Wellington Walking and Tramping

(Wellington, North Island, New Zealand NZ)

Walking / hiking in New Zealand is generally referred to as 'tramping' and this has become a hugely popular recreational attraction in Wellington.

Many much-plied tramping trails are based close to the city and encompass picturesque hills, breathtaking coastal views, bushland and forested areas, with the Hutt Valley and the Lower Hutt in particular affording some great pathways, along with the village of Pauatahanui and the town of Paekakariki, on the Kapiti Coast.

Around the city are a number of popular self-guided walking trails, which lead sightseers past some of the most noteworthy buildings in Wellington. The Maritime Heritage Trail is one such route and lasts in the region of one hour, while the somewhat longer Old Shoreline Walk connects Lambton Quay with Oriental Bay. Guided tours are also available at times, although a charge is usually payable to the guide.

Airstrip Walk

Address: Hill Road, Belmont, Lower Hutt, North Island, 6009, New Zealand
In the Hutt Valley area, the Airstrip Walk takes around two hours and passes through many local scrublands, fields and scenic areas.

Battle Hill Summit Loop Walk

Address: Battle Hill Farm Forest Park, Paekakariki Hill Road, Pauatahanui, North Island, 6006, Wellington, New Zealand
Lasting up to two hours, the Battle Hill Summit Loop Walk contains many historic sites, streams and paddocks along the way.

Belmont Trig Walk

Address: Stratton Street, Belmont, Lower Hutt, North Island, 6009, New Zealand
The Belmont Trig Walk features a wealth of picnic opportunities in the Hutt Valley area, together with spectacular views across the whole of Wellington, and takes around three hours.

Butterfly Creek Trails

Address: Eastbourne Domain Reserve, Eastbourne, Lower Hutt, North Island, 6008, New Zealand
With many popular tramping trails around the Eastbourne area, the Butterfly Creek Trails include hill climbs and harbour views.

Cannon Point Walkway

Address: Bridge Road, Akatarawa, North Island, 6007, New Zealand
Lasting up to four hours, the Cannon Point Walkway takes in beautiful scenery around the Hutt Valley region, including the Birchville reservoir.

Eastern Walkway

Address: Breaker Bay Road, Wellington, North Island, 6003, New Zealand
Taking no more than four hours, the Eastern Walkway contains impressive views of the harbour area and New Zealand's nearby South Island.

Inland Track

Address: QE2 Park, Wellington Road, Paekakariki, North Island, 6010, New Zealand
The Inland Track travels along the Kapiti coastline, with many green areas, large amounts of native flora and fauna, views and picnic spots, and lasts around two hours.

Johnsonville Park Walk

Address: Truscott Avenue, Johnsonville, Wellington, North Island, 6004, New Zealand
Taking less than an hour, the popular Johnsonville Park Walk is part of the Northern Walkway.

Khandallah Park Walk

Address: Khandallah Park, Khandallah, Wellington, North Island, 6004, New Zealand
The Khandallah Park Walk contains trails around Mount Kaukau, offering panoramic views of the city harbour.

Makara Walkway

Address: Makara Road, Makara, North Island, 6005, New Zealand
Close to the city, the Makara Walkway comes with a number of coastal trails, taking up to four hours.

Maritime Heritage Trail

Address: Queens Wharf, Wellington, North Island, 6001, New Zealand
The Maritime Heritage Trail heads along the harbour coastline and around the Lambton Quay area, and takes around one hour to complete.

Northern Walkway

Address: Botanic Gardens, Wellington, North Island, New Zealand
Taking up to four hours, this popular walking trail passes through a number of parklands, gardens and suburbs on the northern side of the city, being based around Thorndon.

Old Shoreline Walk

Address: Wellington, 6001, New Zealand
A two hour walk between Oriental Bay and Lambton Quay, with many historic monuments and heritage buildings en route.

Orongorongo Track

Address: Coast Road, Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt, North Island, 6008, New Zealand
In the nearby Hutt Valley area, the Orongorongo Track is a picturesque four-hour walking trail ending at the Orongorongo River.

Pencarrow Coastal Trail

Address: Muritai Road, Eastbourne, Lower Hutt, North Island, 6008, New Zealand
Tel: +64 0(4) 802 4860
Lasting around two hours, the Pencarrow Coastal Trail has scenic paths along the coastline around the city's Eastbourne district and passes the Pencarrow Lighthouse.

Rimutaka Incline

Address: Cross Creek Road, Featherston, 5952, New Zealand
Tel: +64 0(4) 802 4860
The Rimutaka Incline is a disused railway track in the Wairarapa area, on the outskirts of the city, where it is surrounded by a wealth of native flora and fauna.

Southern Walkway

Address: Oriental Parade, Oriental Bay, Wellington, North Island, 6001, New Zealand
Tel: +64 0(4) 802 4860
The Southern Walkway starts at Oriental Bay and lasts between three and four hours, incorporating a number of splendid coastal views and scenic beauty spots along the way.

Te Aro Heritage Trail

Address: Cuba Street, Wellington, North Island, 6001, New Zealand
Tel: +64 0(4) 802 4860
The Te Aro Heritage Trail takes no more than two hours to complete and covers historic Maori areas in the Cuba Street region.

Waterfront Walkway

Address: Queens Wharf, Wellington, North Island, 6001, New Zealand
A favourite with locals, the Waterfront Walkway lasts around two hours and travels along Queens Wharf and the stunning Oriental Bay.