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Wellington Central to Island Bay
14.4 km
6 hours 30 minutes
550 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you’re looking for the ultimate way to get to know Wellington, there is no better introduction than the City to Sea Walkway. This is more than just a hike; it is a 14.4-kilometre journey that captures the very soul of New Zealand’s capital. It’s a trail of contrasts, taking you from the sophisticated, historic heart of the CBD, through bohemian valleys and lush native forests, before finally delivering you to the wild, salt-sprayed beauty of the South Coast.
Whether you are a local looking to rediscover your backyard or a visitor wanting to see what makes this city tick, this walk offers a masterclass in Wellington’s geography and spirit. It is a moderate challenge that rewards every step with a new perspective on the "Coolest Little Capital."
The journey begins at the Bolton Street Memorial Park, a place where Wellington’s colonial history feels very much alive. As you wander past heritage roses and weathered headstones, you’ll feel a world away from the nearby bustle of Parliament. From here, the trail leads you into the world-class Wellington Botanic Garden. This section is a delight for the senses—fragrant floral displays give way to towering exotic trees and pockets of regenerating native bush. If you time it right, you’ll see the bright orange Cable Car trundling up the hill, a quintessential Wellington sight.
As you leave the manicured gardens behind, the trail drops into Aro Valley. This is one of Wellington’s most character-filled suburbs, famous for its steep hillsides lined with colourful, turn-of-the-century worker cottages. The vibe here is creative and community-focused, and it’s a great spot to soak up the local atmosphere before the real climbing begins.
The middle section of the walkway is where you’ll earn your lunch. You’ll traverse the Town Belt, a historic green corridor that wraps around the inner city. The path winds through Central Park and Prince of Wales Park, involving a steady ascent of about 550 metres in total elevation gain. It is undulating and can be a bit of a workout, but the payoff is spectacular.
Once you hit the exposed ridgelines above the southern suburbs, the "sea" part of the City to Sea Walkway starts to reveal itself. On a clear day, the views are simply staggering. You can look back at the gleaming skyscrapers of the CBD, across the deep blue of Wellington Harbour, and straight out over the Cook Strait. If the weather is playing ball, you might even see the snow-capped peaks of the Kaikoura Ranges in the South Island shimmering on the horizon.
Paid parking is available at Bolton Street Memorial Park, the starting point of the walkway, from 8am to 4pm daily ($5/hour Monday-Friday, $3/hour Saturday-Sunday). Additional paid parking can be found on nearby streets such as Ballantrae Place, Clifton Terrace, Bolton Street, and Mowbray Street. Free 2-hour coupon parking is available on Glenmore Street. At the Island Bay end (Shorland Park), parking is typically street parking, and the area is well-served by the Number 1 bus route for convenient transport to and from the city centre.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Zosterops lateralis
Self-introduced to New Zealand in the 1800s, the silvereye is easily identified by the prominent white ring around its eye and is a frequent garden visitor.
Best time: Year-round
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
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
100m away
Located in the Bolton Hotel, this café serves perfectly crafted coffees, L'Affare barista coffee, TWG teas, cold drinks, and light bites, popular with politicians and business leaders.
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Point to point
The final leg takes you through the quiet, grassy expanses of Tawatawa Reserve before a long, scenic descent towards Island Bay. The air turns saltier, the wind pick up a bit more "bite," and eventually, you emerge at Shorland Park, right on the edge of the rugged Pacific Ocean. It’s a powerful feeling to stand on the beach and look back at the hills you’ve just conquered.
The official start is at Bolton Street Memorial Park, located just uphill from the Beehive and the CBD.
Parking: If you’re driving, paid parking is available at the Bolton Street entrance from 8 am to 4 pm ($5/hour on weekdays, $3/hour on weekends). For slightly cheaper options, look at nearby Ballantrae Place or Clifton Terrace. If you want a bit of a head start with free parking, there is 2-hour coupon parking on Glenmore Street near the Botanic Garden.
Public Transport: Because this is a point-to-point walk, most locals prefer to take the bus. You can easily walk to the start from anywhere in the CBD. Once you finish in Island Bay, the Number 1 bus runs very frequently and will take you right back to the city centre in about 20-30 minutes.
Wellington is a haven for birdlife, largely thanks to the nearby Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne sanctuary. As you walk through the Botanic Garden and the Town Belt, keep your ears open for the melodic song of the Tūī and the distinctive "whoosh-whoosh" of the Kererū (New Zealand pigeon) flying overhead.
This walkway is more than just a path; it follows the history of the land. The Town Belt through which you walk was set aside in 1841 by the New Zealand Company to ensure the city always had "green lungs." For Māori, the ridges and valleys held great significance for travel and food gathering, with the south coast being a rich source of kaimoana (seafood).
The trail also highlights Wellington’s geological drama. You are walking across a landscape shaped by the massive Wellington Fault, which created the harbour and the steep escarpments you’ll be climbing. Keep an eye out for the interpretative signs along the way that explain the transformation of the landscape from heavy forest to farmland and back to the regenerating bush you see today.
You’ve finished! Your legs might be tired, but your soul will be full. Now, it’s time to refuel.
The City to Sea Walkway is a true Wellington rite of passage. It’s a day of fresh air, incredible views, and a deep dive into what makes this city so special. Pack your camera, grab a friend, and head for the hills!
Nestor meridionalis
Large forest parrot found in native bush. Loud and social, increasingly common in predator-controlled sanctuaries.
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
Anthornis melanura
Its beautiful, clear, bell-like song is a quintessential sound of the New Zealand bush, particularly vibrant at dawn and dusk.
Best time: Year-round
Charadrius bicinctus
This small, ground-nesting shorebird is identified by its distinctive chest bands and can be found on coastal beaches during its breeding season.
Best time: Spring-Summer
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Known for its acrobatic flight and fanned tail, the fantail often flits close to humans, catching insects disturbed by their movement.
Best time: Year-round
Phalacrocorax punctatus
A coastal seabird, the spotted shag is distinctive with its double crests during breeding season and often seen in large colonies on rocky shores.
Best time: Year-round
200m away
A taproom and community hub in Island Bay, offering quality craft brews, food, and a lively atmosphere.
200m away
A popular local pub offering a quintessential Kiwi experience with a selection of beers on tap, a diverse menu of pizzas and bar snacks, and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe.
200m away
A Middle Eastern-inspired eatery on Island Bay's southern coast, offering a relaxed all-day dining experience with Turkish and surrounding country flavours. (Note: Temporarily closed due to flooding).
300m away
New Zealand's oldest surviving tavern, offering an all-day gastropub menu with a varied selection of small bites and bistro options in a historic setting.
300m away
A cosy neighbourhood cafe-deli in Island Bay, known for its excellent coffee, delicious food, and friendly atmosphere, with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
500m away
An award-winning steakhouse in Wellington's business district, known for its Wakanui steak, line-caught game fish, and extensive whisky and wine selection.