The Northern Walkway runs 14.9km through Wellington’s Town Belt from the end of Truscott Avenue in Johnsonville to the top of the Cable Car in Kelburn, offering 360-degree views of the harbour, city, Cook Strait and surrounding ranges from the ridgeline above the northern suburbs. The walk is accessible by public transport at both ends, making it one of Wellington’s best one-way walk options.
Practical Information
| Northern start | End of Truscott Avenue, Johnsonville (near Raroa Station on the Johnsonville rail line) |
|---|---|
| Southern end | Top Cable Car station, Upland Road, Kelburn |
| Distance | 14.9km one way |
| Walking time | 4–6 hours one way |
| Difficulty | Moderate — some steep sections but no technical terrain |
| Public transport | Johnsonville rail line to Raroa Station (northern end); Wellington Cable Car from Kelburn (southern end) |
| Facilities | No toilets on the track itself; facilities at either end |
| Cost | Free (Cable Car return fare applies if used) |
| Open | Year-round, any time |
About the Northern Walkway
The Northern Walkway explores the Town Belt on Wellington’s northern flank, linking the Johnsonville suburbs with the Kelburn ridge above the CBD. The route passes through native bush, open ridgeline sections and planted forest as it makes its way along the elevated terrain separating the inner northern suburbs from the Hutt Valley. From several viewpoints along the ridge, walkers can see the full sweep of Wellington Harbour, the Hutt Valley, the Remutaka Range, Cook Strait and the South Island on a clear day.
The walkway can be walked in either direction, but the most popular approach is to start in Johnsonville — catch the Johnsonville line train to Raroa Station, walk to the end of Truscott Avenue, and follow the track south to Kelburn, finishing with the Cable Car back to the city. This avoids the need to return the same way and makes logical use of the transport connections.
What to Expect on the Track
The terrain is varied throughout the 14.9km. Some sections follow open ridgeline with wide views, others pass through mature native and planted bush with birdsong. There are steep ascents and descents, though no technical climbing. The track is well-marked with orange Wellington City Council triangular markers throughout.
Allow at least four hours for a comfortable pace with stops for views — six hours if you are stopping frequently or travelling with children. Carry water as there are no facilities on the track itself. The ridge sections can be exposed in wind and rain, so check the forecast before setting out.
What visitors say
“One of those walks that makes you realise how much green space Wellington has. The views from the ridge are brilliant — you can see the harbour on one side and the ranges on the other. Starting from Raroa Station is perfect, it makes it feel like a proper adventure.” — AllTrails review
Where to Learn More
Useful resources
- Wellington City Council — Northern Walkway: official track description, map download and access information
- WellingtonNZ — Northern Walkway: visitor overview and route details
- AllTrails — Te Ahumairangi Northern Walkway and Ridgeline Loop: trail map, elevation profile and visitor reviews
FAQ
How do I get to the start of the Northern Walkway?
Catch the Johnsonville line train from Wellington station to Raroa Station. The end of Truscott Avenue in Johnsonville is a short walk from the station and is where the Northern Walkway begins.
How do I get back from the end of the walk?
The southern end finishes near the top Cable Car station in Kelburn — take the Cable Car back down to Lambton Quay. Alternatively, walk down through the Botanic Garden to Glenmore Street.
How long does the Northern Walkway take?
Allow 4–6 hours for the full 14.9km at a comfortable pace with view stops.
Is the Northern Walkway suitable for beginners?
It is a long walk with some steep sections, so a reasonable level of fitness is needed. It is not technically difficult, but the distance and elevation make it best suited to people comfortable with a full-day outing.
Are there toilets on the track?
No toilets are available on the track itself. Use facilities at Johnsonville or Kelburn/Botanic Garden before or after the walk.
Can I walk just part of the Northern Walkway?
Yes — several access points along the route allow you to walk shorter sections. The WCC track map shows these intermediate entry and exit points.
For more walks across Wellington, see the Wellington Walking Tracks hub. Te Ahumairangi Hill offers another ridgeline walk with harbour views from the Town Belt above Thorndon.
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