The White Swan Restaurant, Greytown © Mike Heydon
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MĀKARA WALKWAY TRACK OVERVIEW
WAIRARAPA A region with variety and charm, here you’ll find Martinborough’s small but globally admired vineyards, the cute but cool suburb of Greytown, and a Dark Sky that is nothing shy of a cosmic masterpiece. Visit native birds at the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, curious alpacas at The Alpaca Place and a full-scale adaptation of Stonehenge at Stonehenge Aotearoa which is also an open-sky observatory.
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One of three tracks in the Meridian West Wind Recreation Area, this is the kind of walk that blows out the cobwebs. Starting and ending on Mākara Beach, the trail climbs upward to provide walkers with incredible views across to Kāpiti Island, the South Island and majestic wind farms. For military history buffs, make time to explore the ancient pā site of Ngati Ira, found at the western end of Fisherman’s Bay. You can also spot gun emplacements from World War Two, when Fort Opau was the garrison home to over 100 soldiers. Be sure to pack water, warm clothes and be prepared for all weather conditions as this can be a rugged section of coast.
CITY TO SEA WALKWAY
Stride into the fresh sea air and be greeted with astonishing views, as well as historic gun emplacements, coastal delights and rich farmland.
Where is it? Mākara Beach, 16km north of Wellington.
Terrain Coastal paths, rough tracks, farm trails.
Need to know The track is closed from August till Labour Weekend for lambing. When the northerly wind is Mākara © Getty Images
Perfect for finding your bearings in the capital city, whether you do this walk end-to-end or in small sections.
Where is it? Start at Bolton Street Cemetery in the city and walk towards Island Bay on the south coast.
Terrain City walking, town belt and bush tracks, pretty parks, quite hilly.
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Wellington Botanic Gardens © Getty Images
Although you'll feel as though you're deep in the wilderness, you're not too far from the bright lights of Wellington. From the bustling promenade along the waterfront to colourful street performers in Cuba Mall; the tempting wine lists in intimate bars to the pockets of gastronomic pleasure within walking distance of each other, Wellington is the perfect place to spend a weekend. There is so much to see and do here, but don't miss exploring the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the ecosanctuary of Zealandia and a trip up Mt Victoria in the iconic Cable Car.
Bolton Street Cemetery is made up of three separate cemeteries with gravestones dating back to the 1840s. It’s elegant, peaceful and beautifully maintained so take a moment to reflect before setting off on the walk, if there’s time.
6-7hr; 12km Reasonable fitness required City walking, quite hilly
blowing strongly, it is advisable to avoid this walk but if there’s a southerly the area can be pleasantly sheltered. Beware of tides when walking on the beach.
4hr; 7km loop Average fitness required Some climbing
No dogs
TRACK TRACK OVERVIEW OVERVIEW Watching out for the orange trail markers, depart from the historic Bolton Street Cemetery before crossing the motorway on the Denis McGrath Bridge. Arriving in the formal rose gardens of the Wellington Botanic Gardens, 25 hectares of impressively grand planting, you’ll want to make some time to explore here before heading to the top of the Wellington Cable Car. Walk down the steps to Kelburn Park and through the grounds of Victoria University and onwards, down to Aro Valley past all the old houses clinging to the hillsides. Then you’ll go up through Central Park in Brooklyn before making a beeline for MacAlistair Park. Walk around the fringes of the Berhampore Golf Course before arriving on Tawatawa Bridge. This can be quite bracing when the wind is blowing but it’s also where you’ll discover some of the best views. This is also the steepest part of the walk, so ideal for a break to catch your breath. Once you see the Oku Reserve Trig, you’ll know you’re not far from Island Bay, which you’ll get to by walking down Shorland St.
No dogs WALKING MUST-DO'S 55
