Te Raikaihau Point

Highlights: Views, picnic spot, fennel

Length: 30 min - 1 hour

Where: 20 min by car from Wellington CBD

What to take: Active wear, camera

A short but very sweet walk, this is a great spot for an impromptu picnic on a warm summer's day!

Getting there: Head along SH1 through the Mt Vic tunnel as if you are heading to the airport. From Kilbirnie, take Onepu Rd towards Lyall Bay and at the beach turn right onto Lyall Bay Rd and continue onto Queens Drive. Drive along the coast, and the first of two entrances to the track can be located on your right 200m and 100m before the Houghton Bay roundabout.

The start of the track is clearly located in the small carpark. The 15 minute walk to the top is fast but pretty steep, and it is currently very overgrown with wild fennel everywhere. I managed it in jandals though, so don't let any of that put you off - the view from the top is worth it! Park up at the lookout with a cheeky beverage and some snacks, and enjoy the 270 degree views across the sea. If you're too lazy to make your own picnic, Salt and Batter in Island Bay whip up some great takeaways that will still be hot by the time you reach the top.