Wellington Regional Trails
Two people on a rocky coastline on the Southern Walkway, a hiking trail in Wellington, New Zealand.

See the best of Wellington by walking from the centre of the city to the south coast in Island Bay, a 6-7 hour walk that can be done in either direction.

Walking time
6-7 hr
Length
14.3km
Uses
Walking/Running
Walking difficulty
Intermediate: Easier tramping track
Profile

183m highest point

Dogs
Yes (on lead)
Sunset over Island Bay Marina.

The trail ends — or begins — at Island Bay, on the rugged Wellington south coast. Here you can visit a café, enjoy the views and watch the sunset.

About the trail

The City to Sea Walkway starts in the heart of central Wellington near parliament and ends at the south coast suburb of Island Bay. The trail takes you across Wellington’s ridges and offers spectacular views of the city and surrounding suburbs.

The trail is well-signposted and you can walk it in either direction. The full walk takes about six or seven hours but you can also do it in stages.

What you’ll see

Along the way, you’ll walk through Wellington Botanic Garden. You’ll see the famous Wellington Cable Car, and pass by historic cottages in Aro Valley. The trail also takes you through 14 parks and reserves, children’s play areas and a public golf course.

The leafy town belt sections of this trail have exposed ridgetops and plenty of native and exotic planting. From here, you can enjoy spectacular views of central Wellington and the southern suburbs. You can also see the Tararua and Remutaka Ranges, the Cook Strait, and on a clear day, even the South Island’s Kaikōura Range.

Looking through a flower garden as two people walk along a path in the Botanic Gardens.

The first part of the trail goes through Wellington botanic Garden ki Paekākā.

Getting there

  • If you’re starting on the south coast, catch the Number 1 bus to Island Bay and get off at the last stop at Shorland Park. Timetables are available on  Metlink.
  • There are many access points along the trail, so you can choose where to start and finish.
The Beehive, a common name for the Executive Wing of New Zealand Parliament Buildings, located at the corner of Molesworth Street and Lambton Quay, Wellington.

A short walk from the northern end of the trail, you will find the Parliament grounds and buildings, including The Beehive.

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.
  • This trail involves a fair amount of stairs and uphill sections. We recommend wearing adequate walking shoes.
  • Take warm waterproof clothing, durable footwear, sunscreen, food and water.
  • Toilets are available in the city centre, the Botanic Garden, in Island Bay, and at the Wellington Cable Car.
  • Mountain bikes are not allowed on this trail.
  • Dogs must be on leads outside dog exercise areas.

For more tips and advice before heading out on Wellington’s trails check out our before you go section.

Looking for more?

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

Red Rocks Track on Wellington's south coast

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveWellington's Red Rocks Track follows the ridgeline on the south coast. Enjoy views of the Cook Strait before walking down to the coastline to see fur seals and marine life.

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

Fenceline track (boundary of Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne)

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveFenceline in Waimapihi Reserve (formerly Polhill) follows the boundary of Zealandia ecosanctuary. Hear native birdsong on this walking and mountain bike trail.

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

Sawmill

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveSawmill is a quick connector trail between Ashton Fitchett Drive and the popular Fenceline trail near the Brooklyn Wind Turbine in Wellington.

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 track through Waimapihi Reserve (formerly Polhill) that connects to some of the most popular trails in the reserve.

A scenic view of Porirua Harbour from Colonial Knob Walkway on Rangituhi/Colonial Knob on a misty dawn.

Te Araroa Walkway

Te Araroa Walkway is an intermediate trail from Ohariu Valley Road to the summit of Rangituhi/Colonial Knob.

A young couple enjoy the view from Mount Victoria lookout in Wellington.

Mount Victoria Lookout Walkway

The Mount Victoria Lookout Walkway starts from the city and climbs through pine forests. It's the best place for views of the city and Wellington Harbour.

A nature trail in a forest.

Bootleg

Centennial ReserveBootleg is a short mountain bike access track in Centennial Reserve that is easy for kids and beginners. It turns other tracks into loop tracks.

A mountain biking track in Centennial Reserve.

Conviction

Centennial ReserveConviction is a long trail with a bit of challenge in Miramar’s Centennial Reserve. It's a shared-use track, where walkers must give way to mountain bikers.

The Repeat Offender track at Centennial Reserve in Miramar.

Repeat Offender

Centennial ReserveRepeat Offender in Centennial Reserve is an intermediate mountain bike track with switchbacks, a gap jump, and pump sections.

The view overlooking the bay from the Solitary trail at Centennial Reserve.

Solitary

Centennial ReserveSolitary is an intermediate to advanced level mountain bike trail in Centennial Reserve with challenging features including double drops.