Mount Kaukau
Mount Kaukau
4.5
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SedgeNZ
Wellington, New Zealand30 contributions
Apr 2020
Been in Wellington 30 years and should have done this years ago. Wife and I (both 60) and our oldest grandson decided to walk up there on a beautiful Autumn day, with lots of sun and no wind, while we were in Covid-19 lockdown. We entered from the Skyline entrance in Broadmeadows. It starts with 3 steep climbs, 2 of which are bare mud, and you wander way you're doing it. But then the views start to come into play and the climb is a lot gentler. The last couple of hundred metres is a little steeper but once you get to the top WOW. My wife took a short video of the scenery and sent it 2 a friend in Oz as a birthday present. The friend was overwhelmed with the view. If you're reading this don't put it off as long as we did.
Written 19 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack
Shrewsbury, UK19 contributions
May 2020
A good level of fitness is required to reach the top, but once you're there you'll forget about how difficult it was. The views are expansive and stunning. In one direction you have the city, and in another you can see the peaks of the South Island.
Be sure to pick a nice, wind-free day (if that's possible in Wellington) to do your climb. If it's a windy day, expect to be blown off your feet.
Be sure to pick a nice, wind-free day (if that's possible in Wellington) to do your climb. If it's a windy day, expect to be blown off your feet.
Written 13 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
john e
Cork, Ireland7 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
Climbed from johnsonville side through the park and up the steps this time, I've been climbing Kaukau since I first visited Aotearoa in 2007, I love it, such a view from summit and it has mana as the maori claim. there's a great feeling in the hills there, the tracks, the gullys. I've climbed Kaukau in every weather and just love the place. I've often gone from jville over summit down to kandallah and back. it's a lovely walk. enjoy
Written 29 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sachin K
New York City, NY6,533 contributions
Dec 2018 • Solo
A visit to the top of Mount Kaukau, which is the highest point in the Wellington region was flabbergasting for the scenic views all around. It can be reached by a 4 X 4 vehicle and is a short drive away from the city of Wellington. Certainly very highly recommended to anyone.
Written 29 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
B E
Wellington, New Zealand34 contributions
Dec 2016 • Family
This is my local "top bush walk" and I do it 2 - 3 times a week. Many locals do, and most of the time there is a handful of others on the walk up or back, regardless what time of the day or week... There are multiple access tracks up the hill, some steeper (and therefore shorter) than others, and all have stopping points for a breather or a picnic, or to read a book, if you want to take it slowly. There are tables, seats, a look-out and open grass areas around the giant transmitter that marks the top of the hill, and the view is TO DIE FOR!!! You can see up to the Porirua hills, into the Hutt Valley, out over Wellington harbour to the Orongoronga range behind Eastbourne, out to the airport and to the top of the South Island (amazing view of the mighty Taputeranga mountain in the top of the Kaikoura range when it is snow-covered in winter) and around to the Marlborough sounds and French Pass area at the top of the South Island.
Make it an hour-long round trip at lunchtime (park in Woodmancote road for the fast route, and in summer take a swim in the outdoor pool when you get back down!) or make a day of it and choose different routes to ascend and descend... My favourite route for trees, beauty, variety, views, birdlife is probably the path from Simla Crescent (easily accessible from the train station if you are not driving - just walk 150 metres up the road from the station) - it winds slightly more gently but is still a good work-out!
After all that fine exercise, grab a coffee and lunch at Dunshea's or the Cafe du Parc by the Woodmancote Rd carpark (also by the pool) and really do it like the locals do!
Make it an hour-long round trip at lunchtime (park in Woodmancote road for the fast route, and in summer take a swim in the outdoor pool when you get back down!) or make a day of it and choose different routes to ascend and descend... My favourite route for trees, beauty, variety, views, birdlife is probably the path from Simla Crescent (easily accessible from the train station if you are not driving - just walk 150 metres up the road from the station) - it winds slightly more gently but is still a good work-out!
After all that fine exercise, grab a coffee and lunch at Dunshea's or the Cafe du Parc by the Woodmancote Rd carpark (also by the pool) and really do it like the locals do!
