14 Free or Cheap Things to do in Wellington, as well as these 10 Wellington Must-Dos. Plus, find a place to stay in The 50 Best Accommodations in Wellington.
Table of Contents
1. Mt Victoria (1.5 hrs Loop)
Mt Victoria is an iconic Wellington landmark and a must-do for any visitor. This 196 m (643 ft) hill offers stunning panoramic views of the city, harbour, Southern Alps and Ōrongorongo Range. The well-marked 4.6 km (2.9 mi) purple track loop takes about 1 hour 30 mins to complete.
At the summit, you’ll find the historic Byrd Memorial, a bronze cannon, carved pou and interpretive panels. Both full and shorter loops are available, with some steep sections. For those short on time or energy, there’s even a summit car park!
According to our very own editor-in-chief, Laura, “Mt Victoria is perfect for a quick nature escape without leaving the city. The views are absolutely breathtaking!”
Location: Start from Charles Plimmer Park, Majoribanks Street, Wellington, North Island. The summit is accessible via Lookout Road.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Red Rocks Walkway (40 Minutes One Way)
Discover the fascinating geology and wildlife along Wellington’s rugged south coast on this easy 2 km return track. Starting at Ōwhiro Bay, the trail winds through Te Kopahou Reserve to Pariwhero or Red Rocks, a nationally significant scientific reserve.
The distinctive red pillow lava formations are a geological wonder not to be missed. Keep an eye out for fur seals from April to October, we’re big fans of spotting these playful creatures lounging on the rocks.
For more wildlife experiences, check out 5 Spots to Experience Wellington.
Location: Red Rocks Reserve, Owhiro Bay. To get there by bus, take the Number 1 bus to Island Bay. Get off at the last stop and walk about 2 km (1.2 mi) via Owhiro Bay Parade to the start of the Red Rocks Walkway.
© Nevada Halbert on Wikipedia3. Botanic Garden (10 Minutes – 1 Hour One Way)
Spanning 25 ha (62 acres) between Thorndon and Kelburn, the Wellington Botanic Garden is a captivating oasis in the heart of the city. We love exploring its 4.8 km of easy trails that meander through themed floral displays, native forest, sculptures and formal plant collections.
During our last visit, we particularly enjoyed the scenic Sculpture Trail, Bush Walk and Kowhai Walk. There’s even a Louis Braille tactile trail (about 20 minutes).
Enter via the top of the Cable Car or one of the garden entrances. Maps are available at the entrances to help you navigate this delightful green space.
It’s one of the excellent free things to do in Wellington!
Location: Access is via Glenmore Street, Salamanca Road, Upland Road and the Cable Car.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Taua Tapu Track (40 Minutes One Way)
If you want to escape the city and check out some of the cool little suburbs of Wellington, check out the Taua Tapu Track in Plimmerton.
The track in the hills of the suburb takes you through native forest to a lookout overlooking the coast, Mana Island and Plimmerton.
Walk through the streets of Plimmerton and back down to the coast to make a loop out of the track (adding an extra 20 minutes to your walk).
For more activities to explore in the Porirua area, see 10 Things to Do in Porirua.
Location: Plimmerton is 30 minutes drive from Wellington City Centre up State Highway 1. Public transport is available. The track starts from Motuhara Road just off Steyne Avenue.
5. Makara Loop Walk (3-4 Hours Loop)
Experience spectacular coastal scenery on the Makara Loop Walk, a family-friendly trail offering sweeping views, farmland, and World War II history.
This 3-4 hour loop begins and ends at Makara Beach, climbing to vantage points with panoramic views of the wild coast and Tasman Sea. You’ll encounter clifftop gun emplacements at Fort Opau, once home to a hundred soldiers during World War II.
The return journey along the rugged coastline includes a pā (Māori fortress) at Fisherman’s Bay. Please note that part of the track is closed for lambing between August 1 and October 1, and the first 350 meters can be exposed and undercut.
Pack food and water, as there’s no drinkable water on the track. While Makara Beach is sheltered from southerly winds, it’s exposed to northerly winds, and the hilltops can experience gale-force winds.
Location: 20 minutes drive from Wellington City. Follow Makara Road to its end at Makara Beach where the track begins.
© Caleb Smith Photography - WellingtonNZ6. Skyline Walkway (5-6 Hours One Way)
For a challenging yet rewarding adventure close to Wellington City, tackle the Skyline Walkway. This 13.4 km (8.3-mile) trail follows the Outer Green Belt ridgeline from Mount Kaukau to Makara Saddle, offering a mix of rural, city and coastal landscapes.
On a clear day, you’ll be treated to panoramic views stretching from the Kaikōura ranges to the Marlborough Sounds, Cook Strait and Wellington Harbour!
The exposed trail demands proper preparation. We’ve found that carrying water and warm layers is essential, as there are no toilets or water sources along the route.
