Last Updated: 12th Dec 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Suggest edit Edit

Full Wellington Skyline Trail

Lower Hutt, Wellington

Submitted by David Haunschmidt

Last Updated: 12th Dec 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Suggest edit Edit

Open

Grunt Factor: 18 ?

Gnarl Factor: 19 ?

13.2km

Length of run

655m

Total Ascent

630m

Total Descent

458m

Highest point

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

Full Wellington Skyline Trail , Wellington

Share your photos

Send to phone

View other trails

Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Point to Point (one way)

Undulating, some big hills

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

65%

20%

10%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +10.2%

Average Downhill Gradient: -9.7%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

2.45:00

Slow

1.45:00

Moderate

1.0

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

Very well signposted trail heads at Old Coach Road in Johnsonville and Makara Saddle in Karori with purple markers to follow throughout the trail.

Main peaks easily visible along the skyline. There are many entry and exit points along the way. There are no toilet or water facilities along this walkway.

Directional signage and purple markers to keep you on track for the entire route. There can be animal grazing in the area.

Please leave gates as you find them. Dogs to be kept on a leash at all times while using this track. Unleashed dogs may frighten stock or ground nesting birds.

This dual-use track runs north and south along the ridge between Old Coach Road in Johnsonville and Makara Saddle in Karori, over Wellington's ridge tops above the Outer Green Belt, including Mākara Peak, Mount Kaukau, The Crows Nest, Kilmister Tops, and Johnston Hill.

The terrain can be challenging and exposed in places, with plenty of steep undulations, but you'll be rewarded with skyward views across the entire Wellington region. On a clear day, views of the Kaikoura ranges, the Marlborough Sounds, Wellington city and harbour, and the Tararua and Orongorongo ranges.

Transport and parking:

Free parking at trailhead or on street.

Distance from Lower Hutt:

0 km

Driving time from Lower Hutt:

0 minutes

Dog friendly:

Yes

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Easy.

Navigation Tips:

Just follow the purple markers.

Cellphone Coverage:

Perfect throughout.

Suggested Gear List:

Lightweight fleece top, Windproof jacket, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Availability of Water:

No water fill ups or adequate streams along the route.

Seasonality Issues:

Exposed to Wellington wind. Can be muddy after rain.

The Pickle Jar
The Pickle Jar, 5 Parkvale Road, Karori, Wellington 6012
Great Burgers

Trail Legend

Joe Benbow

has completed Full Wellington Skyline Trail twice in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

Fastest Known Times (FKTs)

Learn about Fastest Known Times.

View your Fastest Known Times

Missing your time?

You and Full Wellington Skyline Trail

As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.

Already have an account? Login now

Trail Reviews

David Hosking

Fun extension to my "normal" skyline route which either starts at the Khandallah pool or Makara road. The route from Johnsonville is less steep than from Khandallah and a nicer way to get to KauKau. Also I discovered if you want to "peak bag" the KauKau trig you need to veer off the trail by about 300m. Great views the whole way!

David Hosking

December 12

Trail Running Community

Find people who are interested in or have completed this trail run.

You must register or login to view this feature.

Overlapping Trails

These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.