Written 8 December 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarolDM1900
Montpelier, VT3,320 contributions
Jan 2018 • Solo
If you're moderately fit and up for a quick ascent to enjoy the stunning panoramic views from the summit (elev. 445 m or 1460 ft), it'll take about 30 minutes from Simla Crescent, 4th stop from Wellington Station on the Johnsonville Train line (a bargain at NZ$ 8 round-trip). The trail begins in lush, shady woods but gets drier and higher pretty fast, and the surface is rocky and kind of slide-y in places due to loose pebbles.There are also lots of steps to deal with. But it isn't hard, there are benches along the way for rest, and the views will knock your socks off.
There are also side trails with work-arounds some of the steep sections, all of them clearly set out for you in a big map where the trail begins (ascending Simla Crescent, look to your left as the road begins to jog right and you'll see signs for the Northern Walkway and the Mt. Kaukau summit).
You'll find picnic tables on top and signs directing you to other trails if you'd like to spend more time on the rocky ridges and maybe hike through on the Skyline Track to Otari-Wilton's Bush native forest reserve which connects via a side-trail 2 hours or less from from the summit. Or you can go even further on Skyline to the Karori Reservoir and the wildlife sanctuary known as Zealandia. You can get a bus back to the city centre from either place, #14 direction of Rangotai from right near the Otari-Wilton's entrance on Wilton Road, or #3 direction of Lyall Bay from Chaytor St. near the Zealandia entrance. These destinations will take about 4 hours, maybe more, from the trail head at Simla Crescent.
[Just to NOTE: You can, of course, access Mt. Kaukau the long way, via the Skyline Track or any of the smaller, shorter side-tracks that split off from Skyline. But it seems easier to me to do the steep climb first, from Simla Crescent, and then descend the long ridge line trails from the Summit to your ultimate destination heading back toward Wellington City. If the weather turns bad, there are opportunities to get off, back to one of the train stations on the Johnsonville line or to other destinations with bus service. There are signs to help you exit to Awarua, Ngaio and Crofton Downs on the train line.]
The Skyline Track continues even further, ending at Makara Road. I haven't done that section, and I don't think there is public transportation nearby. Seems like the complete track from the base of Mt. Kaukau at Simla Crescent to Makara Road would be something between 5 and 6 hours, with transportation back uncertain. I'd consider that, with stops for rest or photos, a full-day's hike, and the one to Otari-Wilton's a half-day hike, although you may want to spend some time hiking around the reserve, which is the most accessible example of New Zealand's native forest.
There are magnificent views all along Skyline, and there is also some pretty magnificent wind up there. Be prepared. Have a windbreaker and a hat that won't blow off. Even on what was a calm day in the forested areas below, I hit one section of exposed ridge where the wind was battering me so hard, I dropped down to ground level and crawled over it, rather than risk being blown off the track. This gave me a neat view of the sheep dotting these windy pastures, but it wasn't what I would call pleasant. Fortunately, it was short. And the rest of the ridgeline was more manageable.
If you choose a half-day or full-day hike along the Skyline Track, you will need to keep your eyes sharp for signs, especially if you're heading for Otari-Wilton's. Sometimes there are 2 ways to go, although to me in most cases they seemed to end up in the same place. If you see metal trail posts with or without bright yellow or bright caps (they blow off in the wind), that will mark the way to go. Sometimes, there are good signs. But sometimes the signs are not helpful.
If you decide to take the cut-off to Otari-Wilton's Bush, BEWARE. There is one big sign about halfway there that is dead WRONG. It appears to point the way to both the Chartwell Tract and Otari-Wilton's. But the latter track isn't the nice wide pathway on which that sign is located. It is the narrow descending pathway located to the right and not to the left where it seems to go: in other words, it is the trail that is actually behind the sign and not in front of it.
Don't make the mistake I made, or you will descend a very steep hill, then cross a farm/ranch or two and end up on a suburban street where Chartwell tract begins. Backtracking from there to see where I'd gone wrong was unpleasant and unnecessary, as well as time-consuming.
If you have in mind to end up at Otari-Wilton's Bush using the first turnoff signed for it, make sure you check out my pictures of the misleading sign along the way, so that you will not repeat my mistake.
However much time you spend in these highlands, you will be treated to scenery that in the right conditions of light and weather can be downright magical. Even with the mishap caused by the bad sign, I'm glad I made the journey, and I will be looking in the future to do it again.
