Stunning views of Kapiti and beyond along with pure escape into Hydro Valley
Access
Battle Hill Puketiro Road, Raumati Maungakotukutuku Road, Akatarawa Road Karapoti Road, Upper Hutt Canons Point Walkway and Judgeford Bullls Run Road
Description
The akatarawa forest park stretches in the triangle between Waikanae, Upper Hutt and Pauatanhanui. Its my favourite biking playground with awesome views, some challenging terrain and relatively easy access along 4wd tracks. Walking in Akatarawa Forest Park is also doable but this is real backcountry so should not be taken lightly.
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In addition to the stunning views this is a great opportunity to teach city folk about faming and the country
Access
Well signposted entry off Paekakariki Road or through Akatarawa Forest Park
Description
Battle Hill is a historic area with a number of walks and bike rides mainly targetted at families. It is an access into the Akatarawa Forest Park however it is mostly farm land or pine forest with a little native bush. Most of the walks are short and don't require too much fitness however the views are good and the history sites make it fairly unique.
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Great 360 degress views of Wellington with excellent access and LOTS of tracks
Access
Main access points are Dry Creek Bed off the Haywards, Cornish Street in Petone, Maungaraki Road, Horokiwi Road, Grenada North, Takapu Road, Warspite Ave, Murphy's Road, Normandale Road and Stratton Street
Description
This is one of the largest parks in Wellington and, in terms of actual walking area, is one of the largest. It borders the Hutt Valley, Western suburbs and the Haywards Hill Road in the north. Most of the park is farmland with associated issues for access when calving and lambing early to late spring). Unfortunately for cyclists its a mixed bag.
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What the area lacks in forest it makes up for in variety with most outdoor enthusiasts covered
Description
The Brooklyn area is blessed with a number of really good, long ridge walks with the added benefit of good views into the main city and coastline. Most activity centres around the Windmill however other opportunities do exist for the less adventurous.
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Highlights of this area would have to be the views out over Wellington and the South Island along with the Seal Colony at Red Rocks
Description
This area is a mecca for mountain bikers with well formed, long 4wd roads and some tricky side tracks. Be prepared as this area is very exposed to the prevailing weather and particularly southerlies.
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The views from Colonial Knob itself both over the suburbs and out towards the coast on the other side are nothing short of spectacular.
Access
The main carpark is off Broken Hill road just before you start up the hill towards the tip. Also the Elsen Camp carpark in Raha Street, Waiho Terrace and Rangituhi Crescent.
Description
This was formally my stumping ground when I lived in Tawa. The really good thing about Colonial Knob is the number of loop tracks so you don't have to be creative with transport. The park is a mixture of forest and farmland near Tawa and Porirua. Usage is high so probably not the place to go if you want some alone time.
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Eastborne and Wainuiomata including East Harbour and Pencarrow
Highlights
You can't get better views of the harbour and Wellington on a good day.
Description
If you don't mind hills then this is the area for you. Everything from wide, firebreaks through to routes as opposed to tracks that require some naviagation skills. As long as you don't mind putting in some effort this area delivers in spades. A little disappointing for mountain bikers but Pencarrow gives some relieve.
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The tracks are generally excellent with either gravel of grass track but things can get muddy after heavy rain. Unlike most parks the track includes few steps which is a godsend for cyclists and those with bad knees. In terms of cycling I really enjoy t
Description
This area is blessed with lots of views some even out of the harbour. Johnsonville is also the gateway into Mount Kaukau.
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Some of the best sea views in the Wellington region are yours for the taking. No place gives better sunset photos then the coast with the most.
Description
This area is renowned by Wellingtowners as an escape from the hustle and bustle less than an hours drive north. Its also a great base for getting outdoors without the crowds further south. Of special note are the amazing sunset and sunrises, definitely worth staying a weekend or two for.
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Two of my personal favourites are Johnson Hill for the views and Makara Peak for the wow factor.
Description
Karori is surrounded by oportunities to get out-and-about, particularly if you're into mountain biking but walkers are well catered for as well. The tracks literally surround the valley and a number of them link with even longer tracks like Skyline and Hawkins Hill. Whatever your fancy Karori delivers in spades.
