Take a Hike: Your Mini-Guide to Welly Walks Using Public Transport

Grace Sayer

Wellington is full of tracks tucked into hills, bays, bush, and suburbs—but figuring out how and where to start can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re a student without a car. Public transport makes it easy and cheap to wander further than your usual loop, take a break from study, and explore what the region has to offer. Over the past few years these walks have become my favourites, and I hope they’ll become yours too. 

Eastern Walkway, Miramar 

Distance/time: 2.5 km / ~1 hour one way 

Public transport: Take the number 2 bus to Seatoun, then walk to the trailhead on Pass of Branda, opposite Mantell Street. 

Difficulty: Moderate stairs, but short overall 

Short, sweet, and local, this ridge track winds along the hillside toward the Atatürk Memorial, with epic views over the harbour mouth. You can return the same way or drop down to Tarakena Bay and wander back along Breaker Bay Road right beside the water. I love this one for spontaneous late‑afternoon wanders; the Miramar glow and those sunsets make it feel wholesome without being a huge mission.

Paekākāriki Escarpment Track, Kāpiti Coast 

Distance/time: 10 km / 2-3 hours one way 

Public transport: Take the Kāpiti Line line from Wellington Station to Paekākāriki or Pukerua Bay—you can start at either end. At the finish, follow the signage to the train station. 

Difficulty: Challenging but fun; lots of stairs 

Probably the most popular and instagrammable walk in the region, this track has cliffs, massive views, and a whole lot of stairs. You weave along narrow ledges, cross two swing bridges, and pass skinks and sheep. It’s steep, exposed, and occasionally a bit sketchy if heights aren’t your thing, but the reward is top‑notch—the views are ridiculous and the whole track has an adrenaline element to it. I find it’s best first thing in the morning when there’s fewer people. Additionally I would highly recommend stopping off at one of the cafes in Paekākāriki for a pre or post walk treat!

Korokoro Stream Track, Lower Hutt 

Distance/time: 8 km / ~3 hours return 

Public transport: Take the Hutt Valley Line to Petone Station, cross the overbridge, turn left onto Pito‑One Road, then continue to the trailhead at the end on Cornish Street. 

Difficulty: Very easy, just a bit muddy 

This track is genuinely adorable—a skinny, winding path right beside the stream that leads you to a gorgeous old waterfall dam. It’s flat, shady, and dotted with quirky bridges, old infrastructure, and fungi tucked into the damp valley. Because it’s an in‑and‑out track, you get to enjoy the same cosy scenery twice, though the shade can make it a bit cold and muddy. She’s not spectacular or dramatic; she’s just a lovely little trail alongside a pretty stream that winds through the valley. I love this one when I’m not in a hill mood, as it’s down‑to‑earth, easy, and perfect for a warmer day when you want a gentle wander. 

Southern Walkway, Wellington Central

Distance/time: 10.6 km / 4–5 hrs 

Public transport: Lots of options: take the 14 or 24 to Oriental Parade (Stop 6519), or the number 1 to Island Bay, Reef Street, depending on which end you want to start from. 

Difficulty: Easy, long, but can be done it smaller sections 

A long wander through the Town Belt, this track lets you explore wider suburbs outside the city centre while dipping in and out of forest pockets, open ridges, and neighbourhood edges. Some sections run close to roads or traffic, but you also get great views over the harbour and city as you move between green spaces. With so many access points, you can jump in or out whenever you feel like it, making it perfect for a choose‑your‑own‑adventure vibe. It’s great because you can just wander based on what feels right—pop down into the city for snacks, follow whichever path looks interesting, and slowly piece together how Wellington fits together.

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Butterfly Creek, Eastbourne

Distance/time: 7.4 km / ~2 hrs 

Public transport: Take the 83 bus from the city to Eastbourne Bus Barn (Stop 9858), then walk about a minute to the trailhead. Fancy option: take the ferry to Days Bay, then connect by bus or walk along the waterfront.  

Difficulty: Moderate; short steep bits

A super‑lovely ridge‑and‑valley walk, this track starts with a climb that opens to delectable harbour views before dropping into the cool, shaded Butterfly Creek valley. The stream is wholesome, the picnic area is adorable, and the Kōwhai Track on the way back gives you another round of views. It’s steep in places but never for long, and the whole thing feels like a tiny adventure tucked just over the hill. There’s even heaps of branches perfect for hut‑building around the picnic area, giving it an unexpected charm. I always think of this one as a wholesome weekend wander—sunny, green, and just the right mix of ridge and valley to feel like a proper little adventure.

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Whitireia Park / Te Onepoto Loop, Porirua Distance/time: 4.6 km / ~1 hr 20 min 

Public transport: Take the Kāpiti Line to Porirua, then the 220 bus to Titahi Bay. Get off at Stop 2862, then turn left through the carpark to the path. 

Difficulty: Super easy!

Such a chill walk—sunny, breezy, and full of cute landscape changes: a bit of bush, a bit of wetland, a bit of pasture, rockpools, waves, and usually heaps of dogs. It’s short and sweet with an easy gradient, though there’s not much shade so a hat is essential. The coastline feels warm and calm, and the boats out on the water make the whole place feel summery. I adore this one mid‑arvo or closer to sunset when the air is warm—it’s also a great conversational track, wide enough to walk with others and yap. 

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McKerrow Track, Remutaka Range—Bonus Overnighter Distance/time: ~5–6 hrs one way 

Public transport: Take the Hutt Valley Line to Waterloo, then the 170 bus toward Wainuiomata South to Stop 8921. Wander up Hine Road, join the Whakanui Track, turn right onto Mt McKerrow Track, and continue to Catchpool. Huts are available along the river. 

Difficulty: Hard; muddy, remote, undefined in places

A cheeky overnighter for the more adventurous, this track is steep, muddy, and sometimes unclear, weaving through forest with heaps of fungi, moss, and a small river crossing. The valley can get quite cold, and after rain the river can swell quickly, so sturdy shoes, warm clothes, waterproofs, and a solid plan are essential. There are numerous DOC huts along the river (booked as whole‑hut bookings), or Paua Hut through WTMC if you just want to pay per person, but always check river levels and weather before heading out. When conditions line up, though, it’s a fun mish and one of the most satisfying overnighters. 

So let this be your sign to go wander somewhere—out the door and into the hills, the bays, the bush, the bits of Welly you haven’t met yet. Pick a track, grab your Snapper, and go see what’s out there. Happy exploring!