The Skyline Walkway follows Wellington’s western ridge for 18 kilometres from Makara Hill to Mt Kaukau, passing through farmland and native bush with panoramic views over the city, harbour and beyond. Shared use for walkers and mountain bikers, it’s one of Wellington’s longest continuous ridge trails and can be done in full (up to 7 hours on foot) or accessed in sections from multiple points along the route. For mountain bikers, it’s rated Grade 4 — demanding but rewarding.
Practical Information
| Distance | 18 km one way |
|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 7 hours on foot; shorter by mountain bike |
| Grade (MTB) | Grade 4 (advanced) |
| Start/End | Makara Hill (south end) to Mt Kaukau (north end) |
| Access points | Karori, Khandallah, Crofton Downs, Ngaio, Broadmeadows |
| Surface | Mix of farm track, 4WD road and singletrack |
| Cost | Free |
| Managed by | Wellington City Council |
About the Walkway
The Skyline Walkway runs along the ridge that forms Wellington’s western backbone — the same range that separates the city’s western suburbs from the Makara Valley coast. Much of the trail crosses open farmland and is fully exposed to Wellington’s famous winds, so conditions vary significantly between calm days and windy ones. Some sections pass through native bush, providing shelter and a different character to the open ridge stretches.
The surface is a mix of farm tracks, 4WD road and natural singletrack. For mountain bikers, the Grade 4 rating reflects real technical challenge — the trail requires good bike-handling skills, is very exposed in places, and can be deeply rutted after rain. It’s a very different experience to the manicured purpose-built trails at Makara Peak, sitting just below and to the west of the walkway ridge.
Doing It in Sections
The walkway has multiple access points from suburban streets in Karori, Khandallah, Crofton Downs, Ngaio and Broadmeadows. This makes it easy to tackle in sections rather than as a full point-to-point route. Popular options include the Karori end (which connects to Makara Peak trails below) and the Khandallah section above the northern suburbs.
A point-to-point ride from Makara Hill to Mt Kaukau requires vehicle logistics at each end, or a one-way ride with a descent into a suburb and public transport return. WCC provides maps of the full route and access points.
What Visitors Say
“The ridge views are some of the best in Wellington — harbour on one side, Makara Valley on the other. Bring a windproof; it’s very exposed up there.” — AllTrails review, Skyline Walkway Khandallah to Makara Road
Where to Learn More
Skyline Walkway — Wellington City Council has the official trail description, maps and access point information.
Skyline Walkway — WellingtonNZ covers the walkway with visitor-focused information on conditions and what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the full Skyline Walkway take?
Up to 7 hours on foot for the full 18km. Most people do sections rather than the complete route in one go.
Is it suitable for mountain bikers?
Yes — the walkway is shared use. It’s rated Grade 4 for MTB due to exposed terrain, rough farm track sections and rutted singletrack. Experienced riders only.
Where are the access points?
From Karori, Khandallah, Crofton Downs, Ngaio and Broadmeadows. Wellington City Council’s website has a map showing all entry points.
Is it very windy?
The ridge is highly exposed — one of the windiest routes in Wellington. Check the forecast before heading out, especially for the open farmland sections.
Does the walkway connect to Makara Peak?
Yes — the Karori/Makara Hill end of the Skyline Walkway connects to the Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park trail network below the ridge.
Can I do a loop?
The walkway is point-to-point along the ridge. Out-and-back sections are possible, or plan a one-way trip with public transport or a second vehicle.
The Skyline Walkway is part of the cycling tracks in Wellington. The Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park sits below the southern end of the walkway and offers a more structured trail experience. The Northern Walkway is another long ridge trail accessible from Wellington’s northern suburbs.