Skyline Track - Kilmister Loop

Highlights: Views, farmland, pylons, historical sites

Length: 2 hours

Where: 20 min from Wellington CBD by car

What to take: Active wear, camera, water

Probably the only genuine loop on the Skyline track, this is a great introduction to the track for those new to it.

Getting there: To get to the Chartwell Rd entrance, follow Wadestown Rd through Wadestown, and turn right onto Churchill Rd as if you are travelling to Crofton Downs. From there take your first left onto Chartwell Rd and follow it up until you see the signposted 4wd track on the left.

The walk begins by winding through a valley, passing a local stable and the friendly horses. Before long the leisurely track takes an upward turn, with a fast climb to the top of the ridge line. While you catch your breath at the top, you are treated to views across the Makara wind farms and the south coast one way and over the city and Wellington harbour the other way. This is the real selling point of the Skyline track, providing incredible views in both directions along the entire 11km stretch. Once you've taken in the serenity (or not, if it's a windy day), take a right along the well worn path. The track passes through fertile fields that are particularly glorious if you can catch them lighting up at sunset. Passing along the series of small peaks, the ridge section ends with absolutely incredible views over the Tasman Sea - on a clear day you can see all the way to Mt Taranaki. Around the point at which you hit the large pylons, turn left and follow the gravel road back down to Chartwell Road and walk about 200m down the road to find your car where you started.