Bell's Track

Highlights: Views, sheep, more views

Length: 1 hour (although plenty of options for longer)

Where: Behind Ngaio, 10min drive from the CBD

What to bring: Water, active wear, camera

One of the many access points to the Skyline Track, Bell's Track is one of the quickest ways up to reach the breathtaking views across the city and southern coast, although he steep incline might also factor into the breathlessness...

Getting there: To get to the Awarua St entrance, follow the old Hutt Rd through Thorndon, and turn left onto Kaiwharawhara Rd, travelling towards Ngaio. Follow this to Crofton Rd via Kenya St and at the first roundabout take a right onto Ottawa Rd. Awarua St is on the left at next roundabout. Keep heading up Awarua until you reach the carpark at the cul-de-sac.

Once you've parked up, walk up to the top of the road, where you will see a small access point to the track. From there, all you have to do is follow it up. Given the incline, it's not long until you start getting great views back over the city - but the real highlight comes at the top, when you are suddenly treated to views across the farms, wind turbines, Cook Strait and the South Island. This spot is particularly spectacular at sunset, and we recommend strolling for a bit (you can go left or right from the top and just come back the way you came) and enjoying the views!