Wellington-hiking-areas

Top Hiking Areas in Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand’s charming capital city, offers a wealth of outdoor adventures, with stunning hiking trails just a stone’s throw away. Here are some of the best hiking areas to explore:

  1. Wellington Regional Parks

    • East Harbour Regional Park: The 2,800-hectare East Harbour Regional Park is home to diverse ecosystems and offers various trails catering to all fitness levels. The most popular one is the Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park trail network.
    • Wellington Town Belt: This green belt runs through the city and provides a peaceful escape from urban life. Trails range from easy strolls to more challenging hikes, such as the Wilkinson Road Track.

  2. Wellington City Walks

    • Lorde & Welby Scenic Reserve: A short, steep walk leads to excellent views of Wellington Harbour and the city from the top of Mount Albert.
    • Karaka Bay: Accessible by a water taxi or a longer walk from Seatoun, Karaka Bay offers beautiful views of the South Coast and is a great spot for picnics.

  3. Wellington Region

    • Red Rocks Scenic Reserve: Located on the Kapiti Coast, Red Rocks offers spectacular coastal views and a challenging hike.
    • Wainuiomata River Trails: These trails offer a variety of walks through native forest and along the river. The longer Waiu River Trail is particularly popular for its beautiful scenery.

  4. Remutaka Forest Park

    • This park offers several hikes, with the most famous being the Remutaka Incline, a historic railway track converted into a walking trail that provides stunning views of the Wellington region.

  5. Orongorongo Valley Track

    • A challenging but rewarding full-day hike that takes you through native bush to the beautiful Orongorongo River and waterfalls.