Last updated July 2026
The City to Sea Walkway is a well-marked urban trail that links central Wellington near Parliament with the south coast at Island Bay. It passes through historic cemeteries, the Botanic Garden, Aro Valley and the Town Belt before reaching the rugged coastline. The route offers a mix of city views, bush tracks and coastal scenery in a single outing. It can be walked in either direction and completed in stages.
Practical Information
| Start | Bolton Street Memorial Park (Bolton Street Cemetery), Thorndon, near Parliament |
| End | Shorland Park, Island Bay — return via Metlink Route 1 bus |
| Distance | 14.4km one way |
| Walking time | 6–7 hours one way |
| Difficulty | Intermediate — varied terrain with some climbing; requires good fitness for full length |
| Facilities | Toilets and cafés at Botanic Garden; cafés and facilities at Island Bay |
| Dogs | Permitted on leads outside dog exercise areas |
| Bikes | Closed to bikes through Botanic Garden and Berhampore golf course |
| Cost | Free |
| Open | Year-round, any time |
About the City to Sea Walkway
The City to Sea Walkway forms a green corridor through Wellington’s reserves and Town Belt. It begins at Bolton Street Memorial Park, Wellington’s earliest cemetery established in 1840, and winds through the Botanic Garden ki Paekākā before descending into Aro Valley. The path then climbs onto open ridges above Berhampore and Kingston, offering views across the southern suburbs and Cook Strait.
Marker posts allow the route to be followed in either direction. Starting from the parliamentary end provides a natural progression from city to sea, with a convenient bus return from Island Bay. The walk passes two historic cemeteries, several observatories, Victoria University, a plant nursery and Government House.
The upper sections feature bushy Town Belt tracks, exposed ridge tops and a mix of native and exotic vegetation. Spectacular views include central Wellington, Mount Victoria, Mount Kaukau, the Tararua and Rimutaka ranges, and the Kaikōura ranges on clear days. The trail ends at the south coast where visitors can enjoy cafés and coastal scenery.
Route Highlights
The walk begins in Bolton Street Memorial Park among mature trees and historic graves. It continues through the 25-hectare Botanic Garden ki Paekākā, known for its native forest, rose gardens and the Picnic Café. From Kelburn the route passes the Cable Car and Victoria University campus before entering the characterful Aro Valley suburb with its weatherboard houses and independent cafés.
Further south the path traverses Highbury Reserve and climbs onto the ridge above Berhampore and Kingston. Open sections here provide panoramic views before the descent to Shorland Park at Island Bay. The full route can be broken into shorter stages using multiple access points.
Access and Transport
The walkway is well signposted from the Bolton Street Cemetery entrance. Public transport returns are available via the Metlink Route 1 bus from Island Bay to the Wellington CBD. Check current timetables on the Metlink website. The trail is suitable for reasonably fit walkers comfortable with a full-day outing and can be completed in stages for those with less time.
What Visitors Often Say
A satisfying full-day walk that takes you through many different parts of Wellington, from the historic cemetery and Botanic Garden through Aro Valley and the Town Belt ridges before finishing at the coast. The variety of scenery makes it feel like a genuine exploration of the city.
Well signposted and manageable in stages. The ridge sections offer excellent views, and the Botanic Garden provides a pleasant mid-walk break. Good fitness is needed for the full distance but the changing environments keep it interesting throughout.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council: official track description, map download, access details and rules for dogs and bikes.
WellingtonNZ: visitor overview with route highlights, practical tips and transport information.
AllTrails: trail map, elevation profile and visitor reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the City to Sea Walkway start?
At Bolton Street Memorial Park (Bolton Street Cemetery) in Thorndon, a short walk from Parliament and Wellington Railway Station. The route is well signposted from the cemetery entrance.
How long does the full walk take?
Most walkers complete the 14.4km route in 6–7 hours at a comfortable pace with stops. Allow extra time to explore the Botanic Garden.
How do I get back from Island Bay?
The Metlink Route 1 bus runs regularly from Shorland Park in Island Bay to the Wellington CBD. Check metlink.org.nz for current timetables.
Is the walkway suitable for all fitness levels?
It is an intermediate route with some climbing and requires a good level of fitness to complete in one day. It can be done in stages for those with less time or fitness.
Can I do it in stages?
Yes. The walkway has several intermediate access points. The Botanic Garden section, for example, can be enjoyed as a standalone visit.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are permitted on leads outside designated dog exercise areas. Please clean up after your dog.
Are there cafés along the way?
Yes. The Botanic Garden has the Picnic Café. Aro Valley has several independent cafés nearby. Island Bay has options at the finishing end.
Is the route suitable for bikes?
The walkway is closed to bikes through the Botanic Garden and Berhampore golf course. It is primarily a walking trail.
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