Mākara Walkway
Alerts
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
This loop walk climbs to vantage points with spectacular views – farmland, a beach and gun emplacements will keep kids interested.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Description
The track climbs to vantage points with spectacular views, and returning along the beach.
The high cliffs and spectacular views for centuries have provided the people of the area with good vantage points for the defence of their land. A Ngāti Ira pā site lies on the promontory at the western end of Fisherman's Bay.
Gun emplacements at the top of the cliffs mark the position of Fort Ōpau, which was garrisoned by 100 soldiers during World War II.
Getting there
Mākara Walkway begins and ends at Mākara Beach, 16 km north of Wellington. The beach is at the end of Mākara Road which runs from the south end of Karori Road.
Know before you go
- Carry food and drink. There is no drinkable water on the track.
- Mākara Beach is sheltered from southerly winds, but is very exposed to northerlies. The hilltops are especially prone to gale force winds.
- The concrete roofs of the gun emplacements are in poor condition and could collapse. Keep out of the fenced-off areas.
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track