Wellington Hiking Tracks Face Major Closures as Slip Damage Assessment Continues

Wellington’s popular hiking network faces significant disruption as multiple tracks remain closed following widespread slip damage from recent heavy rainfall. Council assessments are ongoing with some closures expected to extend into winter months.

• Seven major Wellington hiking tracks currently closed due to slip damage
• Makara Peak and Skyline Track among worst affected routes
• Repairs could cost Wellington City Council up to $2.8 million
• Alternative walking routes being promoted to manage visitor pressure
• Some closures may extend through winter hiking season

Wellington’s hiking community is grappling with the reality of a drastically reduced trail network as slip damage from April’s intense rainfall continues to impact popular walking routes. The closures couldn’t have come at a worse time, with autumn typically marking peak hiking season as temperatures cool and conditions improve.

“We’re seeing unprecedented damage across our track network,” says Wellington City Council’s Parks and Recreation manager Sarah Mitchell. “The combination of saturated soils and heavy rainfall has created conditions we haven’t experienced since the early 2000s.”

The closures span some of Wellington’s most beloved hiking destinations. Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park has shut three of its main walking circuits, while sections of the popular Skyline Track remain inaccessible due to major slips near Karori Reservoir.

Repair costs mount as assessments continue

Engineering assessments reveal the scale of required repairs extends far beyond simple track maintenance. According to Stuff, the repair work could cost Wellington ratepayers up to $2.8 million, with some sections requiring complete reconstruction rather than patch repairs.

“This isn’t just about clearing a few fallen trees,” explains geotechnical engineer Dr. James Robertson, who has been assessing the damage. “We’re looking at slope instability that affects the fundamental structure of these tracks. Some areas will need significant earthworks before they’re safe for public use again.”

The timing presents particular challenges for Wellington’s outdoor recreation industry. Local guiding companies report cancellations are already mounting, with visitors seeking alternative activities as their preferred hiking routes remain off-limits.

Wellington Regional Council’s track maintenance budget, already stretched across hundreds of kilometres of trails, now faces an unexpected strain that could impact other planned improvements. “We’re having to reprioritise our entire maintenance schedule,” admits council spokesperson Tom Harrison.

Alternative routes under pressure

With major tracks closed, remaining open routes are experiencing unprecedented visitor numbers. The Botanic Garden tracks and Red Rocks coastal walk report 40% increases in weekend usage, raising concerns about track degradation from overuse.

“We’re seeing significant wear on tracks that weren’t designed for this level of traffic,” says Department of Conservation area manager Lisa Chen. “Without proper management, we risk creating new problems while trying to solve existing ones.”

Local hiking groups are adapting by promoting lesser-known routes and organising group walks to distribute impact more evenly. The Wellington Tramping and Mountaineering Club has created new circuit walks combining previously separate track sections to offer variety while avoiding closed areas.

However, not everyone is convinced the current approach is sustainable. Veteran hiker and track volunteer Mark Stevens argues the closures highlight deeper infrastructure issues. “This is what happens when you defer maintenance for years then get hit with an extreme weather event,” he says. “We need long-term investment, not just emergency repairs.”

The council expects to provide updates on reopening timelines by month-end, though early indications suggest some popular routes may remain closed well into winter. For now, Wellington hikers are learning to navigate a significantly changed landscape – both literally and figuratively.