The Skyline Walkway is an 18 kilometre ridge walk above Wellington, running north and south from Erlestoke Crescent in Churton Park to Makara Saddle in Karori. It takes up to seven hours in full and can be done in stages, as there are many entry and exit points. This listing's access point is on Parkvale Road in Karori. The route follows the Outer Green Belt over Mount Kaukau, the Crow's Nest, Kilmister Tops and Johnston Hill, and on a clear day the views reach the Kaikoura ranges, the Marlborough Sounds, the city and harbour, and the Tararua and Orongorongo ranges.
The ridgeline is exposed and can be challenging, and weather can be extreme. The walk needs reasonable fitness, warm clothing and sturdy footwear, and visitors should bring lunch and plenty of water, as there are no toilets or water on the track. Follow the purple markers, and the Welly Walks app has maps and instructions. Dogs must be on a lead outside dog exercise areas. Our pick in Karori for a day on the ridgeline with the harbour views.