Khandallah Park Loop (Mount Kaukau)

Loop

The descent is equally charming. Most hikers choose to follow the Skyline Walkway towards Sirsi Terrace. This section is dual-use, so keep an ear out for the whir of mountain bikes or e-bikes. The trail eventually ducks back into a fragrant pine forest, winding its way down past the Khandallah Summer Pool—a sight that is particularly tempting on a hot January afternoon—before closing the loop back at your starting point.

Highlights & Must-See Features

The absolute standout is, of course, the 360-degree summit view. From the trig station, you can see the entire Wellington harbour laid out like a map. You can track the Interislander ferries as they snake through the heads, spot the Beehive in the CBD, and look across to the Remutaka Ranges. On those crisp, "can’t-beat-Wellington-on-a-good-day" mornings, the Kaikoura Ranges in the South Island appear so clearly they look like they’ve been photoshopped onto the horizon.

Another highlight is the Television Mast. It might sound odd to call a piece of utility infrastructure a highlight, but up close, it’s an impressive feat of engineering. Standing 122 metres tall, it has been the city’s main broadcast tower since the 1960s and serves as a fantastic landmark for photos.

For nature lovers, the botanical transition is a must-see. The contrast between the lush, damp gully of Khandallah Park and the exposed, alpine-lite feel of the summit is stark. Keep an eye out for the ancient rimu and rata trees that have survived decades of Wellington’s infamous southerly gales.

Getting There

Accessing the Khandallah Park Loop is incredibly straightforward, making it a favourite for those without a car.

• By Train: Take the Johnsonville Line from Wellington Station and hop off at Simla Crescent Station. The trailhead is just a few minutes' walk from the platform. Note that parking on Simla Crescent itself is very limited and often full of residents' cars, so public transport is your best bet for this entrance.
• By Car: If you’re driving, head to the Woodmancote Road car park. This is a much larger parking area located near the Khandallah Summer Pool and Cafe du Parc. If that’s full, there are additional large car parks on Clark Street.
• Trailhead Tip: Starting from Woodmancote Road allows you to finish your walk right next to the cafe—a very tactical move for the hungry hiker!

Wildlife Spotting

Khandallah Park is a buzzing hub for native birds, thanks to the city’s incredible conservation efforts and proximity to the Zealandia ecosanctuary.

• Tūī: You’ll hear them before you see them. Listen for their melodic whistles and occasional discordant squawks. They are common year-round, especially when the flax is in flower.
• Kererū: These heavy-set wood pigeons are often seen (and heard!) "whooshing" between the trees. They are particularly fond of the berries in the lower bush sections.
• Pīwakawaka (Fantail): These friendly little birds will likely follow you along the track, flitting around to catch the insects you stir up as you walk.
• Kākā: Keep your eyes on the higher canopy and the open farmland. These large, charismatic parrots are becoming a frequent sight, often identified by their harsh, screeching calls as they fly overhead.
• Ruru (Morepork): If you’re doing a "twilight" hike, listen for the iconic "more-pork" call as the sun goes down.

Pro Tip: Look for the Kākā near the edges of the pine forest on the descent—they love to strip the bark off trees to get to the sap.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

While the Khandallah Park Loop is a great year-round option, each season brings its own flavour:

• Spring: The bush is at its most vibrant, and the birdlife is incredibly active. The Kowhai trees add a splash of bright yellow to the hillsides.
• Summer: Perfect for a late-afternoon walk to catch the sunset, followed by a quick dip in the Khandallah Summer Pool (check seasonal opening hours).
• Autumn: Usually offers the most stable weather in Wellington. The air is crisp, the visibility is often at its peak, and the wind tends to die down.
• Winter: Don't rule it out! A clear winter’s day provides the best views of the snow-capped Kaikoura Ranges. Just be prepared for muddy patches on the trail.

• The Wind: The summit is very exposed. Even if it feels calm in the suburbs, the nor’west winds can be fierce at the top. Always pack a windproof or waterproof jacket.
• Footwear: While the track is well-maintained, it can become slippery after rain, especially the dirt sections on the descent. Sturdy trainers or hiking boots are recommended.
• Timing: Aim to start your walk about two hours before sunset for the most dramatic lighting, or early morning to beat the crowds.
• Hydration: There are water fountains near the park entrance, but nothing at the summit. Bring at least a litre of water per person.

Local & Regional Context

The area is steeped in history. Long before it was a recreational park, the mountain was known to Māori as Tarikākā, which translates beautifully to ‘where the parrots rested’. It was a significant site for local iwi, serving as both a lookout and a place of natural abundance.

In the colonial era, the land was cleared for farming, which explains the open, grassy nature of the summit today. Khandallah Park itself was established in the early 20th century, and today it serves as a vital link in the Northern Walkway—a massive trail network that connects the city to the northern suburbs.

For the more ambitious hikers, the summit of Kaukau is a gateway to the Skyline Walkway, a 12km ridgeline trail that takes you all the way to Makara Peak. The conservation work here is ongoing, with local volunteer groups working tirelessly to trap pests and plant native trees, ensuring the ‘resting place of the parrots’ remains true to its name for generations to come.

After the Walk

One of the best things about hiking in Wellington is that you’re never far from a world-class flat white.

• Cafe du Parc: Located right at the Woodmancote Road entrance, this is the quintessential post-hike stop. It’s got a great outdoor seating area where you can relax with a coffee and watch the world go by. Their brunch menu is legendary among locals.
• Parsons Cafe and Bakery: Just a short walk from the Simla Crescent trailhead, this is a "hidden gem" territory. If you’re after a proper Kiwi pie or a fresh loaf of sourdough to take home, this is the spot. Their coffee is consistently excellent.
• Khandallah Trading Company: If your hike has worked up a bigger appetite (or a thirst for something colder), this gastropub is the answer. It’s family-friendly, welcoming to hikers in their gear, and offers a great range of craft beers and hearty pub meals to refuel your tank.

The Khandallah Park Loop is a perfect microcosm of the Wellington lifestyle—rugged, beautiful, a little bit windy, and conveniently close to a great cafe. Whether you’re here for the workout or the world-class vistas, Mount Kaukau never fails to deliver.

400m away

A cosy, family-friendly gastropub offering modern pub fare, craft beers, wines, and spirits in a lively suburban setting, perfect for post-hike refreshments.