Wellington Regional Trails
The view over the Wellington Harbour and city from Mount Kaukau/ Tarikākā on the Skyline Walkway.

Journey along Wellington’s highest peaks from Mākara Saddle to the summit of Mount Kaukau, ending in Johnsonville.

Walking time

5 hr

Length

12.9km

Uses

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking

Type

Single and double track

Walking difficulty

Intermediate: Easier tramping 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.

Looking for more?

At start of items
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 ReserveA punishing route to the top of Hawkins Hill with stunning views over Wellington.

The Jail Brake track at Centennial Reserve in Miramar.

Jail Brake

Centennial ReserveZoom down this challenging downhill track with jumps, drops and a wallride.

At the top of Mākara Walkway looking south, you can see the coastline with windmills dotting the hills. The top of the South Island an be seen in the distance.

Mākara Walkway

Clamber high above the Mākara Beach cliffs and discover exhilarating views, WWII gun emplacements, breathtaking beachfront, and historic pā sites.

The rocky coastline, blue water, and mountains are at Red Rocks Coastal Walkway.

Red Rocks Track

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveAdventure along the ridgelines on the south coast for huge views of the Cook Strait and then down to the coastline to meet the fur seals.

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.

The Fenceline Trail in Waimapihi Reserve. It travels alongside the fence of Zealandia, amongst trees, to the Brooklyn Wind Turbine.

Fenceline

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveFollow the boundary of Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne ecosanctuary and tune into native birdsong.

A section of the Sawmill trail in Waimapihi Reserve overlooking the Wellington Harbour.

Sawmill

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveA quick connector between Ashton Fitchett Drive in Brooklyn and the popular Fenceline trail.

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 trail through Waimapihi Reserve that connects some of the most popular trails.

The Borderline trail in Belmont Regional Park, a gravel and grass trail down grassy hills.

Borderline

Belmont Regional ParkBorderline is a fast downhill mountain bike track with steep drops, jumps and a few surprises to keep you alert.

A scenic view of Porirua Harbour from Colonial Knob Walkway on Rangituhi/Colonial Knob on a misty dawn.

Te Araroa Walkway

A sturdy single trail that runs from Ohariu Valley Road to the top of Rangituhi/Colonial Knob.