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A hilly trail with stunning coastal views and a stretch on the beach.


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Map Key

8.7

Miles

14.0

KM

Loop

1,340' 408 m

High

8' 2 m

Low

1,591' 485 m

Up

1,590' 485 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

35%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

Overview

This route is quickly reached by car from downtown Wellington and combines the well-known Tip Track, Red Rocks Track - Pari-Whero, and a beach section (Sinclair Head Track). The route is, in parts, seriously steep and follows exposed ridgelines with exceptional panoramic views towards the ocean as well as the town on the other side.

Need to Know

Between kilometer 6 and 10, the track is very exposed and the notorious Wellington winds are not to be underestimated. There are some rocky sections requiring some degree of surefooted-ness. The beach section is mostly gravel with a few sandy stretches.

Description

From the carpark at the Te Kopahou Visitor Centre, follow the road back towards the town (with the ocean to your right). After 1 km, turn left and follow the road going gently uphill.

After another 1.5 km, you'll find the entrance of the Tip Track (an old 4WD track) on your left, marked with a barrier. The track is steep but manageable all the way, winding up through bushy hills, some of which still showing signs of a summer bush fire a few years ago.

Shortly before reaching the end of the Tip Track, in sight of the radar dome on Hawkins Hill, turn left onto the Red Rocks Track - Pari-Whero that follows the top of the ridgeline towards the ocean. Soak in those views - from here the trail is pure joy! It is still hilly, but on average descending. After coming down to the beach, turn left onto the Sinclair Head Track and follow the beach until you get back to the carpark.

Flora & Fauna

You will find bushland and might spot possums if you're lucky.

Contacts

Land Manager: Wellington City Council

Shared By:

Kay Steinkamp

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 3 votes

#1046

Overall
  5.0 from 3 votes
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in New Zealand

#1,046

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Photos

Overlooking the path in front of me with the ocean and the South Island in the background.
Feb 12, 2016 near Brooklyn, NZ
Looking back along the path, with the entrance to Wellington's harbor in the background.
Feb 12, 2016 near Brooklyn, NZ
Red Rocks Trail coming down to the beach
Feb 12, 2016 near Brooklyn, NZ
Start of Barking Emu southern end, with the start of the trail up to Hawkins Hill on the left.
Dec 20, 2016 near Brooklyn, NZ
Beach panorama.
Feb 17, 2016 near Brooklyn, NZ
Beach view from the walkway.
Feb 17, 2016 near Brooklyn, NZ

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