Red Rocks Reserve (Pariwhero)

The basics

The red-hued volcanic rocks at the reserve formed around 200 million years ago, but according to Māori legends, the red either came from the blood of Polynesian explorer Kupe or his daughters. Whichever story you believe, the track to the reserve traverses one of the wildest stretches of Wellington’s southern coastline and is among the city’s most popular walks. Travelers typically visit independently but some guided tours include a trip to the reserve in a vehicle to see the fur seals.

Things to know before you go

• The track is open to 4-wheel-drive vehicles every day except Sunday, so walkers and bikers should take care.

• Use the toilets at the entrance of Te Kopahou Visitor Centre because they are the only ones on the 2-3 hour round-trip walk.

• Keep a distance from the fur seals and don’t get between them and the sea—they don’t like this and can react aggressively.

• Always keep your dogs on a leash.

How to get there

If you have a car, drive to Happy Valley Road and continue to Te Kopahou Visitor Centre, where there’s a parking lot. If you’re using public transport, you’ll need to walk a bit further as no buses go all the way to the start of the track. Take bus number 4 to Happy Valley or number 1 to Island Bay. The latter adds 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) to the walk.

When to get there

Locals love to say you can’t beat Wellington on a good day. Wait for one of these to go to Red Rocks Reserve because it’s not much fun hiking or biking along a coastal path in the howling Wellington wind. Sunday is a good day to walk or bike the track as it’s closed to vehicles between 9am and 6pm. To see the fur seals, visit in winter (June-August). Note that public transport access is tricky on the weekends.

How to walk from the city to the sea

If you’re looking for a longer walk, check out the moderately challenging City to Sea Walkway. The 7.5-mile (12-kilometer) signposted track starts near Parliament and passes through the city, suburbs, parks, hills, and the south coast, ending at Island Bay. Take the bus back to the city from the endpoint as a treat for tired legs.