Your ultimate trail mix for Faultline Ultra

The Southern Walkway winds its way through Wellington’s spectacular town belt. Starting in Roseneath, this 10.7km trail climbs up through the Mount Victoria bush before following the ridge line to the summits of Mount Alfred and Mount Albert. Drop down into Houghton Bay and follow the rugged coastline around to your finishing point in Island Bay. With almost 550 metres of vertical ascent and plenty of the same terrain covered by the longer Faultline routes, this is an excellent way to test your stamina. The route can be done in reverse or in sections. As it’s part of the town belt, an entry or exit point is never far away. While the start of the track is walker/runner-only, the southern portion is mountain-biker-friendly. 

Enjoy sweeping views over the south coast of the Miramar Peninsula while weaving through native bush on the 2.6km Eastern Walkway. Start from either of the trailheads at Tarakena Bay or Pass of Branda. On the trail, you’ll find plenty of steps and rough terrain to test your footwork. There are also signposts for Māori historic sites, picnic spots, and the Atatürk Memorial, which commemorates the fallen soldiers of Gallipoli. Make the route longer by looping back with an easy stroll along the Breaker Bay coastline. If you’re feeling really confident, add on the Point Dorset trail, which runs through to Seatoun Beach, and you’ll have yourself a nice 8km loop. 

Mount Kaukau summit is a Wellington favourite. At 445 metres above sea level, it is one of the highest points within the city’s landscape. It covers grassy hills, steps, native bush, and open farmland. From Simla Crescent, the trail gains 230 vertical metres along the Northern Walkway to the summit. As your calves and quads recover from the ascent, you’ll be treated to classic views of the city and its surrounding hills, the harbour, and on a clear day, Te Waipounamu. From the summit, the trail returns down via the Skyline Walkway towards Sirsi Terrace. Once you see the sign for the swimming pool, head down the steps into the pines. Take the walkway to Clark Street, following the signs back into the bush to return to Simla Crescent.  

Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush is where the starting gun sounds for the 50km Faultline Trail Run. Just five kilometres from the central city, it is New Zealand’s only botanic garden dedicated solely to native plants. A selection of short trails weaves through the 100 hectares of native forest and is perfect for training. Te Ara Porowhita (1.6km) is the most popular circular loop track, featuring a stream, native forest and gardens. For something a little more challenging, Te Ara o Tama (4.75km) takes you past Moko, the 800-year-old rimu tree. You’ll then climb up to the Skyline Walkway for amazing views across Wellington.   

Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā has several trail options throughout its 25 hectares of protected native forest, plant collections, floral displays, and views over Wellington city. Start at the top of the cable car to replicate the 12km Tremor race or the 6km Magnitude. Only minutes away from the city centre, the garden offers beauty and intrigue year-round. Whether you have 10 minutes or two hours, there are tracks for everyone to explore. 

There are few Wellington tracks more feared than the Tip Track. Its notorious name is whispered in dark corners, yet almost every trail runner and mountain biker knows their personal-best ascent time on this brutal trail. Starting from Happy Valley Road near the entrance to the Southern Landfill, the trail steeply climbs 577 vertical metres to the top of Hawkins Hill. For the experienced trail runner, make it a 16km loop by connecting to the Red Rocks Coastal Walk via Red Rocks Track. Along this longer route, you’ll encounter a seal colony and a spectacularly rugged coastline.