Wellington Regional Trails
Looking over back towards the Wainuiomata Hill Lookout from the Main Ridge and Howard Road tracks.

One of the key routes through the East Harbour Regional Park northern forest, across the ridgeline.

Walking time
3 hr
Length
5.7km
Uses
Walking/Running, Mountain Biking
Type
Single track
Walking difficulty
Easy: Walking track
Mountain Bike Grade
Intermediate: Grade 3
Profile

280m climb

-460m descent

369m highest point

Dogs
Yes (on lead)

About the trail

The Main Ridge Track is a shared path that provides easy access to the northern forest and the eastern bays.

Starting from the Wainuiomata Hill summit, the trail winds its way through lush native forest. It intersects with many other trails within the park, providing many opportunities to veer off to Wainuiomata, Eastbourne or Days Bay via the Kererū Track.

Mountain biking is permitted on Main Ridge Track as far as Lowry Trig only.

Two cyclists on bikes at the top of the Wainuiomata Hill lookout.
View from the Wainuiomata Hill Lookout, looking over an industrial area towards Wellington City and Matiu/Somes Island.
Narrow trail leading up through a section of dense bush.

Getting there

  • The trail can be completed in either direction, starting from either Wainuiomata Hill or Days Bay.
  • There are regular bus and ferry services to the eastern bays, Wainuiomata and the surrounding areas.
  • Timetables are available from Metlink and East by West Ferries.

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.
  • 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
A section of the Cheviot Road Track in Eastbourne. There is mature native bush with plenty of shade.

Cheviot Road Track

East Harbour Regional ParkCheviot Road track is a steep one-hour walk through mature native bush, with views over Lowry Bay in East Harbour Regional Park.

Howard Road trail, a walk through native bush with views of the Wellington Harbour.

Howard Road Track

East Harbour Regional ParkClimb up Mount Lowry on the Howard Road Track while stopping off at two lookouts along the way in East Harbour Regional Park.

Kāeaea Track Summit view looks out across Wellington Harbour, with Matiu/Somes Island on the right and Mākaro/Ward Island on the left. Behind Mākaro, the Miramar peninsula.

MacKenzie Road Track

East Harbour Regional ParkMacKenzie Road Track has steep steps and a zigzag trail to meet up with Main Ridge Track in East Harbour Regional Park.

Section of trail looking back towards Wellington harbour and Matiu/Somes Island.

Muritai Park Track

East Harbour Regional ParkMuritai Park Track is one of the main access points for the Butterfly Creek Track in the Northern Forest of East Harbour Regional Park.

A person leaps across a stream while another follows, on the East harbour Regional park Kowhai Street track.

Kererū Track

East Harbour Regional ParkKererū Track is an intermediate walk that weaves through mature forest. See kererū and orchids with views over Wellington from the hills above Days Bay.

Two mountain bikers zoom between lush green ferns and trees on the Rātā Ridge track, in East Harbour Regional Park.

Rātā Ridge

East Harbour Regional ParkA gentle traverse from Mount Lowry to Wainuiomata, with a steep finish.

The trail around Pencarrow Lakes and Eastbourne Lighthouse. Green hills meet with the blue ocean and lakes, and the white lighthouse is in the distance.

Lighthouse Track

East Harbour Regional ParkThe Lighthouse Track in Eastbourne leads you uphill to one of Wellington’s most iconic landmarks, Pencarrow Lighthouse.

Two people walk along Bus Barn Track in East Harbour Regional Park during golden hour.

Bus Barn Track

East Harbour Regional ParkBus Barn Track is an easy trail in Eastbourne through mature beech forest and stunning kahikatea trees. Connect to the popular Butterfly Creek picnic area.

3 people walking along a boardwalk looking at the native trees on the Kowhai Street Track to Butterfly Creek.

Kowhai Street Track

East Harbour Regional ParkKowhai Street Track has options to explore more of the East Harbour Regional Park, including the Butterfly Creek picnic area and views over Wellington Harbour.

Cyclists are riding along a coastal road at the Pencarrow Coast in Eastbourne, New Zealand.

Pencarrow Coast Road

East Harbour Regional ParkPencarrow Coast Road is a popular, easy walking and biking trail that winds to the historic Pencarrow Lighthouse and the shores of Lake Kohangatera.