We picked an excellent day to walk up Mt Victoria to the lookout at the top - wow the views were awesome!
We walked through some typical Wellington streets while admiring the steepness of it all and how amazing the historic old villas are perched on the hillsides. Then our Wellington walk went through a pine forest then on top of the hill we were rewarded with unbeatable views of the Wellington harbour and city. This walk is super handy to downtown Wellington.
Quick Facts on our Mt Victoria Lookout Walk
- Location: Wellington, Nouth Island, New Zealand
- Distance: 1.9 km
- Time needed: 1 Hour & 10 Minutes
- Difficulty: Medium
- Elevation: Sea level to 196m
- Bike Access: No
- Wheelchair Access: No
- Route: One way
- Wet Feet: No
- Toilets: Yes
- Dogs: On a leash only
- Mobile Coverage: Yes, good coverage
- Last Updated: Jan 2022
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Summary points about the Mt Victoria Lookout Walkway
Our points of interest along the Mt Victoria Lookout Walkway
Start of the Mt Victoria Lookout Walkway in Wellington
Walk marker on the Mt Victoria Lookout Walkway in Wellington
Views over Wellington harbour from half way up Mt Victoria Lookout Walkway in Wellington
Point 1: Street start at the beginning of the Mt Victoria Lookout walk
Turn in to Grass St, that’s if you can pull yourself away from the cafés. You can see the steps to the right of the green shed. If you have walked from town your legs will be ready for the workout.
After 7 mins of walking, the first turn off is to the right, look for the marker post. This section of the track is a little rough. But they are working on it. From this first section of track, you will be able to see down into Wellington harbour. Plus do a bit of house spotting along the way.
First sign post on the Mt Victoria Lookout Walkway in Wellington
Walking through more pine trees on the Mt Victoria Lookout Walkway in Wellington
Follow the Mt Victoria Walkway sign on the Mt Victoria Lookout
Point 2: Making our walk up to the lookout
19 mins, you should be out on Palliser Rd. The last 3 min is on a newly sealed path. Look across the road and to the left, cross over the road to the sign. Then walk up to the right.
This section of track to walk is great, the scent from the pines fill the air as it rushes through the tall branches. Only to be spoiled by the roar of jet planes flying out of Wellington.
At 40 mins, when you break out into a grassy clearing, turn to the left, the sign is also on your left. Looking ahead you can see the next signpost.
Another sign midway on the Mt Victoria Lookout Walkway in Wellington
Walking through the pines on the Mt Victoria Lookout Walkway in Wellington
Close to the summit lookout on the Mt Victoria
Point 3: Just about to the top of the lookout
43 mins, keep to the left and walk up the hill. Take the hard left turn, there was no marker at this turnoff.
At 56 mins, follow the track uphill all the way to the top. There is a track turning off to the right, just as you break out of the pines, the road is just above you. This track will save you a minute or two. But the track is a bit rough and steep. When you reach the road turn to the right and follow the road up to the lookout.
Point 4: Views out over Wellington harbour and city from the top of the Mt Victoria Lookout Walkway
At 1 hour, now you can see how Wellington is laid out. Or you can sit in the sun and watch the Cook Straight ferry’s steam in and out of the harbour. Or sit on the other side and watch the planes fly into Wellington airport.
