Wellington Regional Trails
The bright blue water and rugged coastline at Red Rocks on Wellington's south coast.

Experience 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.

Walking time
3 hr return
Length
3.7km
Uses
Walking/Running, Mountain Biking
Type
Access Road
Walking difficulty
Easy: Walking track
Mountain Bike Grade
Easy: Grade 2
Profile

11m highest point

Dogs
Yes (on lead)

About the trail

Formed about 200 million years ago, Red Rocks is an unusual rock formation of ancient volcanic pillow lava embedded in greywacke and red siltstone. The resulting colour makes for an area of national significance.

Located on the southern coast west of Island Bay, the 7.4km trail is open to walkers, bikers, or recreational four-wheel drivers. Its fascinating geology spawned Māori myths, including one where Kupe, the famous Polynesian explorer, bled after a paua clamped shut on his hand while he tried to gather some to eat.

This easy, flat track will take 2-3 hours return when walking, guiding you along the coast from Ōwhiro Bay Quarry, past a small group of historic baches built in the early 1900s, and out to Devil’s Gate at Sinclair Head.

An aerial shot of three people walking along the Red Rocks Coast Walkway.

For a longer journey, head up the ridgelines of Te Kopahou Reserve and link onto Red Rocks Track to Hawkins Hill.

The wild and barren shoreline makes for an exhilarating walk. During the winter months, you can see fur seals basking on the rocks near Sinclair Head. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash and kept at least 20m away from seals and other native wildlife.

Getting there

  • The trail starts from the Te Kopahou Visitor Centre car park, located at the end of Ōwhiro Bay Parade and ends at the Devil’s Gate at Sinclair Head.
  • If you’re taking public transport, the 29 Metlink bus line can get you near Ōwhiro Bay Parade (dropping you on Happy Valley Road). It’s around a 15-minute walk along Ōwhiro Bay Parade to the Te Kopahou Visitor Centre and the start of the trail.
Two people stand with their arms raised at Devil's Gate on the Red Rocks Coastal Walkway in Ōwhiro Bay in Wellington.

Devil’s Gate at Sinclair Head

Know before you go

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list.
  • For more in-depth weather forecasts, check out the MetService website.
  • Take warm waterproof clothing, durable footwear, sunscreen, food and water.
  • Toilets and changing facilities are available at the Te Kopahou Visitor Centre.
  • The trail is an unsealed road and is uneven in places. It is unsuitable for 2WD vehicles.
  • If biking or walking, beware of approaching 4WD vehicles. The gate is closed on Sundays, and the route is only open for walkers and mountain bikers.
  • Dogs must be kept on a leash and at least 20m away from seals and other native wildlife.
  • During wildfire season, Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) actively monitors fire danger in regional parks. This trail may have restrictions or closures. Check the latest fire risk status on the GWRC website before heading out on the trails.

Looking for more?

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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 secton of the Ikigai trail in Waimapihi Reserve. The mountain bike track has a clay surface with wooden platforms and views of Wellington.

Ikigai

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveIkigai is a Grade 3, mountain bike only downhill trail in

An adult and two children exit a forest trail next to a sign post with a map.

George Denton family loop walk

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveThe George Denton family loop walk starts from George Denton playground — just minutes from Wellington’s city centre.

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 to Ikigai loop

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveGradually climb through regenerated bush and enjoy the downhill mountain bike ride on one of Waimapihi Reserve’s newest trails.

Clay coloured dirt mountain bike jump surrounded by trees.

Highbury Fling to Roller Coaster loop

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveJust a stone’s throw from the CBD, head to Waimapihi Reserve for a fun loop ride that will get you into nature and among birdlife.

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.

Looking east over Wellington city. The sweeping view shows green hills dotted with houses. The sky is blue with a few clouds.

Brooklyn Wind Turbine

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveTake in some of the best views of the city from popular Wellington landmark, the Brooklyn Wind Turbine.

A vast landscape with tall dry grass in the foreground, rolling hills, houses along the coastline and a mountain range across the water.

Tip Track

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveTip Track in Te Kopahou Reserve is a short steep route with stunning views of Wellington and the South Island. The trail starts next to the Southern Landfill.