Red Rocks (Pari-whero)

Highlights: Seals, cliffs, rocks

Length: 0 - 2 hours

Where: 25 min by car from Wellington CBD

What to take: Active wear, camera, togs

Along the southern coastline of the North Island, the Red Rocks walk follows a series of bays with rocks that are quite literally red (formed 200 million years ago by undersea volcanic eruptions), a fur seal colony and dramatic cliffs towering above.

Getting there: If you don't have wheels, you can bus to Owhiro Bay and take a pleasant 30 minute stroll heading west to the Red Rocks main gate. Alternatively, there are two routes you can take by car from the CBD. Either drive through Brooklyn and follow Happy Valley Rd to the bottom, turn right at Owhiro Bay and following the road until you reach the car park at the main gate; or take a scenic drive via Lyall Bay and follow The Esplanade around the bays.

The walk itself is incredibly straight forward - simply follow the gravel road around the bays and enjoy the views. You can walk for as long as you like, although it's worth making it over Devil's Gate (you'll know it when you see it) where you can usually find the fur seal colony hanging out. The return walk to the seals is about 2 hours, although depending on wind it may take a bit longer!