mount kaukau

I loved the Mount Kaukau walk my brother and I did yesterday morning. We took the alternative route up, which is quite strenuous but provided absolutely stunning views of the city all the way up to the top. The track is well sign posted once you get to Khandallah pool. The views at the top are absolutely magnificent. The South Island is so clear, you can see trees and cliffs and all sorts of details from the summit. The walk down was rather slippery however, so take note of that too.

There are several routes up the hill, from long and steep to short and, well, maybe a bit less steep. I think there is also a long and relatively gentle one but I haven't tried it. Worth the pull, for the panorama of Wellington and suburbs which is spread st your feet from the top.

Having lived locally most of my life I have walked up Mt Kaukau several times. The walk up the mountain can be taken from various pathways, the most popular being through Khandallah Park or from Truscott Ave. The walk up the mountain varies from closed in bush to open farmland. The path is uphill to the top, and I would recommend solid walking shoes. If you decide to take this walk, choose a day when the wind is not strong as both sides are quite exposed. The view from the top is well worth the trek up.

Do this walk on a fine, still day and you will be well rewarded with spectacular views of Wellington, the harbour and surrounding farmland. It is steep in parts, but generally with well constructed steps. Gets the heart rate up and exiting via Crofton Downs gives you a nice, easy farm walk back down to the real world.

The walk through the bush to the top has lots of stairs and will get you sweating, need to have a reasonable fitness however there are plenty of resting places along the way. The 360 degree view at top is very rewarding.

As cities go, Wellington has some amazing scenery. From the lookout you can get an almost full 360 view, which includes dainty Wellington city nestled into the harbour as well as meandering coastlines and mountain-top panoramics . It took me 30 minutes to climb (fast paced) with plenty of steps to work up a sweat. A bus from the city (currently 43) will bring you out to Khandallah town centre, only a 5/10min walk will bring you to the base.*Can get it windy up thereTotally worth it. Do it!

A long hike up the Mount, through the bush. Lots of different gradients on several walkways. But the view at the top, over the harbour and Wellington is worth it all.

A 360 view of Wellington that is unforgettable. The rolling green mountains are nothing like you would have seen before.

I've been walking up here ever since I was a kid, it's a great walk which boasts a great view of Wellington.

A good steady up hill walk, which at some stages can become a bit congested but when you arrive at the summit, you can get an amazing view of Wellington. It is certainly well worth the effort. This a great thing to do on a calm Summer's day.

We love Mt Kaukau, quite easily accessible from Wellington City, get a train to Box Hill station (Johnsonville train line from Wellington railway station) or taxi to Clarke St, Khandallah. The walk is gorgeous amongst bush and open sky with plenty of birds, and an amazing view of city from the top. Do the loop walk for maximum enjoyment. In summer,if you are brave take your togs (bathers) for the gorgeous but unheated Khandallah outdoor public pool at the bottom of the track, fortunately you may be able to get a flat white after at the park cafe!

i used to live on the foot of Mt Kau Kau on the Johnsonville side. i ventured up the alot in my childhood and only once as an adult as i no longer live in wellington. i tried to climb up 2 days ago but the weather was so bad that i thought id leave it and climb up when i return to wellington. it is well worth the views and feelings of accomplishment once you get to the top!

What a view.It is hard and if unfit, take many photos on the way!This is a must do for a Wellingtonian, just like Wrights Hill.Take the kids and some sandwiches and a flask, have a picnic at the top.A group family photo every year as they get older.... Mike

Wonderful walk through native bush then climb for 30 minutes or so quite steep at times. Magnificent views from the summit of Wellington on a good day, or invigorating on a windy one.

this is a majestic place where you need to see to believe, if you think you can do it you should and you will not regret it