Southern Walkway
Southern Walkway
4.5
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4.5
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carol j
Palmerston North, New Zealand1,672 contributions
Aug 2020
This is an awesome walk from Oriental Parade along ridgeline town belt down to the southern coast line to Shorland Park Island Bay.
Read the maps along the way and follow the pink bollards.Soak up the panoramic views and see across the horizon to South Island.
Some sections are steep with steps and seating along the way.
This walk takes you to summit of Mt Victoria where there are toilets, but be warned there are no other toilets until Island Bay.
Ride the double decker bus back to Oriental Parade- you will need cash or snapper card no eftpos.
Parking in Oriental Parade is 2 hours so best to find carpark building cost around $14 for whole day.
Or you can choose to begin walk in Island Bay where parking is free.
Overall it is 13 km and took us 3 hours with photo stops
Read the maps along the way and follow the pink bollards.Soak up the panoramic views and see across the horizon to South Island.
Some sections are steep with steps and seating along the way.
This walk takes you to summit of Mt Victoria where there are toilets, but be warned there are no other toilets until Island Bay.
Ride the double decker bus back to Oriental Parade- you will need cash or snapper card no eftpos.
Parking in Oriental Parade is 2 hours so best to find carpark building cost around $14 for whole day.
Or you can choose to begin walk in Island Bay where parking is free.
Overall it is 13 km and took us 3 hours with photo stops
Written 5 August 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.
CarolDM1900
Montpelier, VT3,320 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
WHAT: This is an 11 km (6.8 mi) pathway from Oriental Parade near downtown Wellington that rises to traverse ridge lines of Mt. Victoria, Mt. Alfred, and Mt. Albert and then descends to the south shore Esplanade at Houghton Bay, continuing along the shoreline to Shorland Park in Island Bay. It is best described as a urban trail with impressive woodland, mountain and shoreline sections spliced together by more developed areas running through suburban neighborhoods and along roadways.
The Southern Walkway is shared by walkers, runners, and bicycle riders, although in my experience, the latter tend toward steeper and more challenging side trails diverting from the main route. Be aware of them, however, especially near the summit of Mt. Albert.
The Southern Walkway is part of Wellington's Town Belt, a network of parks, reserves, recreation areas and trails dating back to 1839. The City Council, which has managed the Belt since 1873, has maps with explanatory text available online in its "Explore Wellington" site. Googling "Southern Walkway Wellington map" should get you there, or pick up a copy at the Wellington i-Site Visitor Center at 111 Wakefield St.
WHY: First, there are the views, starting with the one of Wellington and its harbor from the overlook on Mt. Victoria and ending with the shoreline along the Taputeranga Marine Reserve on the south shore Esplanade to Shorland Park in Island Bay. These places are a photographer's dream, and sites you must see while in Wellington or you will miss something wonderful.
Second, there are the interesting places "in between." These include several trail sections of beautiful woods full of early morning birds, such as iconic NZ Tuis and very colorful Eastern Rosella parrots, cage escapees from Australia that now have colonies here. The trail also passes through the old Truby King estate, with its gorgeous hillside garden, brilliant with rhododendrons in springtime. And one section skirts the Wellington Zoo, where you can a peer down into the Hamadryas Baboon enclosure. Even the residential areas, with some very nice homes and gardens built high on hillsides, can be interesting to see.
Third, whether you walk, run or bike, the exercise is invigorating. If you are a trail runner like me, with the right footwear you can safely and enjoyably run 50-60 percent of the Southern Walkway, excluding some very steep parts lacking switchbacks, and a few narrow, stumbly sections with lots of rocks and tree roots that may also be muddy. Best to play it safe and walk the more difficult parts.
HOW: Start at Oriental Parade in Wellington. The walkway sign is a bit difficult to see, being slightly recessed in a small park to the right of the sidewalk. See the first picture I've attached so you'll know what it looks like. If you are walking the Parade and come to a split in the roadway with a sign pointing up to the right for the Mt. Victoria Overlook, you've gone too far, so turn back until you see the sign.
You might consider doing the Walkway over 2 days, giving the first to the steep ascent to the Mt. Victoria Overlook with an exit down the Southern Walkway slightly back toward Oriental Parade until you see a signed lower side trail to the city center at Charles Plimmer Park located at the top of Majoribanks Street.
You can resume the following day, even using a short cut from Plimmer Park to reach the Southern Walkway via, the trail to Hataitai that skirts the highlands before joining the mainland trail. This way will take you past a short trail to "Hobbit Hideaway" where some shooting was done for The Lord of the Rings. Look around, then return to the Hataitai trail to connect with the Southern Walkway.