There are also side trails with work-arounds some of the steep sections, all of them clearly set out for you in a big map where the trail begins (ascending Simla Crescent, look to your left as the road begins to jog right and you'll see signs for the Northern Walkway and the Mt. Kaukau summit).
You'll find picnic tables on top and signs directing you to other trails if you'd like to spend more time on the rocky ridges and maybe hike through on the Skyline Track to Otari-Wilton's Bush native forest reserve which connects via a side-trail 2 hours or less from from the summit. Or you can go even further on Skyline to the Karori Reservoir and the wildlife sanctuary known as Zealandia. You can get a bus back to the city centre from either place, #14 direction of Rangotai from right near the Otari-Wilton's entrance on Wilton Road, or #3 direction of Lyall Bay from Chaytor St. near the Zealandia entrance. These destinations will take about 4 hours, maybe more, from the trail head at Simla Crescent.
[Just to NOTE: You can, of course, access Mt. Kaukau the long way, via the Skyline Track or any of the smaller, shorter side-tracks that split off from Skyline. But it seems easier to me to do the steep climb first, from Simla Crescent, and then descend the long ridge line trails from the Summit to your ultimate destination heading back toward Wellington City. If the weather turns bad, there are opportunities to get off, back to one of the train stations on the Johnsonville line or to other destinations with bus service. There are signs to help you exit to Awarua, Ngaio and Crofton Downs on the train line.]
The Skyline Track continues even further, ending at Makara Road. I haven't done that section, and I don't think there is public transportation nearby. Seems like the complete track from the base of Mt. Kaukau at Simla Crescent to Makara Road would be something between 5 and 6 hours, with transportation back uncertain. I'd consider that, with stops for rest or photos, a full-day's hike, and the one to Otari-Wilton's a half-day hike, although you may want to spend some time hiking around the reserve, which is the most accessible example of New Zealand's native forest.
There are magnificent views all along Skyline, and there is also some pretty magnificent wind up there. Be prepared. Have a windbreaker and a hat that won't blow off. Even on what was a calm day in the forested areas below, I hit one section of exposed ridge where the wind was battering me so hard, I dropped down to ground level and crawled over it, rather than risk being blown off the track. This gave me a neat view of the sheep dotting these windy pastures, but it wasn't what I would call pleasant. Fortunately, it was short. And the rest of the ridgeline was more manageable.
If you choose a half-day or full-day hike along the Skyline Track, you will need to keep your eyes sharp for signs, especially if you're heading for Otari-Wilton's. Sometimes there are 2 ways to go, although to me in most cases they seemed to end up in the same place. If you see metal trail posts with or without bright yellow or bright caps (they blow off in the wind), that will mark the way to go. Sometimes, there are good signs. But sometimes the signs are not helpful.
If you decide to take the cut-off to Otari-Wilton's Bush, BEWARE. There is one big sign about halfway there that is dead WRONG. It appears to point the way to both the Chartwell Tract and Otari-Wilton's. But the latter track isn't the nice wide pathway on which that sign is located. It is the narrow descending pathway located to the right and not to the left where it seems to go: in other words, it is the trail that is actually behind the sign and not in front of it.
Don't make the mistake I made, or you will descend a very steep hill, then cross a farm/ranch or two and end up on a suburban street where Chartwell tract begins. Backtracking from there to see where I'd gone wrong was unpleasant and unnecessary, as well as time-consuming.
If you have in mind to end up at Otari-Wilton's Bush using the first turnoff signed for it, make sure you check out my pictures of the misleading sign along the way, so that you will not repeat my mistake.
However much time you spend in these highlands, you will be treated to scenery that in the right conditions of light and weather can be downright magical. Even with the mishap caused by the bad sign, I'm glad I made the journey, and I will be looking in the future to do it again.
Written 23 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Antarisha
Hawke's Bay Region, New Zealand351 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
We walked up from Simla Tce (?), took under an hour for the return trip. A good climb up, gets the heart rate up. Awesome view and well worth the effort. Glad we found this walk. Will definitely be back for more walking in Wellington, a great place fir walking. Wear good footwear and an extra layer - was very exposed to the elements at the top.
Written 2 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Atomic T
Wellington, New Zealand147 contributions
Apr 2012 • Couples
WARNING! SPOILER! If you are old, large, or generally not abled you will find this climb impossible and may die like a mountaineer on Everest if not careful.
