Loading...
Makara Beach, Wellington City
7 km
3 hours
214 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you’re looking to trade the bustling streets of Wellington for something a little more wild and windswept, the Makara Walkway is calling your name. Just a 30-minute drive from the city centre, this 7-kilometre loop track feels like a journey to the edge of the world. It’s a place where the Tasman Sea meets the rugged cliffs of the west coast, offering a blend of spectacular scenery, intriguing history, and the kind of fresh air that truly clears the cobwebs.
Whether you're a local looking for your weekend fix of nature or a visitor wanting to see the "authentic" Wellington coast, this walk delivers in spades. It’s an invigorating experience that showcases the raw beauty of the region, far removed from the manicured parks of the inner city.
The adventure begins at the stony shores of Makara Beach. There’s something incredibly atmospheric about this starting point—the sound of the waves pulling back over the pebbles creates a rhythmic, rattling soundtrack that stays with you. From the car park, you’ll start with a gentle meander along the beach heading south. It’s a great way to warm up the legs before the real work begins.
Soon, the trail turns inland and starts its ascent. This is where the "moderate" difficulty rating comes into play. The path winds steeply up through grassy farmland, and while it’s definitely a heart-pumper, every metre of elevation gained is rewarded with an increasingly dramatic view. Once you reach the clifftops, you’re standing about 200 metres above the sea, and the perspective is nothing short of breathtaking.
The ridge section of the walk is where the Makara Walkway truly shines. The terrain transitions into a mix of gravel tracks and farm paths. To your west, the cliffs drop away to the churning ocean below; to your east, the rolling hills of the Wellington hinterland stretch out toward the city. You’ll traverse the high ground for a few kilometres, passing through the Meridian West Wind Farm, where the massive turbines hum with a futuristic energy.
The descent is equally varied. You’ll follow a rougher track back down toward the coast, eventually landing back on the shoreline. The final leg of the loop involves a bit of "rock hopping" along the beach. Depending on the tide, this can be a fun challenge or a slightly slippery scramble, but it brings you right back to where you started, completing a satisfying 3-hour circuit.
A large car park is conveniently located directly at Makara Beach, which serves as the primary parking area for the walkway. While generally sufficient, it can fill up quickly during peak seasons or on busy weekends, so arriving earlier in the day is advisable. Basic toilet facilities are available beside the car park.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Phalacrocorax varius
These striking black and white seabirds are often seen drying their wings in the sun on coastal rocks and structures.
Best time: Year-round
Anthus novaeseelandiae
Often mistaken for a sparrow, this native ground-dwelling bird is distinguished by its upright stance and tail wagging.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
200m away
A cozy cafe located right at Makara Beach, offering yummy food, fresh fish and chips, ice cream, and coffee. Known for its warm hospitality and stunning ocean views, it's a perfect spot for post-hike refreshments.
Be the first to share a photo of this trail
Recent reports from hikers
No condition reports yet.
Be the first to report the current conditions!
See what other hikers are saying
--
No reviews yet
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Loop
The Makara Walkway is a photographer’s dream, but there are three specific highlights that make this trail a standout:
* The Cook Strait Vistas: On a clear day, the views from the clifftops are peerless. You can look across the churning waters of the Cook Strait to see the jagged peaks of the South Island’s Kaikōura Ranges. Closer to home, you’ll have a bird's-eye view of Mana Island and Kāpiti Island sitting proudly in the blue. * Fort Opau: Perched on the ridge, you’ll find the remnants of World War II gun emplacements. These concrete bunkers are a poignant reminder of New Zealand’s coastal defence history. Exploring the ruins of Fort Opau adds a layer of historical intrigue to the hike, and it’s a fantastic spot for kids to explore (with a bit of supervision, of course). * The Wind Turbines: It’s one thing to see the West Wind turbines from a distance, but standing beneath them is another experience entirely. The sheer scale of these structures is immense, and their presence on the rugged skyline creates a striking contrast between modern renewable energy and the ancient landscape.
Getting to the trailhead is a scenic journey in itself. From Wellington CBD, follow the signs toward Karori and then continue onto Makara Road. The drive takes about 30 minutes, winding through lush valleys and over the hills.