If you're planning to jog, trail runners with deep treads and good support are the way to go. I tried it with ordinary, well-treaded sneakers and found it too treacherous in some places. I ended up walking more than running. To get the most out of the experience and to cover greater distance at a run, you need footwear adequate to give you traction and confidence on steep, narrow, rocky, winding trails.
Make sure you know the trail markers and the destination points for the route you are taking. The Southern Walkway is mainly designated by a red-topped wooden post with white lettering that indicates "Southern Walkway" and has pictures of a walker and a bicycle on top of it. But in some places, the background is white with green or blue lettering and a diagrammatic picture of two hikers on a rising trail. In one suburban section, you'll be guided by traditional-looking street signs on a tall pole.
The short cut via Hataitai from Plimmer Park is designated in yellow on top of posts, and in some cases there are interim signs to indicate that the Southern Walkway is ahead. You'll also see large general trail maps posted here and there, but it's best to carry a map or printout of the one available online with you.
There are a lot of side trails, and it is easy to get off on one of them. If you walk a short way without seeing a Southern Walkway sign, or if there appear to be multiple routes, walk back until you find the proper sign and try again until you see a clear pathway punctuated by Southern Walkway markers. I had 3 false starts on my first crossing, even with the map in hand. Back-tracking saved the day.
When you reach The Esplanade, you need not stop where the Southern Walkway ends at Shorland Park in Island Bay, although the terminus is near where you can catch Bus #1 back to Wellington. The shoreline route continues through beautiful maritime scenery. With time and energy, you can "overshoot" and see more of the south coast. In addition, as you head toward Owhiro Bay, you'll pass a good cafe, The Beach House & Kiosk, right across from the Esplanade with views of Cook Strait from the large outdoor deck. Rest, relax, eat, drink and use the facilities before heading on or walking back to Shorland Park and to bus to Wellington.
I've been in Wellington for two months, and the several days spent running and hiking the Southern Walkway from end-to-end, once or twice with an extension along The Esplanade to Owhira Bay and beyond, have thus far been among my favorites.
New Zealand is a place of great natural beauty, and tramping along the Southern Walkway is a great way to take it all in.
The Southern Walkway is shared by walkers, runners, and bicycle riders, although in my experience, the latter tend toward steeper and more challenging side trails diverting from the main route. Be aware of them, however, especially near the summit of Mt. Albert.
The Southern Walkway is part of Wellington's Town Belt, a network of parks, reserves, recreation areas and trails dating back to 1839. The City Council, which has managed the Belt since 1873, has maps with explanatory text available online in its "Explore Wellington" site. Googling "Southern Walkway Wellington map" should get you there, or pick up a copy at the Wellington i-Site Visitor Center at 111 Wakefield St.
WHY: First, there are the views, starting with the one of Wellington and its harbor from the overlook on Mt. Victoria and ending with the shoreline along the Taputeranga Marine Reserve on the south shore Esplanade to Shorland Park in Island Bay. These places are a photographer's dream, and sites you must see while in Wellington or you will miss something wonderful.
Second, there are the interesting places "in between." These include several trail sections of beautiful woods full of early morning birds, such as iconic NZ Tuis and very colorful Eastern Rosella parrots, cage escapees from Australia that now have colonies here. The trail also passes through the old Truby King estate, with its gorgeous hillside garden, brilliant with rhododendrons in springtime. And one section skirts the Wellington Zoo, where you can a peer down into the Hamadryas Baboon enclosure. Even the residential areas, with some very nice homes and gardens built high on hillsides, can be interesting to see.
Third, whether you walk, run or bike, the exercise is invigorating. If you are a trail runner like me, with the right footwear you can safely and enjoyably run 50-60 percent of the Southern Walkway, excluding some very steep parts lacking switchbacks, and a few narrow, stumbly sections with lots of rocks and tree roots that may also be muddy. Best to play it safe and walk the more difficult parts.
HOW: Start at Oriental Parade in Wellington. The walkway sign is a bit difficult to see, being slightly recessed in a small park to the right of the sidewalk. See the first picture I've attached so you'll know what it looks like. If you are walking the Parade and come to a split in the roadway with a sign pointing up to the right for the Mt. Victoria Overlook, you've gone too far, so turn back until you see the sign.
You might consider doing the Walkway over 2 days, giving the first to the steep ascent to the Mt. Victoria Overlook with an exit down the Southern Walkway slightly back toward Oriental Parade until you see a signed lower side trail to the city center at Charles Plimmer Park located at the top of Majoribanks Street.
You can resume the following day, even using a short cut from Plimmer Park to reach the Southern Walkway via, the trail to Hataitai that skirts the highlands before joining the mainland trail. This way will take you past a short trail to "Hobbit Hideaway" where some shooting was done for The Lord of the Rings. Look around, then return to the Hataitai trail to connect with the Southern Walkway.
