Wellington Regional Trails
The view overlooking Wellington and the harbour from the summit of Mount Kaukau on the Skyline Walkway.

Take a journey through Wellington’s outer green belt and discover abandoned railway tunnels and expansive views.

Walking time
4 - 5 hr
Length
13.3km
Uses
Walking/Running
Type
Double track
Walking difficulty
Easy: Walking track
Profile

432m highest point

Dogs
Yes (on lead)
A person sits on a wooden bench overlooking a view of Wellington from the Northern Walkway Trail.

About the trail

The Northern Walkway is a half-day trek along Wellington’s outer Green Belt. It spans from Johnsonville to the Botanic Gardens via Te Ahumairangi Hill (Tinakori Hill), Trelissick Park and Mount Kaukau.

Wind your way through hilly bush-clad terrain and discover abandoned railway tunnels and the city’s oldest scenic reserve. From the highest vantage points, you’ll get 360-degree views from the Remutaka Range and back towards the city and the sea.

The trail has many entrances so if you’re short on time you can just complete a section.

Three people standing on an elevated wooden platform at the summit of Mount Kaukau on the Skyline Walkway in Wellington, New Zealand.

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A view of Wellington Harbour/ Port Nicholson at golden hour with Matiu/Somes Island in the centre of the image.

Mātiu/Somes Island

Matiu / Somes Island is a peaceful nature reserve on an island in Wellington Harbour. Catch the ferry from Wellington and enjoy easy walking tracks.

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 ReserveRed Rocks Coastal Walk is a flat easy walk around Wellington's rugged south coast. Look out for fur seals and enjoy views of the South Island.

Two people take a selfie together at the Mount Victoria Lookout overlooking Wellington.

Southern Walkway

Southern Walkway is a 4 to 6-hour walk on Wellington's Town Belt between the city and Island Bay. Walk to Mount Victoria past Lord of the Rings film locations.

The Juvenile Delinquent trail at Centennial Reserve in Miramar.

Juvenile Delinquent

Centennial ReserveJuvie is a great trail to start out on. Warm up before another track or practice your skills as a beginner mountain biker.

A skate park with some graffiti tags on the pavement.

Kids Track

Centennial ReserveKids Track is a fun mountain bike track in Centennial Reserve for kids or beginners to test their skills with rollers and small structures.

The Nevay Link track at Centennial Reserve in Miramar.

Nevay Link

Centennial ReserveNevay Link is a short access track for mountain bikers into Centennial Reserve from Nevay Road to the Juvenile Delinquent trail.

A birdseye view of the Eastern Walkway and the surrounding water, a hiking trail in Wellington, New Zealand.

Eastern Walkway

The Eastern Walkway has big coastal views from the Miramar Peninsula. The easy track follows native bush along the coast and goes past the Atatürk war memorial.

Mother and child walking down a concrete path surrounded by leafy trees and flowers.

Wellington Botanic Garden trails

Wellington Botanic Garden offers views and surprises near the city, with easy walking trails around native forest and bush, blossoming flowers, and sculptures.

A dog on a leash going over a boardwalk on Redwood Bush Loop in Tawa.

Redwood Bush Loop

Redwood Bush Loop is an easy one-hour walk in Tawa through mature tawa, matai, and rata trees. The ridgeline provides great views over northern Wellington.

A traditional red Māori pou (carved post) with Wellington city in the background.

Te Ara o Ngā Tūpuna heritage trail

Te Ara o Ngā Tupuna is a walking and driving Māori heritage trail from Thorndon to Owhiro Bay. The first part is a walking trail through Wellington city.