The Skyline Walkway can be tackled in sections thanks to numerous entry and exit points, making it adaptable for different fitness levels and time constraints.
Location: Start from either Old Coach Road in Johnsonville or Makara Saddle in Karori, Wellington, North Island.
© Caleb Smith Photography - WellingtonNZ7. Te Ahumairangi Hill (1-2 Hours Loop)
Ready for another stunning viewpoint? Te Ahumairangi Hill offers not one but two loop walks with breathtaking city vistas. We highly recommend the Elephant Rock Loop (2 hours) and the Stellin Loop Walk (1 hour 30 mins) for their diverse landscapes and stunning panoramic views.
Located at the northwestern end of the Wellington Town Belt, this popular walking and biking area boasts a recently redeveloped lookout and picnic spot.
It’s an excellent place to take visitors for sweeping views of Wellington, the harbour, and the Orongorongo Range. History buffs will appreciate the interpretation panels explaining the area’s Māori and colonial heritage.
The reserve’s well-formed tracks are suitable for most fitness levels, and four-wheel-drive tracks along the ridge are even accessible with mountain buggies.
Location: The main entrance is off Orangi Kaupapa Road in Northland, Wellington, North Island. Other key entrances are from Huntingdon Street (Wilton), Weld Street and Wadestown Road (Wadestown), and Grant Road and Saint Mary Street (Thorndon). Car parks available at Orangi Kaupapa Road, Northland, and Weld Street in Wadestown.
© Phillip Capper on Flickr8. Northern Walkway (4 Hours One Way)
We love the Northern Walkway, a 14.9 km (9.3 mi) trail that provides stunning 360° views of Wellington, the harbour, mountain ranges and the sea.
This walk is a great way to mix city exploration with nature, encompassing Te Ahumairangi Hill and ending at the Wellington Botanic Garden.
The walkway takes about four hours to complete but can be done in stages. It’s steep in some places but not overly difficult.
Along the way, you’ll discover abandoned tunnels and the city’s oldest reserve. According to our very own travel manager, Robin, “The Northern Walkway is a hidden gem that showcases Wellington’s stunning natural beauty.”
Location: Start at Truscott Avenue, Johnsonville or Upland Road, Kelburn, Wellington, North Island. The walkway connects Johnsonville to Kelburn via Mount Kaukau.
© WellingtonNZ9. Southern Walkway (4-5 Hours One Way)
Stretching 10.6 km (6.6 mi) between Oriental Bay and Island Bay, the Southern Walkway offers a delightful journey through Wellington’s diverse landscapes. This 4-5 hour trek takes you along the Town Belt, treating you to stunning views of the harbour, city centre, and rugged southern coastline.
Follow the pink bollards to stay on track as you meander through tranquil forest, around parts of the Berhampore Golf Course, and along the exposed coast between Houghton Bay and Island Bay.
Although steep in places, the walk is suitable for those with average fitness. We love how this trail showcases Wellington’s varied scenery, from bustling city views to peaceful forest paths.
Plenty of seats and picnic spots along the route provide perfect excuses to pause and soak in the surroundings. Various access points from suburban streets allow you to tackle the walkway in stages if you prefer.
Location: From Oriental Bay, start at the intersection of Oriental Parade and Carlton Gore Road. From Island Bay, begin at Shorland Park. Wellington, North Island.
© Jeff Hitchcock on Wikipedia10. Orongorongo Track (2 Hours One Way)
The Orongorongo Track is the star of the show in Remutaka Forest Park. This popular 5.2 km (3.2 mi) trail is a crowd-pleaser for good reason.
It’s an easy grade that takes you through a mesmerising mix of forest types, from podocarp and broadleaf to beech, with some towering northern rātā thrown in for good measure.
The real treat? Swimming holes at the end of the track! It’s the perfect family-friendly adventure, offering a bit of everything, lush forests, a gentle climb and a refreshing dip at the end.
Keep your eyes peeled for the magnificent grove of rātā trees as you reach the highest point of the track.
Location: Catchpool Valley, 12 km south of Wainuiomata, Wellington Region, North Island. Follow Coast Road for 10 km to the Remutaka Forest Park entrance, then 2 km to the car park.
© NZPocketGuide.comMore About Wellington Walks
That’s it for our guide to the 10 Best Walks in Wellington; for more information when travelling to Wellington, check out the following articles:
- 12 Free Art Galleries & Museums in Wellington
- 10 Best Budget Accommodation in Wellington City
- 10 Best Hotels in Wellington
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Wellington.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
![30 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Queenstown ???? [2023]](https://nzpocketguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Views-towards-Frankton-from-Cecil-Peak-landscape-queenstown-Feature-Mandatory-Credit-Destination-Queenstown-900x600.jpg)