Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Open farmlands
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +15.5%
Average Downhill Gradient: -14.0%
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0:50
Slow
0:40
Moderate
0:25
Fast
Another Wellington must-do run consisting of native bush (and wonderful birdsong), open farmland and exotic forest.
If you start at the main entrance follow the Loop Track to the left (signposted as Circular Walk). When you get to the intersection take the trail uphill towards the summit but after the first set of steps there is the opportunity to follow gentle loops up to the top rather than going straight up all the steps. Make sure you stop at the top to appreciate the views. It's a great spot to watch the sunset (take your headlamp!).
Then head downhill a little, climb over the gate and go straight across the farmland. The sign says Chartwell / Mt Kaukau (do not turn left after the gate). You will be able to see the Skyline Walkway below you. This pleasant little farm stretch comes to an intersection. Take the right hand turn downhill towards Otari-Wilton's Bush / Cemetery track. Soon after crossing the cattle grate you get to another intersection. Take the right hand track towards the cemetery and follow the trail downhill, through native bush then pines.
Continue until you almost pop out at the Cemetery, but take the right hand trail instead and skirt around the edge. Just after crossing a little creek go up and take the right hand track then take the next right hand track and run half way up Johnston Hill (Hauraki Track). You will come out at the first intersection again. This time take the Penlington Track back down to the carpark.
"Bush remnants at this reserve are part of a highly significant native ecosystem in the Outer Green Belt. Johnston Hill was named after John Johnston, who arrived in Wellington in 1843 and later bought the land from the first pakeha owner, Judge Chapman. It was officially opened as a public recreation domain in 1942".(Wellington City Council website)
There is a large carpark (Fletcher's Lookout) at the start. If you're worried about leaving a car here (it's quite secluded) then park along Hatton Street. You can also get a No 2 bus to Karori and walk to the start.
5 km
10 minutes
Yes
No
Moderate.
From Johnston Hill you're mostly doing right hand turns in order to complete the loop. As you're skirting alongside the cemetery avoid the track that goes uphill to the right. It will take you back up to Johnston Hill but isn't as pleasant.
Perfect throughout.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
The closest drinking fountains are in the Cemetery, but none available along the trail.
The cows on the farmland can get a little grumpy during pregnancy and when their calves are young. Keep dogs on lead at all times.
Exposed to winds along the farmland section.
There are numerous rabbit holes along the farmland stretch. Take care not to roll an ankle.
Muddy in places during the winter and after rain. There are a few sections of bush trail when the track has subsided a little.
Powerhouse Juice and Espresso Bar
156 Karori Road, Karori, Wellington.
Great smoothies, juices and coffees.
One Fat Bird
162 Karori Road, Karori, Wellington
onefatbird.co.nz
Good craft beer selection.
Penny's Deli
282 Karori Road, Karori, Wellington
pennysfreshfood.co.nz
A bit further down the road but the food is worth it!
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Johnston Hill Loop
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Great little trail with a good variety of terrain...native bush, forest, open hill lands. Great views both sides as you get up high. Very accessible and with a decent amount of vertical gain over such a small loop. There are a couple of key trail intersections that could send you the wrong way so stay alert!
October 20
How can this only have a grunt factor of 8? There's a lot of elevation in such a short loop so don't be fooled - this is a decent workout!
November 16, 2020
Perfect grunt wee loop. Everything great about Wellington trails here. And kaka!
October 11, 2020
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.