Point Dorset

Highlights: Sea views, historical site

Length: 30 min - 3 hours

Where: 25 min from Wellington CBD

What to take: A picnic, camera

Not only a glorious spot for a sunset picnic, there are also plenty of options in this area for a longer walk along the cliffs and beach.

Getting there: There are several entry points, but starting at the Seatoun School carpark entrance allows for a good loop without having to do too much of the same track more than once. The Seatoun School carpark is situated at the end of Burnham St. If driving, simply take SH1 out past the airport towards the Seatoun tunnel. Once in the Seatoun township, Burnham St can be located off Inglis St. If you're going by bus, route 11 goes through the city from the Wellington Station to Seatoun Park - which is then only a 5 min walk from the Seatoun School carpark. For a map, click through here: https://goo.gl/maps/Zc7jrsYdTdG2

Once you have parked up, walk around the back of the school between the buildings and the field. From there, you will see a walking path with a small gate heading up towards the ridge straight ahead. After the gate, turn left and follow the path towards the beach. Once you hit the beach, turn right and walk around until you come to a steep path back up onto the ridge. Turn right at the top and wander down to the point. From there, there are sweeping views across the entry to the Wellington harbour, down to Breaker Bay, and across the Cook Strait. To get back, just follow the path back along the ridge, and it will take you back to the first access point.

If you want to extend your walk, the Eastern Walkway is easily accessed from Breaker Bay - more info about that walk can be found here.