Wellington Region Hiking Tracks Face Major Closures After Severe Weather Damage

Severe weather has forced indefinite closures of several major Wellington region hiking tracks, with repair costs potentially reaching millions and some trails remaining closed through winter.

• Eight popular Wellington hiking tracks closed indefinitely after storm damage
• Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park partially reopened but key trails remain shut
• DOC estimates repair costs could exceed $3.2 million for affected tracks
• Some closures expected to last through winter season until September
• Alternative route recommendations issued for popular weekend walks

Wellington’s hiking community faces a frustrating winter after recent severe weather damaged multiple popular tracks across the region. The Department of Conservation has closed eight major trails indefinitely, with repair timelines stretching into spring for some of the capital’s most beloved walking routes.

Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park has partially reopened following extensive volunteer cleanup efforts, but three key hiking circuits remain off-limits due to significant tree damage and erosion. The popular Northern Walkway also shows extensive storm impact, with several sections requiring complete boardwalk reconstruction.

“We’re looking at our most significant track closure event in over a decade,” says DOC Wellington operations manager Sarah Mitchell. “The combination of high winds and saturated ground conditions created perfect storm conditions for widespread tree fall and slip damage.”

Repair costs mount quickly

According to Department of Conservation, the initial damage assessment shows repair costs could exceed $3.2 million across the affected Wellington region tracks. Priority repairs will focus on popular day walks and commuter routes, with backcountry tracks receiving lower priority due to budget constraints.

The Skyline Walkway between Johnsonville and Karori remains completely closed, with multiple sections requiring significant earthworks before reopening. Similarly, the popular Red Rocks coastal walk shows extensive erosion damage that could take months to repair properly.

“Track maintenance budgets weren’t designed for this scale of simultaneous damage,” explains Federated Mountain Clubs president Mike Chen. “We’re advocating for emergency funding allocation, but realistically some tracks won’t reopen until next summer season.”

Experienced Wellington trampers know this pattern well — the region’s exposed ridgelines and steep terrain make tracks particularly vulnerable to storm damage. The 2020 weather events closed similar numbers of tracks for extended periods, with some remote routes taking over 18 months to fully reopen.

Alternative options emerge

Local walking groups have compiled alternative route suggestions while major tracks remain closed. The Botanic Garden’s expanded trail network offers excellent interim options, while the recently upgraded Polhill Reserve provides challenging hill walking close to the city.

Track closure apps and social media groups have become essential tools for Wellington hikers planning weekend adventures. The Wellington Tramping and Mountaineering Club reports membership inquiries have actually increased, as people seek organised group alternatives to their usual solo track routes.

“Closures force people to explore new areas,” notes outdoor retailer James Parker from Macpac Wellington. “We’ve seen increased interest in coastal walks and urban hiking routes that typically get overlooked when the big mountain tracks are open.”

The timing particularly impacts winter hiking plans, as several closed tracks traditionally provide sheltered walking options during the region’s windier months. Weather forecasters predict another active storm season ahead, potentially complicating repair schedules and creating additional damage to already vulnerable tracks.