Once you arrive at the end of the road, you’ll find a large car park directly at Makara Beach. While it’s a decent size, this spot is a local favourite, so if you’re planning a trip on a sunny Saturday or Sunday, try to arrive by mid-morning to secure a park. There are basic public toilet facilities right next to the car park, which is handy as there are no other amenities once you start the climb.
The Makara Walkway is a fantastic place for birdwatchers. Because the area is part of a wider conservation effort, you’re likely to see a variety of native species.
Keep an eye on the rocky outcrops along the shore for the Kāruhiruhi (Pied Shag) and the Māpunga (Black Shag), often seen drying their wings after a dive. The Tōrea pango (Variable Oystercatcher) is a constant companion along the beach, identifiable by its bright orange beak and piping call.
Up on the ridge, you might spot the Pīhoihoi (New Zealand Pipit) darting among the grass. If you’re lucky, you might even see a Kererū (New Zealand Wood Pigeon) swooping through the more sheltered gullies. While the North Island Brown Kiwi is known to inhabit the wider area, they are nocturnal and very rare to see, but just knowing they are out there in the scrub adds to the magic of the place. On very special days, you might even spot a Kororā (Little Penguin) nesting or resting near the shoreline.
The Makara Walkway is open year-round, but each season brings a different flavour to the hike:
* Summer & Autumn: These are the most popular times. The weather is generally more stable, and the sunsets over the Tasman Sea are world-class. * Winter & Spring: The coast is at its most dramatic during the colder months. The "wild west" really earns its name when the swells are big and the clouds are moody.
Important Seasonal Note: Large parts of the track cross private farmland and are closed for lambing season from August 1st to September 30th. During this time, you can usually still walk along the beach to the gun emplacements, but the full loop is off-limits.
Practical Tips: * The Wind: This is Wellington, after all! The hilltops are incredibly exposed to the northerly gales. Check the forecast and if it's "windy" in the city, it will be "howling" at Makara. * Gear: Wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good grip—the initial climb can be slippery when wet, and the rock hopping at the end requires stable footing. * Sun and Shelter: There is almost no shade on this trail. Even on a cloudy day, the coastal UV is strong, so pack plenty of sunscreen and a hat. * No Dogs: Because the track crosses active farmland, dogs are strictly not permitted. * Kids: The walk is definitely kid-friendly for older children who enjoy a challenge, but the steep climb and the 3-hour duration mean it’s not suitable for strollers or very young toddlers.
Makara holds a special place in the cultural and geological history of Wellington. To Māori, the area was a significant source of mahinga kai (food gathering), with the rich coastal waters providing a bounty of seafood. The name "Makara" itself is steeped in local history, often associated with the Ngāti Tama and Ngāti Mutunga iwi who lived in the area.
Geologically, the landscape is a testament to the power of the earth. The uplifted marine terraces you walk along were shaped by tectonic activity over thousands of years. Today, the area is a model for land use, balancing traditional farming with modern renewable energy and conservation. The West Wind farm, which you’ll see up close, generates enough electricity to power nearly every home in Wellington, making this rugged coast a vital part of the city’s modern infrastructure.
After three hours of sea air and hill climbing, you’ll likely be ready for a treat. Fortunately, you don’t have to go far. The Makara Beach Cafe (WhareKai) is located just 200 metres from the car park.
It’s exactly what a coastal cafe should be: cozy, welcoming, and unpretentious. They are famous for their fresh fish and chips—perfect for eating on the beach if the weather is nice—and their coffee is excellent. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, their ice creams are the perfect reward for tackling those hill climbs. It’s the ideal spot to sit back, look out at the ocean, and reflect on a morning well spent on one of Wellington’s most iconic trails.
Haematopus unicolor
This coastal bird has a distinctive loud call and a bright orange-red bill, used for prying open shellfish.
Best time: Year-round
Apteryx mantelli
Iconic flightless bird and national symbol. Nocturnal and rarely seen but sometimes heard on night walks in predator-free areas.
Best time: Year-round
Eudyptula minor
The smallest penguin species in the world, they nest in burrows along the coast and come ashore under the cover of darkness.
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
Phalacrocorax carbo
A large, entirely black shag with a distinctive yellow face patch, often seen diving for fish in coastal waters.
Best time: Year-round