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Where is Wellington?
Wellington, the heart of New Zealand, sits at the southern tip of the North Island. This city is not just a political capital but a gateway to the stunning landscapes New Zealand is famed for. Encased by the Rimutaka Range and the vast Cook Strait, Wellington's scenic harbour and diverse terrain make it a unique spot. Plus, its proximity to other prominent destinations in New Zealand, Wellington serves as a perfect starting point for a New Zealand road trip.
What’s Wellington known for
Wellington isn't just the administrative capital; it's the cultural powerhouse of New Zealand. Known as the "Coolest Little Capital in the World," it lives up to its name with an eclectic mix of arts, culture, and cuisine. Beyond its bustling city life, Wellington's outdoor scene is just as vibrant, offering some of the best walks and hikes near Wellington. The region's rich Māori heritage, alongside its dedication to preserving natural landscapes, adds a layer of depth to every visit. For foodies looking for the best places to eat in Wellington, Wellington's culinary scene is also a huge drawcard, featuring everything from street food markets to high-end dining experiences. For more ideas of things to do in this vibrant city, be sure to check out our top Wellington guides:
The best way to explore Wellington?
There's no better way to soak in Wellington's activities and attractions than in the comfort of a campervan. The freedom a campervan hire affords means you can explore Wellington's cityscapes and natural wonders at your own pace. Whether it's finding the perfect spot for a scenic lunch or enjoying a coastal walk in Wellington, a campervan gives you the flexibility to make the most of your New Zealand itinerary.
READ MORE: For more reasons why a campervan is a great choice for your New Zealand itinerary, check out 15 reasons to take a campervan road trip in New Zealand.
10 of the best walks and hikes near Wellington
Wellington's landscapes are a hiker's paradise, offering a mix of coastal views, lush forests, and rugged mountains. We're about to guide you through 10 of the best walks and hikes around Wellington that showcase the region's natural beauty. From the accessible yet stunning Mt. Victoria Summit Walk to the easy and rewarding walks around Wellington, each of these hikes offers a unique way to experience Wellington's outdoors.
Image: Tourism New Zealand
1. Makara Beach Loop Track
Walking time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
A jewel among the coastal walks in Wellington, the Makara Beach Loop Track wraps around the rugged coastline, offering stunning sea views and a chance to explore historic WWII gun emplacements. This moderately challenging walk takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete and is a short drive from Wellington City, making it an excellent option for day hikes in Wellington.
2. Mt. Victoria Summit Walk
Walking time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
For breathtaking 360-degree views of Wellington and its harbour, the Mt. Victoria Summit Walk is unbeatable. This easy yet rewarding hike is just a stone's throw from the city centre, taking about an hour to reach the summit. It's perfect for those looking for hikes in Wellington that blend urban exploration with outdoor adventure. The drive to the trailhead is virtually nonexistent, as it starts right in the heart of Wellington, making it one of the most accessible and best walks in Wellington.
3. Te Ahumairangi Hill Walkway
Walking time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Just 10 minutes from Wellington City, Te Ahumairangi Hill Walkway is home to two excellent hikes near Wellington. Here, you can choose between the 2.7km Elephant loop or the 1.4 km Stellin loop. These moderate-difficulty hikes near Wellington wind through native bush and grasslands, offering serene spots for birdwatching and panoramic views of the city. What sets it apart is its accessibility and the quiet, untouched nature you can experience so close to urban life. It’s an ideal spot for day walks in Wellington, especially for those staying in the city looking to immerse themselves in nature without venturing too far.
4. City to Sea Walkway
Walking time: 6 – 7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
The City to Sea Walkway, a unique urban trail starting from the Wellington city centre and ending at the southern coast, is a 6 to 7-hour journey through parks, residential areas, and along coastal paths. This diverse walk showcases the city's urban charm alongside its natural coastline, making it a perfect fusion of city and sea. Its accessibility and the variety of landscapes it covers make it a top choice for anyone interested in walks around Wellington. Just a short drive from the city centre, it’s an adventure that connects the bustling heart of Wellington with the tranquil beauty of its coastal edges – easily one of the best coastal walks in Wellington.
5. Skyline Walkway
Walking time: 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Spanning from Johnsonville to Karori, the Skyline Walkway is a treasure for those seeking expansive views of Wellington. This 6-hour, moderate to challenging hike in Wellington takes you along a ridge, offering unparalleled vistas of the city, harbour, and surrounding landscapes. The walkway is a 20-minute drive from Wellington City, making it an easily accessible option for day hikes near Wellington. It traverses native bush and open grasslands, providing a diverse hiking experience that encapsulates the best of Wellington’s natural beauty. For those planning a New Zealand road trip, adding the Skyline Walkway to your travel itinerary offers a memorable way to see the city from above.
