Skyline Walkway

12km, 5-6 hours, good fitness essential. This dual use track (mountain bikers can use it too) runs north to south along the pretty ridge between Old Coach Road in Johnsonville and the Makara Saddle in Karori. Follow the signs from the Outer Green Belt onto Mount Kaukau (check out the groovy viewing platform while you’re there), after which you’ll trot along via the Crow’s Nest, Kilmister Tops and Johnston Hill. The views as you pass include everything from rural, city and coastal vistas and, on a cloudless day, you’ll be granted views of the Kaikoura Ranges and Marlborough Sounds in the South Island and, nearer to hand in Wellington City, the harbour and the Tararua and Orongorongo Ranges. You can even spy the Tasman Sea and the Makara Wind Farm if you’re sharp of eye. With many entry and exit points along the way, you can enjoy this walk in stages but you’ll need a decent level of fitness and have food and drink with you, as you will work up an appetite and the path isn’t lined with cafes. Follow the yellow directional markers (often found on metal poles) along the track and you’ll be sorted but be aware, with little protection from the elements, you’re quite exposed most of the way so you’ll want decent sun protection. Although on the plus side, it means if the sky is clear, the views are regularly staggering. And finally, because some of the track passes through private land, remember to always be respectful and close any gates that you may have to open.