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You really can't go past the Hutt river on a nice summers day
Description
Lower Hutt has a good variety of tracks from wanders along the River trails through steep, long climbs up the firebreaks on the Eastern Hutt hills. Aside from the river trail tracks aren't as well maintained nor do they link together like other places in Wellington but Lower Hutt still has its charms.
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The memorials Araturk, a monument to World War 1 given as a gift from Turkey and the Massey memorial dedicated to Prime Minister William Ferguson Massey
Description
This area is best known for its tracks that cling to the steep sides of the hills and the 360 degree views. It's also home to two of Wellington's more out of the way monuments and a number of well placed gun placements.
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Never far from civilisation and yet remote this areas highlight has to be cafe tramping at its finest.
Description
This area is well served with tracks on both sides of the valley and the coast. The views back into the city and around the Southern Coast are both spectactular and surprising.
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Views of Kapiti and Mana Islands along with the flax in Taupo swamp
Access
Access is from either Plimmerton Train Station, Puakerua Bay Train Station or anywhere in between if you've got your own transport
Description
This area includes one of the few really big loop tracks in Wellington although thankfully it is relatively flat and easy despite the length. What if lacks in scenery it makes up for in gentle gradients and surprising wildlife, particularly on the coastal sections. From the long coastal walk to the inland flax swamp running alongside SH1 this is one that most people can do with a little effort and about 3.5 to 4.5 hours to spare.
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Highlights would have to be the Clifftop walk and Porirua Scenic Reserve
Description
Porirua has a number of excellent walks and bike rides within easy reach of the central city. This is one city that should be very proud of their walkways. Unfortunately these tracks need to be used more often; either use them or lose them.
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Of all the tracks the ECNZ road has to be the highlight, particularly for those with bikes.
Description
Stokes Valley is surprisingly blessed with a number of excellent tracks on both sides of the valley. The high ridge over which the ECNZ runs forms the mainstay but the opposite side of the valley includes a number of interesting tracks leading into the Hutt Valley.
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The Tawa area has lots of interesting walkways including links to Colonial Knob and a number of short walks in fairly original bush. Grenada North provides access into Belmont Regional Park.
Description
Tawa has everything the walker needs from short five minute bushwalks through to epic journeys into Belmont Regional Park. It also has excellent mountain biking including some challenging rides Granada North. The bush in Tawa is lush with good populations of Tui's, Wood Pigeons and Fantails despite being a residential area.
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The river is the centre piece of outdoor life in Upper Hutt but the hills are where the action is. Mount Climie is one of the few places you can get into snow in winter without going into the Tararuas.
Description
Upper Hutt has so much to offer anyone who wants to get outdoorz. You can go fishing and swimming in the river, get extreme at Maidstone park or, with a little more effort, sample the fantastic views from the tops of the surrounding hills.
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Tunnel gully really does have it all from slothing around at a picnic through children friencly tracks and up to the 700meter climb up the well named Mount Climie
Access
Access is either from Plateau Road or, for the more adventurous the track that starts at the junction of Maymorn Road and Parkes Line Road
Description
Tunnel gully is one of the prime outdoor locations in Upper Hutt. While it caters to all levels of fitness and ability its especially suited to families particular with one of the great BBQ areas in Wellington and the tunnel which kids absolutely go gaga over. Mount Climie provides the highest vantage point in the Wellington region and provides views both of the Hutt valley and out over the Waiarapa plains and lake Waiarapa.
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The standouts would have to be Mt Vic, the first destination for anyone wanting a birds-eye view of the city and the Botanical Gardens.
Description
For a built up urban area Wellington central doesn't lack places to hang out with nature and get some air in the lungs. When they were planning the city room was left for the "green belt" and the area is well utilized by everyone in the city.
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The zoo provides some unusual wildlife opportunities and Mt Albert has some of the best views in the area.
Description
Wellington South provies the unusual opportunity to bushwalk between cafes. The green belt provides great views out to the South Island and many an hour is wiled away watching the planes arrive and depart from the airport.
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Whitby has one of the few lakes in the Wellington region and a well thought out track network
Access
The tracks can be used to link most areas in Whitby
Description
Our house is in Whitby and so I admit to some bias. I love the variety of tracks and the way they link to form convenient loops. I can often be found in Whitby pushing Luka around the lake or taking in the views of the inlet.
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