Most of these (unless specified otherwise) are in or close to Wellington. Useful links:
Belmont National Park– On a good day there is an excellent 3 – 4 hour loop up to the trig point. Expect stunning views, dark damp forests, streams, rivers and waterfalls. Be sure to take water and a snack … it’s a long steady climb to the trig (but the walk along the valley to / from Cornwall Street / the dam is real nice as well).
Eastern Walkway Loop – This is another in a long list of hidden corners of Wellington. Park in Seatoun and this loop takes you through woods, atop cliffs, along the bay, along a beach and up and over cliffs again. It’s pretty, not too long and varied.
Wilton Otari Bush – Far, far more impressive than I imagined it to be, this little park is a picturesque collection of streams, waterfalls and well maintained (although steep) tracks arranged in short loops. A great place to hike for between an hour and maybe 3 (at a push) and only 10 minutes from the centre of Wellington.
City to Sea – This track from the heart of Wellington City to the south coast is extremely pretty and can be a route-march or a leisurely stroll (depending on how much you do). A great way to get those iconic Wellington views. Signage is not great and some of the track are along roads … but well worth it.
West Wind – About 30 minutes drive from Wellington is a wind farm scattered over the cliffs. There are plenty of walks here through pine forests, up and down grassy valleys. It’s a really pretty spot (if you like wind turbines and views of the cliffs and ocean). Walks from 1-3 hours. It can be really windy here … well, it is a wind farm.
Mt Victoria Lookout– There are plenty of tracks through the town belt, you’ll have no trouble finding a walk for an hour or two. You can easily walk from the city or from Oriental Parade (or from our door). All the tracks are well marked and as long as you have a reasonable sense of direction, you’ll be fine. Be sure to visit the actual lookout … the views across Wellington are stunning (especially on a nice day).
Akatarawa Forest – There are several ways into this park. We drove to the end of Akatarawa Road which is also popular with off-road bikes. But don’t be put off, we found an amazing unmarked loop (1 hour) which is unofficially called “the two chimneys”. It’s a near vertical scramble through quite lovely forest … turn right on “the tramway” and you find yourself back in the car park. There are also other walks in here, but most are not marked (so buy a map).
Other car parks may have better marked tracks and yes, buy a map.
Kaitoke Regional Park – Clearly marked paths, ample parking and a really, really pretty forest. Yes it’s where they filmed the Rivendell part of Lord of the Rings but honestly, that shouldn’t be the draw (unless you are an super fan), it’s just nice is all. Plenty of 1 – 3 hour walks here.
Castle Point– About 2.5 hrs from Wellington but part of the drive (from Masterton to Castle Point) is along the most beautiful road. There are a few walking tracks to / from the car park once you arrive … a good place to hike for 1 to 3 hours. Again, just beautiful views of the cliffs, sandy beaches, lagoons and lighthouse. Greytown is a good place to break up the journey.
Waiohine River Gorge – About 1.5 hrs from Wellington this impossibly picturesque spot is in dense, ancient woodland that runs along a deep gorge. Be sure to drive to the very end of the gravel road (there is a big car park there). The track goes over a swing bridge (it’s 40 meters up and moves … a lot) then you can choose left (to climb up steep hillside through the forest for about 4 kms) or right (to follow the edge of the gorge). The walk left is amazing fun, but I found it hard work. Unless you are booked into Cone Hut, sooner or later you need to turn around and come back.
If you can’t cross the bridge (no judgement … it’s high and wobbly), you can make it down to the river to swim / play (it’s apparently steep but small children manage it).
Red Rocks Reserve – An easy 2 – 4 hours stroll along the coast from Owhiro Bay to a seal sanctuary (and beyond or into the hinterland if you want more adventure). It’s flat and pretty (on a nice day). You’ll only see seals in the winter; you’ll see the South Island (on a clear day); you’ll see the inter-island ferries each and every day. It’s only 20 minutes by bus from Wellington City Centre or 10 minutes if you have a car.
Putangira / Pinnacles– We’ve not done this yet, so can’t comment but will report back once we’ve done it. Looks like it would be good to stay in Martinborough to tackle this (and honestly, you should stay in Martinborough … because it’s beautiful).
Patuna Chasm – We’ve not done this either yet but I’ve heard that it’s the North Island’s best kept secret. Hyperbole perhaps – we’ll report back once we’ve done it.
Brooklyn Wind Turbine – A nice walk from our door or from the city; the wind turbine itself offers big views of the city (real big … it’s much higher than Mt. Victoria). Once up there, there are plenty of options, just make sure you don’t find yourself on a mountain bike track (unless you want to be).
Remutaka Rail Trail– There are a number of different walks in this really pretty area, and it’s a great spot for a picnic. However far you plan on walking, the old railway tunnel is easily accessed from the car park and well worth exploring.
Matiu / Somes Island – A short ferry ride from Wellington will deliver you to this little, beautiful piece of history. It doesn’t take long to explore every path this island has to offer … but it’s well worth the trip. Amazing views, some old buildings and battlements to explore (there’s a “museum” of sorts).
Butterfly Creek – A short walk (an hour or two depending on your choices) leads you into the valley behind Eastbourne. Part of the track is very like a rain forest, damp, dark and a little bit magical as you follow the valley creek. However there are also spectacular views of the bay from the top of the hill, and a walk along the Eastbourne shoreline which is kind of pretty.
The Obligatory Blog 