News | 1 December 2023
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Friday Five: Accessible walkways in Pōneke

Wellington has plenty of scenic walkways to explore – however, owing to our topography, they’re not always accessible. We’ve put together a list of five walkways around Wellington that are suitable for wheelchair and pram users and people of all abilities.

People walking and cycling along the Wellington waterfront.

1. Wellington Waterfront 

Once the centre of Wellington's bustling port, the Wellington Waterfront is one of the city's most distinctive and attractive precincts.

Separating central city from sea, the Waterfront is home to a vibrant, ever-changing atmosphere with unique features and attractions that include something for everyone. It is easily accessed at multiple points and has a wide, flat surface with some footbridges along the way. 

2. Coastal Walkway – Southern 

Enjoy the paved, flat pathway from Red Rocks to Island Bay. The scenery is stunning, looping around the rugged coast with great views of the wild sea and the Kaikoura ranges. You might even be lucky enough to spot a seal on the rocks in the winter months. 

A wooden building with a turret and a red door.
Chapel at the Karori Cemetery.

3. Karori Cemetery 

Karori Cemetery is New Zealand's second largest burial ground, covering nearly 40 hectares. There are many heritage and historic sites at the cemetery. It is easy to access and has with wide paved roads and paths. 

There are two heritage trails in Karori Cemetery, the Penguin Shipwreck Memorial Walk and the World War Warriors Walk. 

4. Coastal walkway – Eastern 

Enjoy the beautiful views along the pathway from Worser Bay to Scorching Bay.  

Worser Bay Beach is a large, sandy inner-harbour beach with views of the Ororongorongo Range, Steeple Rock and Seatoun Beach. Head along the path to Scorching Bay, which has a large, grassed area and is sheltered from the northerly wind. It is a great place to soak up the sun and watch ships entering and leaving the harbour. 

5. Te Ahumairangi Hill 

Also known as Tinakori Hill, the path to the lookout off the Northland end of Orangi Kaupapa Road, is a wheelchair assisted walk. The lookout has good views of the city, a picnic area, and interpretive panels explaining the hill's history. The loop walk has a steeper gradient so we don't recommend this track for wheelchairs.

You can see more examples listed on our Accessible Walkways page. Watch out each Friday for a fun list of five great activities to do, places to explore, or things to discover in our awesome city.  

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