Wellington Walks

The Wellington First Eleven Mini-list

These 11 peaks are located within the greater Wellington urban area. Due to their proximity to New Zealand’s capital city, many of these small hill summits are marked by an odd assortment of aircraft radar stations, TV aerials, and all manner of modern telecommunications equipment. Though these man made ‘sights’ are perhaps not what many walkers are looking for when they they head for the hills, they are actually quite fascinating in their own right. Luckily, there is plenty more to see, from some of the most stunning harbour views you will ever see, to superb native bird watching on Kapiti Island. And once you’ve had enough of the small hills, you can the climb the 941m Mt Matthews, which is the highest point in the Rimutaka Ranges.

Wellington is famous for its hills and harbour, but unfortunately many visitors make do with a quick jaunt up the Cable Car or a drive up Mt Victoria. If you want to get the best views of the entire Wellington urban area , there is no better way than bagging all of the peaks that make up the ‘Wellington First Eleven’.

# Name Height
(metres)		 Region Difficulty Walk
Duration		 Season
1 Belmont Trig 457 Wellington Easy 2-3 hours All Year
2 Boulder Hill 442 Wellington Easy 2 hours All Year
3 Cannon Point 345 Wellington Easy 3 hours All Year
4 Climie, Mt 860 Wellington Easy 4 hours All Year
5 Colonial Knob 458 Wellington Easy 3-5 hours All Year
6 Hawkins Hill 495 Wellington Easy 3 hours All Year
7 Kaukau Peg 431 Wellington Easy 2 hours All Year
8 Makara Peak 412 Wellington Easy 3 hours All Year
9 Matthews, Mt 941 Wellington Hard 1-2 days All Year
10 Rimutaka Trig 725 Wellington Easy 1 hour All Year
11 Tuteremoana (Kapiti Island) 512 Wellington Easy 4 hours All Year