Last updated May 2026
The Northern Walkway traverses Wellington’s northern Town Belt, crossing the Te Ahumairangi (Tinakori Hill) ridge and connecting the city’s northern suburbs through native bush and parkland. Following a review of Wellington City Council’s mountain bike policy, the Northern Walkway and associated tracks — including the Huntingdon Track and East-West Connector — were opened to cyclists, making the route shared use for walkers and bikes. It’s steep and demanding in places, with excellent views over the city and harbour on clear days.
Practical Information
| Location | Te Ahumairangi Hill (Tinakori Hill) and northern suburbs |
|---|---|
| Access points | Thorndon, Wadestown, Khandallah and northern suburbs |
| Cycling | Shared use — opened to bikes following WCC mountain bike policy review |
| Difficulty | Moderate to challenging — steep in sections, can be rutted |
| Surface | Natural track — steep grades, exposed in places |
| Cost | Free |
| Managed by | Wellington City Council |
About the Walkway
The Northern Walkway runs along and around Te Ahumairangi — the prominent forested hill that rises steeply above Thorndon and Wadestown on Wellington’s northern edge. The hill is one of the more distinctive parts of the city’s skyline and forms the southern end of a longer ridgeline network connecting through to the Skyline Walkway and the suburbs of Khandallah and Ngaio.
The Te Ahumairangi section undulates around the eastern side of the hill with views through the trees to the city and harbour below. The terrain is steep in places and the track can become deeply rutted in wet weather — particularly on exposed sections with no overhead cover. Good footwear (or a capable mountain bike) is recommended, and the trail is best tackled after a few dry days for the clearest conditions.
The Huntingdon Track and East-West Connector are linked routes that were also opened to cycling as part of the same policy review, extending the ridgeline network available to mountain bikers in Wellington’s northern green belt.
Where to Learn More
Trailforks — Northern Walkway has GPS trail maps and current conditions from riders who have used the route recently.
Mountain Biking — Wellington City Council covers which trails are open to cycling and the WCC mountain bike policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Northern Walkway open to mountain bikes?
Yes — following Wellington City Council’s mountain bike policy review, the Northern Walkway along with the Huntingdon Track and East-West Connector were opened to cyclists as shared-use trails.
How steep is it?
The Te Ahumairangi section is steep in places, with some sections that can be very challenging on a bike. The trail can also become badly rutted in wet conditions, so timing your visit after dry weather helps.
Where do I access the Northern Walkway?
The main access points are from Thorndon, Wadestown and Khandallah. Wellington City Council has maps showing access points on their website.
Does it connect to other trails?
Yes — the Northern Walkway connects through to the Skyline Walkway, which runs the full western ridge from Makara Hill to Mt Kaukau. The Huntingdon Track and East-West Connector also provide additional route options.
Are dogs allowed?
Check Wellington City Council’s current rules for individual reserves — some areas of the Town Belt have restrictions on dogs.
Is it suitable for beginners?
The steep, rutted terrain makes the Northern Walkway more suitable for experienced walkers and mountain bikers. Beginners should start on lower-grade trails before attempting Te Ahumairangi.
The Northern Walkway is part of the cycling tracks in Wellington. At the southern end of the ridgeline network, the Skyline Walkway extends south toward Makara Hill. For less demanding riding in the city, the Thorndon Quay Cycleway provides a flat commuter route through the northern suburbs below.
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