For the rest of you please run sprightly wise up the mountain to the top avoiding any hobbits that you come across. Do not feed them, they are Feral. Some are related to local politicians.
At the top take in the magnificent view of Wigglytown with a panorama from Morder to Hobbiton.
Take sustenance. Dress well.
For the rest of you please run sprightly wise up the mountain to the top avoiding any hobbits that you come across. Do not feed them, they are Feral. Some are related to local politicians.
At the top take in the magnificent view of Wigglytown with a panorama from Morder to Hobbiton.
Take sustenance. Dress well.
Written 2 October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WellingtonChris10
Lower Hutt, New Zealand92 contributions
This is the tallest hill around central Wellington and as such gets extreme winds. I would recommend taking the Johnsonville train to Khandallah station and walking up to Khandallah park nearby. There is a track that leads to the top opf the hill from the park entrance nearby. When you get to the top you can continue along the skyline track and I would recommend going as far as Crofton Downs (about 4km from memory). From there you can catch the train back to Wellington from the Crofton Down station. There are a couple of cafes at either end if you need sustenance. I love to do this walk on a windy day with winds over 100kpm. Along the skyline track the wind is very envigourating but this weather is not for everyone. Try and avoid early spring for the sheep lambing.
Written 6 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RosemarieNorth
Christchurch, New Zealand159 contributions
Jul 2012 • Couples
Officially called Mt Kaukau (pronounced Coecoe) this is a fantastic place for exercise, fresh air, views and glow worms.
A steep climb from Johnsonville (there are two options, both starting at the same car park on Truscott Avenue), this is worth it for views over Johnsonville, town and out towards the east. Follow signs down to Kandallah pools (and a cafe). At different times of year you can see the native bush flowering etc.
After dark, there are glow worms in the mossy walls of the path. If you go after dark, take headlamps or torches.
On any day, be prepared for an uneven track and possible mud. Don't bring a buggy or anything with wheels.
On the weekend, you'll see more families and people with dogs.
A steep climb from Johnsonville (there are two options, both starting at the same car park on Truscott Avenue), this is worth it for views over Johnsonville, town and out towards the east. Follow signs down to Kandallah pools (and a cafe). At different times of year you can see the native bush flowering etc.
After dark, there are glow worms in the mossy walls of the path. If you go after dark, take headlamps or torches.
On any day, be prepared for an uneven track and possible mud. Don't bring a buggy or anything with wheels.
On the weekend, you'll see more families and people with dogs.
Written 5 August 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What's the best entry & exit point /tracks if we'd like to see the wind farm from a distance as well as farm animals like cows & sheep? I've read many treads but a bit confused if we should start from Simla Cres/Sirsi Cres/Huntleigh park way and go up Crows nest etc? We'll be coming off a cruise using train. Thanks!
Written 31 January 2016
Simla Cres gives a view of the wind turbines. Truscott Ave is closer to a railway station
Written 1 February 2016
Could you pls. advise if we can come across the cattle fields with cows and sheep using the track starting from Huntleigh park way and go up Crows Nest before linking onto the skyline track to the Mount Kaukau summit? Thanks in advance!
Written 31 January 2016
You're not likely to see any sheep or cattle until you reach the summit as the way you're planning on walking up is too dense and no grazing spots. Just remember to close any gates you come across to stop them wandering off the range. Have fun! The weather is great at the moment!
Written 1 February 2016
What is the transportation option from Cruise port to Mount Kaukau? if walk, how long?
Written 16 January 2016
As already answered. .the easiest access is by a 12 min train ride from Wellington Railway station which us an easy walk from your cruise ship. Traibs leave half hourly.Get off the Johnsonville line at Simla (2 min to track up Simla Cresc) or Box Hill (5 min to track up Clark St) or Khandallah (5 min to track up Woodmancote Rd through the scenic Khandallah park, where there's a public Summer only swimming pool and a lovely cafe which makes a perfect stop for refreshmemt when you get back down from the peak).Allocate an hour to the summit and half that to descend. It's steep, with stairs in places but mostly bush covered. If you have reasonable fitness this is one of the best hill walks in the city.and undoubtedly the most expansive views.
Written 20 January 2016
Como es el trekking y que tipo de ropa jean campera ?
Para esta epoca
Vas solo o contratas algo ?
Written 25 May 2015
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