Tip Track to Red Rocks Costal Walk

Beautiful landscapes, ocean views, and unexpected wildlife sightings, all packed into about a 4.5 hour adventure on the southern edge of Wellington.

Planning the Perfect Route

I knew I wanted to do the Red Rocks Coastal Walk because itʻs highly recommended. But, I also knew I didnʻt really want to do an out-and-back hike. So, I started by browsing WellingtonNZ.com to get a sense of the different tracks in the area. There are plenty of options, but I wanted something a bit more exciting than just a single walk. To piece everything together, I used PlanMyWalk.com, which made it easy to merge multiple tracks into a single route. It also helped me check for any alerts and gave gear suggestions, especially helpful in a place where you can get all seasons in a day.

Tip Track (1 hour)

Starting from Happy Valley Road, the Tip Track kicks you off with a steady climb. As the views begin to open up behind you, you quickly leave the suburban edge and step into something far more remote.

Red Rocks Track (1.5 hours)

As you transition onto the Red Rocks Track, the landscape becomes more rugged and windswept. The terrain here feels raw and untouched, with fewer people and a stronger sense of isolation.

Red Rocks Coastal Walk (1 hour)

This is where the hike really comes alive. Walking alongside the ocean, with waves crashing against the shore, you’re surrounded by dramatic scenery. The famous red-toned rocks scattered along the coastline make the whole place feel almost otherworldly.

Highlights Along the Way

What makes this hike stand out is how much variety is packed into a relatively short distance.

Fur seals in the wild. Spotting New Zealand fur seals (2 to be exact) lounging on the rocks and watching them in their natural habitat, completely unbothered, was pretty cool.

The Red Rocks. The deep, red colour of the rocks contrasts beautifully with the blue ocean. It’s one of those where a photo just doesn't do it justice.

Panoramic 360° views. At certain points, you’re treated to sweeping views in every direction, majestic mountains behind you, and the ocean stretching endlessly ahead.

A glimpse of the South Island. On a clear day, you can even see the South Island in the distance, which adds a pretty surreal element to the whole experience.