Red Rocks Coastal Walk
Pariwhero
A flat track along the south coast that follows a gravel road past red pillow lava and a seal habitat. On clear days you can see the snowy Kaikōura peaks on the South Island.
From the Owhiro Bay car park, a one-way drive of about 4 km along the coastal four-wheel-drive track takes you to Red Rocks, known in Māori as Pariwhero. The rocks are red from iron oxide, and Māori legend says they were stained by the blood of the explorer Kupe. In winter, Sinclair Head, about 2 km further on, is home to a colony of seals; keep at least 20 metres away from them. The walk is gentle but unsheltered, so keep warm when the wind is strong. Free admission. From the city centre, take bus 1 to Island Bay and transfer, or take a taxi.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Island Bay & Taputeranga Marine Reserve
- Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
- Wellington Zoo
- Lyall Bay
- Pukeahu National War Memorial Park
- Cuba Street
- Wellington Cable Car & Botanic Garden
- Embassy Theatre