Last Updated: 20th May 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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Mount Kaukau Loop

Wellington, Wellington

Submitted by Richele McKenzie

Last Updated: 20th May 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

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Open

Grunt Factor: 8 ?

Gnarl Factor: 38 ?

4.2km

Length of run

350m

Total Ascent

350m

Total Descent

429m

Highest point

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Type of Run

Urban

Loop

Very hilly

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Open farmlands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

15%

50%

20%

15%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +14.8%

Average Downhill Gradient: -15.5%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

1:30

Slow

0:50

Moderate

0:35

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

Follow the Northern Walkway up to the top of Mount Kaukau. There are signs and a picnic table at the top. Take some time out to enjoy the views of Wellington. At the top turn right and follow the Northern Walkway as it becomes Skyline Walkway.

Continue along either the 4wd track or the e-bike/mountain bike track towards signs for Sirsi Terrace, then instead of turning towards the Sirsi Terrace entrance, continue down the steep track through pines, to the playground area (near the pool). There a are couple of options for returning to the start but this route heads towards the Summit Track then turns left up a steep trail and follows signs towards Simla Cres.

Mount Kaukau is an iconic Wellington run/hike with stunning views of the city.

Public toilets are located next to the Khandallah pool, Woodmancote Road entrance to Khandallah Park.

Transport and parking:

There are a couple of parks at the entrance, plus plenty of street parking. The trail is located very close to the Simla Crescent Railway Station.

Distance from Wellington:

7 km

Driving time from Wellington:

11 minutes

Dog friendly:

Yes

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Moderate.

Navigation Tips:

I've occasionally missed the turnoff to go back down to Khandallah Park and headed further along Skyline. Watch out for signs for Sirsi Terrace as a guide to get you to Khandallah Park/ the pool area, but you don't actually want to exit at Sirsi.

Cellphone Coverage:

Generally good.

Suggested Gear List:

Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Availability of Water:

According to Wellington City Council maps the closest drinking fountain is at Nairnville Park. There are public toilets near Khandallah Pool.

Seasonality Issues:

Can be very windy at the top. The downhill section can get very slippery after rain.

Hazards:

I've experienced low cloud that makes it very difficult to see with a headlamp at night.
Stock at the top / along Skyline. Watch out for tree roots coming down the hill.
Keep an eye out for mountain bikers / e-bikers.

G.A.S Ngaio
49 Ottawa Road, Ngaio
They do a lovely takeaway coffee and have yummy baked goods.

Dunshea's Deli
7 Burma Road, Khandallah
dunsheasdeli.com
Nice food and coffee.

Cafe Du Parc
43a Woodmancote Road, Khandallah
Very close to the trail!

Trail Legend