Skyline Walkway
Walking time
5 hr
Length
12.9km
Uses
Walking/Running, Mountain Biking
Type
Double track
Walking difficulty
Easy: Walking track
Mountain Bike Grade
Advanced: Grade 4
Profile
900m climb
-517m descent
432m highest point
Dogs
Yes (on lead)
About the trail
As one of Wellington’s premier trails, The Skyline Walkway makes the perfect adventure on bike or on foot. Bring your stamina and a camera for your journey along the ridge tops above the Outer Green Belt, from Mākara Peak in the south to Mount Kaukau in the north.
The terrain can be challenging and exposed in places with plenty of steep undulations, but you’ll be rewarded with skyward views across the entire Wellington region. You can complete the journey in both directions — just be prepared to set aside at least a half day.
@RoadyNZ
If beginning the trail in the north at Johnsonville, you can take a bus to Cortina Avenue and walk to Old Coach Road. If beginning in the south, the buses stop at Old Karori Road, and you’ll need to walk 1km to the beginning of the track.
There are several places in Karori, Khandallah Crofton Downs, Ngaio and Broadmeadows where the track is accessible from suburban streets. It can be completed from either direction or done in stages, as there are many entry and exit points along the way.