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

Ramble around this stunning nature reserve that sits right in the middle of Wellington Harbour.

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 ReserveExperience the wildest part of Wellington’s rugged south coast, where you might encounter a colony of fur seals and catch views of the South Island.

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

Southern Walkway

Start near Wellington’s city centre and follow the Town Belt through to Island Bay.

The Juvenile Delinquent trail at Centennial Reserve in Miramar.

Juvenile Delinquent

Centennial ReserveWarm up or practice your skills on this mountain bike track for beginners.

A skate park with some graffiti tags on the pavement.

Kids Track

Centennial ReserveA fun mountain bike track for kids and beginners with city views.

The Nevay Link track at Centennial Reserve in Miramar.

Nevay Link

Centennial ReserveA short access track into Centennial Reserve from Nevay Road.

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

Eastern Walkway

Enjoy sweeping views over the south coast of Miramar Peninsula while walking through native bush on the Eastern Walkway. Loop back with an easy stroll along the coastline from Breaker Bay.

Three friends hike in Ōtari-Wilton's Bush surrounded by native trees.

Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush

There’s a wide variety of walks available at Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, ranging from gentle 10-minute strolls to 2.5-hour hikes. Original forests and native botanic gardens attract plenty of native birds.

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

Wellington Botanic Garden trails

Spectacular views are at every turn. Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā hosts exotic forest, native bush, floral displays, and themed gardens.

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

Redwood Bush Loop

Enjoy native New Zealand flora and fauna in this preserved pocket of native forest.