EXPLORE Old Coach Rd 1 Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park This dual use track runs North SKYLINE and South along the ridge MAORI HISTORY AND KEY Wellington City Council set aside 200 TRACK between Old Coach Road in SIGNIFICANCE OUTER GREEN START/FINISH hectares of retired farmland South- EXPLORE Johnsonville and Makara Saddle BELT Carmichael St West of the city for a mountain bike in Karori. park in 1998. Volunteers immediately While European settlers named parts of the skyline, SKYLINE TRACK most of the central ridge was known to local Maori began development of the Makara Allow up to five hours to traverse 12kms of Wellington’s ridge tops 2 as Te Wharangi (broad open space). This ridge was Peak Mountain Bike Park by planting WELLINGTON following the Outer Green Belt onto Mt Kaukau, the Crow’s Nest, NORTHERN Truscott Ave not inhabited by Maori, but they traversed frequently trees and cutting new tracks. In the Discover Wellington’s Town Belt, reserves and walkways Kilmister Tops and Johnston Hill. Take time to indulge in the stunning WALKWAY Reserve and by foot when moving between Te Whanganui-a- Johnsonville Park first year, six tracks were built and rural, city and coastal views along the way. On a clear day, views of Tara and Owhariu. EXISTING TRACK 14,000 native seedlings planted. the Kaikoura ranges, the Marlborough Sounds, Wellington city and John Sims Dr Nalanda Cres A significant effort was also put into MT KAUKAU 3 dleiferooM dR harbour, and the Tararua and Orongorongo ranges will take your The Old Maori Trail runs from Makara Beach all the 1 9 POINTS OF controlling possums and goats, breath away. way to Thorndon Quay, which is categorised as a INTEREST ALONG which were destroying the pockets landscape track and is of medium historic significance. THE WALKWAY Sirsi Tce of native forest in the park. Please be aware that the route is challenging in areas and weather conditions can be extreme on this very exposed ridgeline. Kanpur Rd Awarua Street Khandallah Park There is 28km of track ranging from Recreation Reserve 'Easy' to 'Extreme'. For an up-to- This track can be completed in stages as there are many entry and Burma Rd date map and other information, exit points along the way to plan a safe and enjoyable experience. 7 Woodmancote St refer to www.makarapeak.org.nz. Reasonable fitness is required for completing the entire trail, it can Bells Track

be strenuous. Warm clothing and stout footwear are essential. Awarua St Santara Cres Santara Bring lunch and plenty of water. There are no toilet or water facilities SKYLINE TRACK VIA along this walkway. Simla Cres KILMISTER TOPS JOHNSONVILLE AND KARORI The completion of the track link between Makara Saddle and Chartwell 4 KHANDALLAH was made possible with the support of Meridian Energy who agreed NGAIO to grant public access over their Otari property and shared the costs

of the track development. Silverstream Rd

Follow the yellow directional markers along the track. www.feelinggreat.co.nz Sub Station

Winston St This track runs North and South along walk up the hill. This will lead you to It is the primary source of television along the Skyline ridge to the the ridge between Old Coach Road the Johnsonville Reservoir on the west and radio coverage for the greater Kilmister Tops. Photo: View of Chartwell Dr in Johnsonville and Makara Saddle side of the track. Take a two minute Wellington region and is supported Khandallah from Mt Kaukau 1940 Churchill Dr in Karori. You can start the track at walk down the Truscott Track and you by more than forty translators (Alexander Turnball Library, either end and follow the yellow will arrive at a tunnel in the bank that scattered around the district providing Wellington, New Zealand). Otari-Wiltons Bush Otari Farms Wilton Bush Rd Wilton Rd directional markers. once accommodated the (now disused) in-fill coverage. (privately owned) outlet pipe from the Reservoir. 4 Kilmister Tops The area surrounding the television 6 1 Old Coach Road In 1910 the Johnsonville Town Board tower and lookout is privately owned. John and Henry Warwick St Heritage Trail Please respect the landowners and purchased land on the Northern and Kilmister, sons of the their wishes. Tinakori Hill Old Coach Road was the Eastern slopes of Mount Kaukau to build early settler John Kilmister, bought Sky WILTON first formed road that a high-pressure water supply to all Farm or Kilmister Tops from the Crown JOHNSTON HILL connected Johnsonville properties in their area. Water was 3 Mount Kaukau in the 1860s and split the land in half. Karori with Ohariu Valley. Built pumped up from a dam in the Johnston Hill Climb onto the Cemetery between 1856 and 1858, its popular Ohariu Valley to the reservoir, built Heading South from Mt Kaukau at Reservoir 5 Reserve viewing platform for Reservoir Homewood Cres name is flawed as no coaches ever used 314 metres above sea level. It flowed the first set of pines, approximately

