Walking time
Length
Uses
Type
Walking difficulty
Mountain Bike Grade
Profile
900m climb
-517m descent
432m highest point
Dogs
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About the trail
As one of Wellington’s premier trails, The Skyline Walkway makes the perfect adventure on bike or on foot. Bring your stamina and a camera for your journey along the ridge tops above the Outer Green Belt, from Mākara Peak in the south to Mount Kaukau in the north.
The terrain can be challenging and exposed in places with plenty of steep undulations, but you’ll be rewarded with skyward views across the entire Wellington region. You can complete the journey in both directions — just be prepared to set aside at least a half day.
@RoadyNZ
If beginning the trail in the north at Johnsonville, you can take a bus to Cortina Avenue and walk to Old Coach Road.
If beginning in the south, the buses stop at Karori Road opposite Kaori Park. You’ll need to walk 1km to the beginning of the track.
There are several places in Karori, Khandallah Crofton Downs, Ngaio and Broadmeadows where the track is accessible from suburban streets. It can be completed from either direction or done in stages, as there are many entry and exit points along the way.
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[Music]
Visual: The text 'Skyline Walkway' appears on screen in blue font, followed by drone shots high above Wellington, looking over the harbour. The narrator then walks along the trail, talking to the camera.
Audio: Travel along Wellington city's highest ridgelines and peaks. Soak up the stunning vistas and sweeping panoramas. The Skyline Walkway is one of Wellington's premier trails. On bike or foot, the Skyline Walkway makes for the perfect adventure and yes, dogs can come too.
Visual: A white outline map of the Skyline Walkway overlays on top of more drone shots, showing the suburb of Karori and more mountains. The map shows the gradient of the track.
Audio: It takes around five hours to walk the 13-kilometre trail which runs between Johnsonville and Karori. The walk involves some steep and challenging terrain but you'll be pleasantly rewarded with epic views and a free workout. The trail can be tackled in any direction. Today we're starting in Johnsonville. Along the way, there are a number of access points to shorten your route if you wish. And remember, this walk is exposed to the full force of Wellington's natural elements, so, be prepared.
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Visual: The camera follows our narrator through bush, and flies over Mount Kaukau, showing an elevation of 445m on screen.
Audio: A highlight of the walk is Mount Kaukau, the highest peak on our journey. On a clear day, you'll be able to see the Kaikōura Ranges in the south island, to the north-west, the Porirua Basin and out to the Tasman Sea, in the east, the Remutaka and Ōrongorongo ranges.
Visual: Close-ups of birds, specifically kākā, flash across the screen, as our narrator talks about the wildlife seen on the trail toward the camera, followed by more drone shots of the harbour.
Audio: Mount Kaukau was originally called Tarikākā named for the abundance of kākā that once called this area home. Today, efforts to re-establish the kākā in Wellington mean you can spot them once again, so look out for their loud call and distinctive brown and scarlet feathers.
[Music]
Visual: The Drone follows our narrator walking along a ridgeline, then switches to a birds-eye view.
Audio: Back on the trail we climb over the Crow's Nest and onto the Kilmister Tops.
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Visual: The drone shows the view over to the Mākara windmills in the distance.
Audio: This area was known to local Māori as Te Wharangi, or broad open space, and was part of the rail travel between Ohariu and Te Whanganui a Tara.
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Visual: The drone shows the views in each direction, with large mountain ranges and the ocean. The narrator is then sitting in a café drinking a coffee.
Audio: At its southern end, the Skyline gently sets you back down on the Mākara saddle in south Karori. The perfect spot to find replenishments post-trail. So get out there, climb some hills, and tick off this Wellington classic. Find your wild on the Skyline Walkway.