Red Rocks, known as Pariwhero, is a scientific reserve on the south coast of Wellington, between Ōwhiro Bay and Sinclair Head. The rocks are an unusual formation of ancient volcanic pillow lava set in younger rock, with red and green siltstone. The reserve was created in 1972 after public concern about quarrying.
The walk from Owhiro Bay Quarry is a coastal four-wheel-drive track that takes just under an hour and passes historic baches from the early 1900s. A track leads up to the ridgelines of Te Kopahau Reserve, and seals can be seen at Sinclair Head in winter. Parking is at the Te Kopahou Visitor Centre car park at the end of Owhiro Bay Parade, where there are toilets and changing facilities. The unsealed road is uneven and not suitable for two-wheel-drive vehicles. It is closed on Sundays, when only walkers and mountain bikers can use it. Dogs must be on a leash and at least 20 metres from seals and native wildlife. Our pick in Ōwhiro Bay for a coastal walk with a bit of geology.