Last Updated: 20th May 2024
Full Wellington Skyline Trail
Submitted by David Haunschmidt
Last Updated: 20th May 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 18 ?
Gnarl Factor: 19 ?
13.2km
655m
630m
458m
Last Updated: 20th May 2024
Submitted by David Haunschmidt
Last Updated: 20th May 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 18 ?
Gnarl Factor: 19 ?
13.2km
655m
630m
458m
Urban fringe
Point to Point (one way)
Undulating, some big hills
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +10.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -9.7%
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2.45:00
Slow
1.45:00
Moderate
1.0
Fast
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.
Johnsonville: Johnsonville Library (limited opening hours), Alex Moore Park. Karori end: Karori Park.
Free parking at trailhead or on street.
0 km
0 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
Just follow the purple markers.
Perfect throughout.
Lightweight fleece top, Windproof jacket, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
No water fill ups or adequate streams along the route.
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
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Full Wellington Skyline Trail
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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!
December 12, 2023
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.
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