The Mākara Beach Walkway is a 6–7km loop through DOC-managed farmland and coastal terrain on Wellington’s rugged west coast, taking in close-up views of the West Wind turbine farm, sea cliffs, WW2 gun emplacements, and the dramatic Mākara Beach. The trailhead is at Mākara Beach, just 30 minutes from Wellington city.
Practical Information
| Location | Mākara Beach, 16km northwest of Wellington city |
|---|---|
| Drive time | Approximately 30 minutes from Wellington CBD |
| Distance | 6–7km loop |
| Walking time | 2–3 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate — some steep ascents; exposed to wind on the ridgeline |
| Start and end | Mākara Beach carpark |
| Facilities | Toilets and parking at Mākara Beach; no facilities on the track itself |
| Cost | Free |
| Managed by | Department of Conservation |
About the Mākara Walkway
Mākara Beach sits on the exposed Tasman Sea coast west of Wellington, accessible via Karori and Makara Road. The beach is a wild stretch of sand and rock backed by rugged coastal hills, and the walkway loop explores the farmland and ridge terrain above the beach before returning along the coastal section.
The walk was developed with access through private farmland and is managed by the Department of Conservation in partnership with local landowners. The route climbs from the beach to the ridgeline above, where the West Wind turbine farm’s 62 wind turbines dominate the skyline. The scale of the turbines is striking when seen up close from the track.
Highlights Along the Route
The ridge section of the walk gives wide views along the west coast towards Sinclair Head in the south and the upper Kapiti Coast in the north. On a clear day the panorama is remarkable, though Wellington’s wind can make the exposed ridgeline challenging in poor conditions.
WW2 military gun emplacements are visible along the coastal section — relics of Wellington’s coastal defence network built during the Second World War. The emplacements were positioned to defend the approaches to Wellington Harbour from the west and are a quietly atmospheric historical feature of the walk.
The beach at the start and end of the walk is a rugged pebble and sand stretch with a strong surf — not suitable for swimming, but dramatic in any weather.
What visitors say
“A brilliant walk — much better than I expected. The views from the top near the wind turbines are incredible and seeing the turbines up close is surprisingly impressive. Windy as anything on the ridge but that’s just Wellington. Highly recommended.” — TripAdvisor review
Where to Learn More
Useful resources
- DOC — Mākara Walkway: official Department of Conservation page with track description, map and access details
- Wellington City Council — Mākara Walkway: track description and access information
- WellingtonNZ — Mākara Walkway: visitor overview and what to expect
- Wilderness Magazine — Mākara Walkway: detailed trip notes and practical advice
FAQ
How far is Mākara Beach from Wellington?
16km from Wellington city centre — approximately 30 minutes by car via Karori and Makara Road.
How long does the walkway take?
Allow 2–3 hours for the full loop at a comfortable pace.
Is there a bus to Mākara Beach?
No regular public bus service runs to Mākara Beach. A car is required to reach the trailhead.
Is the walk suitable for children?
Older children who are comfortable with hills and exposed conditions should manage the walk. The ridgeline can be very windy — check the forecast and dress appropriately. Not suitable for young children or prams.
Can I swim at Mākara Beach?
Mākara Beach is a wild west coast beach with a strong surf and no lifeguard patrol. It is not recommended for swimming.
What are the WW2 gun emplacements?
The concrete gun emplacements along the coastal section were built during the Second World War as part of Wellington’s harbour defence network. They are now a free heritage site and can be explored on foot as part of the walk.
For more Wellington walking, see the Wellington Walking Tracks hub. The Red Rocks Coastal Walk is another south coast walk with fur seals at Sinclair Head from May to October.
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