Short walks are a great way to see your surroundings and enjoy the outdoors – none more so than in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington! The vibrant city has multiple green belts and offers a wide variety of short walks through gardens, forests, the city centre and an expansive coastline. These short walks should not be missed if you’re visiting or live in the Wellington region, especially on a sunny day. What better way to explore the nation’s capital than on foot?
1. Otari-Wilton’s Bush (10min–2.5hr, various lengths)
Otari-Wilton’s Bush is a notable native botanic garden filled with hidden gems, located about 5 kilometres from Wellington city centre. This unique sanctuary is the ideal place to experience New Zealand’s native bush environment and native birdlife. One of the short walks within Otari-Wilton’s Bush is a loop track, an easy walk amongst lush forest and streams. The 4.5km Skyline Loop Walk is a challenging and demanding short walk and would suit those with good fitness where you can give yourself a challenge!
2. Wellington Waterfront Promenade (various lengths)
If you don’t want to venture too far afield, then Wellington’s Waterfront Promenade offers up a great short walk – plus, there are some great restaurants and coffee carts along the way. Running along the coastline, this walk gives access to some of Wellington’s best beaches, offers fantastic views across the harbour, and is well-suited for all ages and fitness levels. The promenade runs along the waterfront from Frank Kitts Park in Central City to Te Papa museum, then Waitangi Park and Oriental Bay.
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3. Wellington Botanical Gardens (various lengths)
The Wellington Botanic Gardens have something for everyone. The gardens are simply world-class with 25 hectares of specialist plant collections, colourful floral shows, unique landscape & protected native forest. With views of Wellington City, it offers visitors an opportunity to experience nature’s beauty right on the doorstep of Wellington’s CBD. Take your dog for a walk, visit the pond to feed the ducks, book in to see the glowworms or choose from the many self-guided short walks found throughout the garden. With plenty of options available, you will be sure to find something that interests you.
The Wellington Botanic Garden can be accessed via cable car, the No 2 Karori Bus or simply by taking an extended walk from Wellington City.
4. Matiu / Somes Island (10mins – 1hr plus travel time)
Take the ferry to Matiu / Somes Island in Wellington Harbour and a short walk from the city centre to the ferry terminal. Many endangered native species have been relocated to this pest-free island, where it is being ecologically restored. It offers excellent views and has a rich history. For hundreds of years, various Māori tribes have lived on the Island and the Island is now owned by local Iwi. There are four established walking tracks to choose from. You can visit WWII emplacements, visit the centre of the island using one of the original walking tracks, take a loop track or even just the main road to take in historical sites and native bush.
Whichever track you choose, history abounds, native bush, wildlife and expansive views of Wellington Harbour are found around each corner.
5. Putangirua Pinnacles Track (10mins – 4hrs)
If you have a vehicle and are keen to explore a bit further afield than Wellington’s CBD and harbour, then the Putangirua Pinnacles Track is one not to be missed. You’ll even be able to get up close and personal with the incredible stalagmite formations, as shown in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. There are three routes on offer, from quick ten-minute short walks to longer loop walks that take up to 3-4hrs.
6. Pencarrow Head Lighthouse Trail (16km long, 40mins drive from Wellington CBD)
This short walk is a great way to explore Wellington’s coastline and Pencarrow Head, which was the site of New Zealand’s first lighthouse in 1859. Some short trails lead out from this scenic point where you can enjoy views across the South Pacific Ocean and Golden Bay – it even has its own cafe! It’s pretty flat, making the walk easy for all ages and fitness levels and is suitable for mountain biking.
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7. Brooklyn Wind Turbine Route (10mins – 2.5hrs)
Close to a native bird sanctuary and lush regenerating native bush, the Brooklyn Wind Turbine short walk is an excellent place for locals and visitors to Wellington. In March 1993, the Electricity Corporation of New Zealand built the first Brooklyn wind turbine as a research project to assess how well wind turbines function in New Zealand conditions. Make sure to wrap up warm as the track is exposed but provides stellar views of the coastline and the South Island on a good day. Access is off Te Aro Street.
8. Mount Victoria Fast Loop Track (2.6km and 45mins)
The Town Belt, the historical wooded hills that encircle Wellington, is one of the city’s most attractive features. Found within the town belt is Mount Victoria Lookout. Climb up the short walk to reach Wellington’s highest point, where you can enjoy views of the harbour, city and surrounding suburbs. The fast loop track takes around 45 minutes to complete and is suitable for all ages. If you’re a Lord of The Rings fan, keep your eyes peeled for the location where Sir Peter Jackson filmed the scene in The Fellowship of the Ring where the hobbits hide from the Nazgul after finding a patch of mushrooms.
This short walk starts at Glenmore Street & Aro Valley Road in Aro Valley, Wellington.
9. Wrights Hill Loops (up to 1.5hrs)
Found on Wellington’s outer green belt, Wrights Hill Loop is a popular destination for bikers, dog walkers, families and those just keen to get out and stretch their legs. Take the Lookout walk, which is 2.4 kilometres long and takes about 1.5 hours, or the Salvation Bushwalk, which is only 1 kilometre long and takes around 45 minutes. Both loops allow you to enjoy views of Wellington Harbour & surrounding hills, with an abundance of native New Zealand birds seen in this area.
10. Mākara Walkway (7km loop and 45min drive from Wellington CBD)
This short walk climbs to several lookout locations with stunning panoramas and then retraces its steps along the beach. At the western end of Fisherman’s Bay, Ngati Ira Pa stands on a rocky promontory known as Wharekauri Point. The fortifications at the top of the cliffs are marked Fort Opau, manned by 100 troops during World War II. With great views, so much history, and a loop track, this short walk is great for families and keeps kids occupied.