If you're planning to jog, trail runners with deep treads and good support are the way to go. I tried it with ordinary, well-treaded sneakers and found it too treacherous in some places. I ended up walking more than running. To get the most out of the experience and to cover greater distance at a run, you need footwear adequate to give you traction and confidence on steep, narrow, rocky, winding trails.
Make sure you know the trail markers and the destination points for the route you are taking. The Southern Walkway is mainly designated by a red-topped wooden post with white lettering that indicates "Southern Walkway" and has pictures of a walker and a bicycle on top of it. But in some places, the background is white with green or blue lettering and a diagrammatic picture of two hikers on a rising trail. In one suburban section, you'll be guided by traditional-looking street signs on a tall pole.
The short cut via Hataitai from Plimmer Park is designated in yellow on top of posts, and in some cases there are interim signs to indicate that the Southern Walkway is ahead. You'll also see large general trail maps posted here and there, but it's best to carry a map or printout of the one available online with you.
There are a lot of side trails, and it is easy to get off on one of them. If you walk a short way without seeing a Southern Walkway sign, or if there appear to be multiple routes, walk back until you find the proper sign and try again until you see a clear pathway punctuated by Southern Walkway markers. I had 3 false starts on my first crossing, even with the map in hand. Back-tracking saved the day.
When you reach The Esplanade, you need not stop where the Southern Walkway ends at Shorland Park in Island Bay, although the terminus is near where you can catch Bus #1 back to Wellington. The shoreline route continues through beautiful maritime scenery. With time and energy, you can "overshoot" and see more of the south coast. In addition, as you head toward Owhiro Bay, you'll pass a good cafe, The Beach House & Kiosk, right across from the Esplanade with views of Cook Strait from the large outdoor deck. Rest, relax, eat, drink and use the facilities before heading on or walking back to Shorland Park and to bus to Wellington.
I've been in Wellington for two months, and the several days spent running and hiking the Southern Walkway from end-to-end, once or twice with an extension along The Esplanade to Owhira Bay and beyond, have thus far been among my favorites.
New Zealand is a place of great natural beauty, and tramping along the Southern Walkway is a great way to take it all in.
Written 18 September 2017
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.
togs73
Masterton, New Zealand118 contributions
Jan 2019 • Couples
I had completed this walk a few years ago, but this time took my partner along also. Starting in Oriental Parade, it’s a steep climb in parts up to Mr Victoria. But the path is wide and there’s plenty of places to stop, catch your breath and see the most spectacular view. There are plenty of paths along the way that meet up to the southern walkway, so I used google maps to help guide us. Make sure you take plenty of sunblock, and a light jumper in summer, as it can get quite cool if a southerly is blowing (even in summer). You can either end up in Houghton Bay/Island Bay or take a slight detour east and end up in Lyall Bay (I would highly recommend stopping for great coffee at The Botanist or head five mins further up for a beer at Parrotdog).
One way, this is less than a three hour walk, and only a $15 Uber back into the city if your legs are tired 😊
One way, this is less than a three hour walk, and only a $15 Uber back into the city if your legs are tired 😊
Written 12 January 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.
Stephanie J
Old Leake, UK13 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
We did this walk today, parked in Oriental bay, very busy so had to park out a bit. Walked back to the start of the walk, just before the Mt Vic lookout. A very steep climb, but worth the climb for the view of the harbour. A nice bush walk through the trees with Tui's singing and other birds. We carried on through the bush and came out in a park where we struggled to find the pink post, it was a cricket pitch and the post was next to the Pavillion with graffeti on, the post was quite hidden behind the netting. The next tricky bit was in a cul de sac, where we had to bear left and down the road and turn right towards Cormandel road. The next tricky bit was on yet another street, we walked upwards in another housing area, there was a Southern walkway sign, but very difficult to find the actual way as we could easily have gone up one of the driveways, we followed our instincts, which led to a house with a yellow arrow on which we followed, and turned out to be the right way. We followed on our journey towards Houghton bay passed the park, a sign by bus stop but then again not sure which way to go. So, we followed our noses down the hill back to the pink posts again, and then on to Island Bay. We took a turn right to the the no 1 bus for our journey back to Courtenay place, then our walk back to Oriental Bay. It took us 3.00hrs with a 15 lunch stop at Sir Frederick Truby king park. I would definitely recommend this walk. We loved it 😊
Written 4 February 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.
CanTravel_86
Canada24 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
It is a great walk to incorporate into a sunny afternoon.
My husband, father, brother, and sister-in-law took the bus from central Wellington out to Oriental Bay for approximately $5.00 for a one-way ticket. We went right to the end of the line to the starting point in Oriental Bay, followed the pink blazes and made our way back into central Wellington.
