Mount Kaukau

Mount Kaukau is the most visible high point in the Wellington landscape. It is a marvellous viewpoint on the Northern and Skyline Walkways.

Family running up hill at Mount Kaukau, with city and sea in background.

Location: Western skyline above Khandallah and Johnsonville.

Entrance and exit points: Tracks to Mount Kaukau begin at Woodmancote Road and Simla Crescent in Khandallah, Sirsi Terrace in Broadmeadows, and Truscott Avenue in Johnsonville.

Brief description: Mount Kaukau is the most visible high point in the Wellington landscape, and easily recognisable as it is the site of Wellington's main television transmitter tower.

Several well-formed tracks lead to the summit lookout, where there are panoramic views of the city and harbour, Hutt Valley, the Tararua Range, Porirua and the South Island.

The summit is part of the Northern and Skyline Walkways.

Parking: Plenty of parking at Woodmancote Road and Truscott Avenue car parks, parking may be difficult in Simla Crescent and Sirsi Terrace.

Accessibility: The walk up to the peak takes about an hour and is steep in places, but the tracks are well-formed and there are seats on which to rest on the way.

Dogs: Dogs must be kept on a leash.

Mountain biking: Part of the beautiful Skyline Walkway. There is a mixture of single track and 4WD that can be ridden all the way to the summit. For more information, visit Trailforks.

Visit map