Graveyard ShiftBeginner

Description

This is an easy and enjoyable route, taking in the historic cemetery, some sweet single-track running on a couple of tracks that are well-kept secrets (or they were until now), and options to extend on to several other tracks in the area.

From the main cemetery entrance, follow the sealed road straight and down, past literally thousands of dearly departed, until you reach a bend with a 20 speed limit sign with a track off to the left. Take this track and head up the steps when it opens out. At the top of the steps, turn left, then right at the next T-junction, then left at the next T-junction.

A short way up the road you’ll see a wooden sign on the right to Johnston Hill/Skyline Walkway. Take this track and a short way in, turn right at the intersection, heading to Otari-Wilton’s Bush & Skyline Walkway. Enjoy a gradual descent to the next wooden sign, where you carry on straight, marked to Skyline Walkway. You’re now on the Cemetery Skyline Link track, which is a lovely ascent up a tranquil single track. You’ll pass a couple more intersections – just keep following the signs to Skyline Walkway.

Eventually you’ll come to a cross-roads, where Skyline is marked to the left. Don’t turn left here, but instead head straight, signposted Grant’s Track. This is another really enjoyable track that rises through the bush to emerge on a ridge overlooking the western suburbs. Cross a couple of stiles, and at the second one (highest point in the run), turn sharp right and run down the 4WD track signed towards Otari-Wiltons Bush and Chartwell. You’ll cross a cattle grid, and descend for 500m before rising again.

When you come to a left hand bend with the 4WD track splitting in two, look for a small track leading off to the right, pointing to Otari-Wilton’s Bush. Take this track and follow it down, crossing another stile along the way, then continuing down to eventually open out onto a grassy area (flax clearing). Head towards the left corner and take the path heading straight (not the left one). You’ve now joined the red loop track.

Turn right at the T-junction at the bottom and follow the flat trail which takes you over a footbridge and out into the troup picnic area. Toilets and water here if you need. At the far side of the picnic area past the toilets, take the path on the right signed to Karori Cemetery and follow this for 750m until you reach a track heading off to the right over a bridge towards the cemetery. Take this, head up the steps at the top, then follow the road round to the right. One more climb up this road then you’ll see a green Exit sign pointing left. Turn left here and follow the road back down and through the cemetery to the finish.

Features of interest

Karori Cemetery is New Zealand's second largest burial ground, covering nearly 40 hectares. It was the final resting place of about 83,000 people. Today, it is a wealth of Wellington history and a peaceful place to visit.

Make Up of Run

Easy Single Track: 60%

Farm Road / 4WD Track: 10%

Sealed Road: 30%

Route Data