The Southern Walkway runs 10.3km from Oriental Parade to Island Bay on Wellington’s south coast, crossing the Town Belt through some of the city’s best viewpoints, native bush pockets and open ridge walking. It is one of Wellington’s signature urban walks — a genuine one-way traverse that takes in the full sweep of the southern suburbs and Cook Strait, starting within walking distance of the city centre.
Practical Information
| Route | Oriental Parade (Carlton Gore Road end) to Island Bay |
|---|---|
| Distance | 10.3km one way |
| Walking time | 3.5–4 hours one way |
| Difficulty | Moderate — significant ascent and descent throughout |
| Start point | Carlton Gore Road, Oriental Parade — bus accessible from the CBD |
| End point | Island Bay — return to city via Metlink Route 1 bus |
| Facilities | No toilets on the track; facilities at Oriental Bay and Island Bay |
| Cost | Free |
| Open | Year-round, any time |
About the Southern Walkway
The Southern Walkway was developed as part of Wellington City Council’s effort to link the urban Town Belt as a continuous walking route. The Town Belt — a strip of native and planted bush running along the hills above the city — has been protected as a public reserve since 1873, when the New Zealand Company set it aside from urban development. The walkway follows this greenbelt from the harbour edge at Oriental Bay all the way to the coast at Island Bay.
The terrain is genuinely varied: the route starts along the flat coastal path at Oriental Parade, climbs steeply to the ridge above Mount Victoria, then drops and climbs repeatedly through Melrose, Kingston and Berhampore before descending to Island Bay. The southern ridges give open views over Cook Strait and, on clear days, across to the Marlborough Sounds and the Kaikōura Ranges.
What You’ll See Along the Way
From the ridge above Mount Victoria the walkway passes through bush-covered Town Belt slopes with views back over the harbour and CBD. Moving south, the route crosses open grassy ridges with panoramas extending to the South Island on clear days. Native birds are audible throughout — tūī, kererū and riroriro (grey warbler) are common in the bush sections, where Town Belt restoration work over recent decades has improved native forest cover and bird life significantly.
Island Bay fishing village marks the endpoint — a good place to stop for coffee or fish and chips before catching the bus back to the city.
Practical Tips
The Southern Walkway is best walked one way — start at Oriental Parade and finish at Island Bay, then take the Route 1 Metlink bus back to the city. The walk involves significant elevation change; wear appropriate footwear and carry water. Ridge sections can be very exposed in Wellington’s wind, particularly in autumn and winter.
What visitors say
“A great way to see Wellington properly. It’s harder than it looks on paper — there’s a lot of climbing — but the views are exceptional. We finished at Island Bay and had fish and chips at the beach. Best way to end a walk.” — TripAdvisor review
Where to Learn More
Useful resources
- Wellington City Council — Southern Walkway: official track description, map download and access information
- WellingtonNZ — Southern Walkway: visitor overview with route highlights and practical tips
- AllTrails — Southern Walkway: trail map, elevation profile and visitor reviews
FAQ
How long does the Southern Walkway take?
Most walkers complete it in 3.5 to 4 hours. Allow more if you stop frequently for views or photos.
Which direction should I walk it?
Starting at Oriental Parade and finishing at Island Bay works well because Island Bay has bus connections back to the city (Metlink Route 1). Starting from Island Bay is equally valid.
How do I get back from Island Bay?
Take the Metlink Route 1 bus — it runs regularly from Island Bay to Wellington CBD. Check metlink.org.nz for current timetables.
Is it suitable for beginners?
The distance and elevation make it best suited to walkers who are reasonably fit and comfortable with a full day out. It is not technical but it is not flat — expect genuine ups and downs throughout.
What is the best time of year?
The walkway is open year-round. Summer offers clearest views and best weather. Autumn can be beautiful when the light softens. Winter walks are possible but the exposed ridge sections can be challenging in Wellington’s wind.
Are there toilets on the track?
No toilets are available on the track itself. Use facilities at Oriental Bay before starting, or at Island Bay at the end.
For more walking in Wellington, visit the Wellington Walking Tracks hub. The Mount Victoria Lookout Track is a shorter central walk with exceptional 360-degree views from the summit.
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