The views are fantastic because you end up on several high points with views of the water, city, and surrounding area. You spend some time in the forest, pass the Wellington zoo, and end up at the beach. We brought bathing suits with us and ended the walk with a dip into the water. We added a trip up to the top of Mount Victoria with all the other tourists who drove there. My family and I unanimously agreed that the views were better along the route.
If you are reasonably fit, the Southern Walkway is an enjoyable walk and a non-touristy way to see Wellington.
My husband, father, brother, and sister-in-law took the bus from central Wellington out to Oriental Bay for approximately $5.00 for a one-way ticket. We went right to the end of the line to the starting point in Oriental Bay, followed the pink blazes and made our way back into central Wellington.
The views are fantastic because you end up on several high points with views of the water, city, and surrounding area. You spend some time in the forest, pass the Wellington zoo, and end up at the beach. We brought bathing suits with us and ended the walk with a dip into the water. We added a trip up to the top of Mount Victoria with all the other tourists who drove there. My family and I unanimously agreed that the views were better along the route.
If you are reasonably fit, the Southern Walkway is an enjoyable walk and a non-touristy way to see Wellington.
Written 30 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.
Asia4us
Choeng Thale, Thailand18 contributions
Jul 2017 • Friends
Very few reviews so time for an updated view. Four chaps all c50 managed this in c3 hours at a steady pace with some stops to admire view etc
High level map of walkways (including this) available from the information center, looks a little daunting as not very explicit in terms of detail but having completed the route is pretty straightforward.
Start at Carlton Gore Road/Oriental Parade junction, pink topped posts highlight the way along the route. We made one small error which we realised after 50m so not difficult to keep to the route.
3-4 climbs, some reasonably steep sections but these are short and usually Tarmac or steps. Stunning views along the route for photo opportunities or just to admire.
A false finish in that when you reach sea level, there remains 2km to the main town/Island Bay, but this is within the 11km quoted.
Stop at Empire Cinema & Eatery at Island Bay, very good food to reward your finish with beer/coffee etc available.
Getting back to Wellington is very easy, no.1 bus from outside the Empire, runs every 13 mins and $5 back to central Wellington.
Definitely worthwhile excursion.
High level map of walkways (including this) available from the information center, looks a little daunting as not very explicit in terms of detail but having completed the route is pretty straightforward.
Start at Carlton Gore Road/Oriental Parade junction, pink topped posts highlight the way along the route. We made one small error which we realised after 50m so not difficult to keep to the route.
3-4 climbs, some reasonably steep sections but these are short and usually Tarmac or steps. Stunning views along the route for photo opportunities or just to admire.
A false finish in that when you reach sea level, there remains 2km to the main town/Island Bay, but this is within the 11km quoted.
Stop at Empire Cinema & Eatery at Island Bay, very good food to reward your finish with beer/coffee etc available.
Getting back to Wellington is very easy, no.1 bus from outside the Empire, runs every 13 mins and $5 back to central Wellington.
Definitely worthwhile excursion.
Written 4 July 2017
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.
Julia C
Edinburgh123 contributions
Feb 2016 • Solo
This is an 11km hike from Oriental Bay in the centre of Wellington down to Island Bay on the south coast. It's a decent trek covering multiple hills including Mount Victoria and Mount Albert, so requires a good level of fitness and appropriate footwear, plus sunscreen on a hot day. The views are fantastic and the terrain is always changing so it never gets boring.
My only gripe with the trek was the bad signage along the way. Signposts were often non- existent or confusing, and the map provided on the website wasn't helpful except to give a broad sense of direction. The GPS on my phone was invaluable, and even with that I had to backtrack a few times when I took wrong turns. But perhaps that made it all the more satisfying to reach the end!
My only gripe with the trek was the bad signage along the way. Signposts were often non- existent or confusing, and the map provided on the website wasn't helpful except to give a broad sense of direction. The GPS on my phone was invaluable, and even with that I had to backtrack a few times when I took wrong turns. But perhaps that made it all the more satisfying to reach the end!
Written 9 February 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.
KaritaneMartin
Wellington, New Zealand141 contributions
Jan 2019 • Couples
Lovely morning walk starting at Hay St and ending at Island Bay. Guide said to allow 4 to 5 hours but it took us 2.5. Great views from high points. A couple of short steep sections but overall an easy walk.
Written 25 January 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.
Madshus
Sydney, Australia1,357 contributions
Dec 2018 • Solo
This is really a great Wellington walk. I started from my Victoria and walked along it all the way to island Bay from where I got the bus back to Wellington. It has views and ends at the very interesting Houghton and Island bays. Well worth the effort.
Written 5 December 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.
Madalyn H
Huddersfield, UK1,845 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
We walked from Mount Victoria to Island Bay. A well signposted walk with great views. Good bus service from Island Bay back to the City Centre.
Written 23 November 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.
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