5 trails with a view

1. Te Araroa Escarpment Track

Take in spectacular views of Kāpiti Island from high above the Kāpiti Coastline on one of the region’s finest walking experiences. The Escarpment Track is 10km in length and runs from Paekakariki to Pukerua Bay but can be done in either direction. Expect steep hill climbs (you’ll scale around 2,000 steps!), swing bridges and narrow pathways and, of course, jaw-dropping views the whole way along.

View trail ›

Te Araroa Paekakariki Escapment Walk_girls walking down steps

Southern Walkway_girls seating at a picnic table admiring the view

2. Southern Walkway

The Southern Walkway is the walk to do on those ‘Can’t beat Wellington on a good day’ blue sky days. Starting in Mt Victoria to take in the panoramic views of the city and harbour, you’ll walk through the town belt, passing by Lord of the Rings filming locations as you head towards the rugged South Coast. With a wild grandeur all of its own, on a clear day you can see the South Island from the rocky shores of the South Coast.

View trail ›

3. Skyline Track

It ain’t called the Skyline Track for nothing – this trail boasts skyward views across the nearly all of the Wellington region. One of Wellington’s premier trails, the Skyline Track is a journey along Wellington’s highest ridgelines and peaks from Mākara Peak all the way to Mount Kaukau. With many entrances and exits along the way, the Skyline trail makes the perfect adventure either on bike or on foot. This trail involves some challenging terrain with plenty of steep bits, but you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with pretty sweet views. A great bus and train service can help get you home at the end.

View trail ›

Skyline Walkway girls admiring the view at Mount Kaukau 360 degrees view

Skyline Walkway girls walking and admiring the view of Wellington city and sea

Polhil Reserve two people admiring the stunning view from the Brooklyn Wind Turbine

4. Polhill Reserve - Brooklyn Turbine - Te Kopahou Reserve

This group of trails have it all: from beautiful native bush full of native birds, thanks to nearby Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, to stunning panoramic views of the city from the Brooklyn Wind Turbine, to the rugged wild grandeur of Wellington’s South Coast and the South Island beyond. Whether you’re travelling on bike or on foot, you’ll cover varied terrain and landscapes in a short space of time. Embark on a full day’s adventure by linking trails together or take it one stage at a time.

View trails ›

5. Te Ara a Rangituhi / Colonial Knob Summit

Te Ara a Rangituhi in Porirua is a huge reserve set on 110 hectares of farmland slowly regenerating into indigenous vegetation and features a range of trails, including the Te Ara Utiwai Track. Enjoy the gentle climb to the Rangituhi Lookout, as you run through stunning native bush. The trail connects with the Mt Rangituhi / Colonial Knob Walkway to form an 8km half-day walking circuit.