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Brooklyn, Wellington City
6 km
2 hours
320 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you’re looking for a quintessential Wellington experience that combines a solid leg workout with world-class views, look no further than the Brooklyn Wind Turbine Route. This 6-kilometre return journey is a firm favourite for locals, and for good reason. It perfectly captures the spirit of the capital: a little bit rugged, incredibly green, and offering a perspective of the city that you simply can’t get from the CBD.
Whether you’re a tourist wanting to see where all that famous Wellington wind goes, or a local looking to shake off the office cobwebs, this trail delivers. It’s a shared-use track, meaning you’ll likely see runners getting their morning cardio in and mountain bikers tackling the steady climb (remember, bikes are uphill-only on the single-track sections for safety). Best of all, it’s a dog-friendly and kid-friendly adventure, making it a brilliant weekend outing for the whole family.
The journey begins at the top of Aro Street, right at the entrance to the Waimapihi Reserve. If you’ve spent any time in Aro Valley, you’ll know it has a unique, bohemian character, and the trail reflects that transition from urban quirk to natural beauty. As soon as you step onto the track, the city noise begins to fade, replaced by the rustle of ponga fronds and the chatter of native birds.
The terrain is a well-maintained mix of compacted dirt and gravel, with several sections of wooden boardwalk that help protect the forest floor. Don't let the "moderate" difficulty rating fool you; while the path is smooth, you are essentially climbing a hill for the first three kilometres. With an elevation gain of 320 metres, your calves will certainly feel it, but the gradient is steady rather than punishing.
The first half of the walk is a lush, shaded climb through regenerating native bush. On a warm Wellington day, the canopy provides a welcome respite from the sun. The trail winds its way up the valley, offering occasional "window" views through the trees back down towards the colourful rooftops of Aro Valley. Eventually, the bush begins to thin, the trees get shorter and wind-swept, and you emerge onto the exposed ridgeline of Hawkins Hill. This is where the magic happens. The final stretch to the turbine is open and airy, giving you a taste of the "wild" Wellington ridgelines before you reach the towering white structure of the turbine itself.
Limited on-street parking is available on Holloway Road, near the Waimapihi Reserve entrance at the top of Aro Street. Alternatively, on-street parking can be found at the Ashton Fitchett Drive entrance or near the wind turbine at the top of Hawkins Hill Road. The Aro Valley entrance is also conveniently served by bus route number 25.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Nestor meridionalis
Large forest parrot found in native bush. Loud and social, increasingly common in predator-controlled sanctuaries.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
100m away
A vibrant and cozy coffeehouse located just moments from the trailhead, renowned for its house-roasted Aro Coffee, delicious brunch and lunch options, and friendly atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for post-hike refreshments with both indoor and outdoor seating.
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Out and back
The obvious star of the show is the Brooklyn Wind Turbine. Standing tall at the summit, this iconic landmark was New Zealand's first operational commercial wind turbine. Getting up close to it is a visceral experience; you can hear the rhythmic whoosh-whoosh of the blades as they harness the Cook Strait breezes.
However, the 360-degree panoramic views are what truly steal the breath away. From the lookout at the base of the turbine, Wellington unfolds like a living map. To the east, you have the sparkling waters of the harbour and the city skyline. Look north, and you can trace the Hutt Valley into the distance. To the west, the rugged hills are dotted with the Mākara wind turbines, and to the south, on a clear day, the snow-capped peaks of the Kaikōura Ranges in the South Island rise majestically across the strait.
For the history buffs, the trail holds a few secrets. Keep an eye out for World War II bunkers and gun emplacements nestled into the hillside. These concrete remnants are a stark reminder of Wellington’s coastal defence history and offer some fantastic, slightly eerie photo opportunities.
Accessing the trail is straightforward, though parking in Aro Valley can be a bit of a squeeze. The most popular starting point is the Waimapihi Reserve entrance at the top of Aro Street/Holloway Road.
Thanks to its proximity to Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, the world-first fenced ecosanctuary, this trail is a hotspot for native birdlife. The "halo effect" of the sanctuary means that birds often fly over the fence to forage in the Waimapihi Reserve.
The most common bird you’ll encounter is the Kākā, a large, charismatic forest parrot. You’ll usually hear them before you see them—listen for their loud, prehistoric-sounding screeches. They are incredibly playful and can often be seen spiralling through the canopy. You’ll also find plenty of Tūī with their iridescent feathers and complex songs, and the heavy-set Kererū (New Zealand pigeon) swooping between trees.
Keep a sharp eye out for the Kākāriki (Red-crowned Parakeet). These bright green gems are a bit more elusive but are becoming more common in the area. If you’re lucky, you might also spot a Piwakawaka (Fantail) fluttering right alongside you, catching the insects stirred up by your boots.
Wellington is beautiful year-round, but each season brings a different flavour to the Brooklyn Wind Turbine Route:
Pro Tip: If you want to avoid the crowds, start your walk early in the morning on a weekday. You’ll likely have the summit all to yourself.
The area you’re walking through is steeped in both Māori and colonial history. The Waimapihi Stream, which gives the reserve its name, translates to "the stream of Mapihi." Mapihi was a chieftainess of the Ngāi Tara and Ngāti Mamoe iwi. Historically, this valley was a rich source of food and resources for local Māori.
In colonial times, much of the hills around Wellington were cleared for farming and timber. The lush bush you see today is a testament to decades of dedicated conservation and regeneration efforts. The transition from the old WWII bunkers to the modern wind turbine also tells a story of Wellington’s evolution—from a city focused on defence to one leading the way in renewable energy and ecological restoration.
The turbine itself isn’t just a piece of infrastructure; it’s a symbol of the city's identity. It was originally installed in 1993 as a test site to see if Wellington’s wind could be harnessed. It was so successful that it paved the way for the larger wind farms you now see across the region.
One of the best things about the Brooklyn Wind Turbine Route is where it ends—right back in the heart of Aro Valley. There is no better way to reward yourself than by visiting the local institutions.
Aro Cafe is just a stone’s throw from the trailhead. It’s a cozy, bustling spot that roasts its own beans. Their brunch menu is fantastic, and sitting outside with a flat white while watching the world go by is a classic Wellington Sunday activity.
If you’re finishing your hike later in the afternoon, head to Garage Project (91 Aro). This world-renowned craft brewery started right here in a transformed petrol station. They have 18 rotating taps featuring everything from crisp lagers to experimental sours. It’s very hiker-friendly—grab a stool, order a tasting paddle and a toasted sandwich, and recount the day's adventure.
Whether you're there for the birds, the bunkers, or the beer at the end, the Brooklyn Wind Turbine Route is a must-do walk that truly captures the heart of Wellington.
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
100m away
A popular craft beer taproom situated in the heart of Aro Valley, offering an impressive selection of 18 rotating taps featuring unique brews, along with wine and other beverages. It provides a cozy, relaxed atmosphere, ideal for unwinding after a walk, with a menu of snacks like toasted sandwiches.