6. Paekakariki Escarpment Track
Walking time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
The Paekakariki Escarpment Track, part of the Te Araroa Trail, is a must-visit for those seeking breathtaking coastal views. Located just an hour's drive from Wellington City, this 3 to 4-hour, challenging hike offers dramatic scenery along the Kapiti Coast, with steep sections and narrow pathways adding to the adventure. It’s a standout for anyone interested in hikes near Wellington – specifically coastal walks near Wellington with high vantage points and stunning ocean vistas.
7. Outer Green Belt Loop
Walking time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
For a peaceful nature retreat near the city, the Outer Green Belt Loop is unparalleled. This 2 to 3-hour walk varies in difficulty and takes you through the native forest, offering tranquil views of the Hutt Valley and Wellington Harbour. Just a 15-minute drive from Wellington City, it's a convenient hike near Wellington to escape into nature, highlighting the region's lush landscapes and scenic beauty.
8. Waimaphihi (Polhill) Reserve
Walking time: 1-3 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Waimaphihi (Polhill) Reserve is a hidden gem 10 minutes drive from Wellington City. Offering a walking track that meanders through lush native bush, this reserve is particularly famous for the panoramic views of Wellington and its environs. This Reserve stands out for its accessibility to stunning natural landscapes and the chance to spot native birds along the way, including Tīeke, Toutouwai, Hihi and Kākā. It’s a perfect spot for those looking to combine day hikes in Wellington with remarkable city views.
9. Belmont Regional Park
Walking time: 2 hours to a full day
Difficulty: Varies
Just a 20-minute drive from Wellington, Belmont Regional Park sprawls over hills and valleys, offering a variety of tracks such as the easy Māra Roa Loop Walk and the more challenging Waihora Loop Track. These tracks dive into native bush and roll over scenic landscapes, presenting an opportunity to experience New Zealand's great outdoors within easy reach of the capital. These walks near Wellington can last from 2 hours to a full day, catering to a range of travel itineraries and abilities. Belmont Regional Park is noted for its diverse terrain and historical sites, including WWII ammunition bunkers, adding a unique twist to your hike.
10. Red Rocks Coastal Walk
Walking time: 2 – 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Located about 15 minutes by campervan from Wellington City, the Red Rocks Coastal Walk starts at Owhiro Bay and takes you along a rugged coastline to the famous Red Rocks formations. This easy 3-hour return walk is renowned for its geological interest and the chance to see seals lounging on the rocks, especially during the seal breeding season from May to October. It offers a different outdoor adventure, combining coastal beauty with wildlife viewing, making this easily one of the best coastal walks near Wellington!
Where to stay in Wellington
Choosing where to stay in Wellington is an important step when planning your day hikes around Wellington. Staying in a campervan is convenient and flexible, allowing you to explore at your own pace and holiday parks offer a convenient base to park up. Here are a few of our top picks:
Cuba Street Motorhome Park
The Cuba Street Motorhome Park, located in the heart of Wellington, offers a prime base for exploring the best hikes in Wellington (and other top Wellington activities). This motorhome park puts you right in the mix of Wellington's vibrant urban life, with easy access to cafes, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Facilities are designed to accommodate campervans, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. Its central location makes it an ideal spot for those wanting to explore Wellington's city attractions.
Wellington Top 10 Holiday Park
For a more tranquil setting, the Wellington Top 10 Holiday Park in Lower Hutt is a great choice. Just a 15-minute drive from the city, it offers a variety of great campervan amenities, such as kitchen facilities, a laundry room, and a children's playground. Its location provides easy access to Wellington activities and the surrounding natural beauty, making it a versatile option when exploring this region in a campervan.
Ready to explore Wellington?
Wellington's diverse landscapes offer something for every New Zealand itinerary. Best of all, with the convenience of a campervan hire from maui, you can explore these natural wonders at your own pace. Whether you're winding through the native bush of Waimaphihi (Polhill) Reserve, exploring the historical landscapes of Belmont Regional Park, or watching seals lounge at Red Rocks, Wellington awaits with open arms. Ready to explore the activities and hikes in Wellington for yourself? Book your campervan online today. The best walks and hikes in Wellington are just a drive away.