Nottingham St Standen St 360 degree views. Parkvale Rd the road. under considerable pressure to the 1km past the turn off to Chartwell START/FINISH Ave Montgomery

Makara Rd dR ikaruaH township below. Experience views of the entire city, Drive, was Henry’s half known as Nevertheless, it is recognised as one of carpark Wellington Harbour, the Rimutaka and Henry’s Pines. Hatton the finest horse-era roads in New Follow the trail up to Mt Kaukau. 9 Karori Tararua ranges, Porirua Basin, Kaikoura Zealand and has a Category I Historic 1km further on is the Park KARORI Friend St ranges and the Tasman Sea. On a clear and Makara Rd Places Act registration. The road was second set of pines, tS rotyahC 3 BCL TV Transmitter day you can see the snow-capped Play Area altered by earthworks at the John’s land. John Karori Rd

Johnsonville end but is otherwise Mount Tapuaenuku 2885m (see picture

Constructed in 1965, the sawed the timber from

nville to Makara Saddle in Karori. in Saddle Makara to nville well-preserved. The purchase of land below) on the South Island, the first Johnso

Broadcast Communi- one tree to build his

either side of Old Coach Road has significant peak climbed by New you from Old Coach Road in Road Coach Old from you ides gu k Trac Skyline cations Limited TV house (which still stood in 1920-1930s) The allowed Wellington City Council to Zealand’s most famous mountaineer, transmitter on Mt Kaukau with the roof built level to the ground protect and manage this area. Sir Edmund Hillary. From Mt Kaukau,

stands an impressive 122 metres tall. early history of the area. the of history early

head West and follow the for shelter from the wind. Lawrence NORTH some and

It is the site that replaced the initial Kilmister (grandson of John Kilmister Wrights Hill , una fa and a r lo f ng unni t s ews, vi esque ctur pi er v yellow directional signs disco 2 Johnsonville Reservoir Reserve 8

television service WNTV1 broadcast from where you can exit the and son of Frederick) built the Leaving the farm land behind you, Mt Victoria, and greatly improved the track onto Bells Track, chimney-like structure that still stands and parks beautiful Wellington’s of some through Walk cross over the stile and take a short coverage for Wellingtonians. Awarua Street or continue today for mustering in the 1930s. Kilmister Tops is a peneplain remnant 1880s. This is the house Face west towards Makara and you (and still contains) infrastructure Gold prospecting excavations 1930s (Alexander Turnball Library, which is high, broad and largely clear that can be seen today. will see the entrance to the cemetery. forming part of the Wellington city A number of former gold prospecting Wellington, New Zealand). SAFETY AND REGULATIONS of tall vegetation. This seems more water reticulation system. excavations and other remains exist in JOHNSONVILLE The Wilton’s cleared Makara Hill Windbreak The Skyline Track is a very exposed trail with very little shelter. We strongly dramatic close-up rather than at a the Outer Green Belt. There is a well and farmed most of 7 Makara recommend considering all weather conditions to be prepared for your journey. distance, despite the glimpses of green The remaining features of historical preserved drive on the ridge between To reduce the impact of strong winds Cemetery Warm clothing and stout footwear are essential as weather conditions and golden pasture at the top of the hill their land that stretched almost to the interest are the two dams and their Ohariu and Tawa. The remains of shafts on traffic passing the summit of Makara can be extreme on this exposed ridgeline that contrasts to the dense bush below. top of Tinakori Hill but fenced off an area In 1940 the Board associated structures, including the and drives of the more intensive mining Hill Road, the Makara Road Board built of 17 acres of forest near their homestead of Health required iconic valve tower in the middle of the period from 1869 to 1873 can be seen a timber windbreak on the North side Be Sunsmart – take a sun hat and sunscreen NGAIO allowing public access. This became a of the road in 1894. In 1913 the rotting Bring water for hydration 5 Parkvale Road Wellington city to locate another burial lower dam. Development of the in the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary. structure was replaced with concrete. popular leisure destination for people site as Karori Cemetery edged towards sanctuary provided public access to Generally, the excavations have the Pack food John and Henry Kilmister from the city. The Wilton’s land was put It has remained there ever since. The full capacity. Makara was the chosen this formerly closed area and the form of horizontal shafts 20 metres or Reasonable fitness is required built a farm road extension together with other forested areas more in length. These suggest beliefs views towards Makara from this site are location. Land was bought under the opportunity to fund and carry out Mountain Biking is prohibited on Bell’s Track, Johnston’s Hill, to Parkvale Road that links purchased in 1905 by Wellington City in the 19th century that Wellington was worth the trip. WILTON Public Works Act in 1951 and 1955, and restoration and interpretation of the Otari-Wilton’s Bush and the Woodmancoate Road, Simla Crescent and to the Crow’s Nest. They would start Council and is still operated today as a likely to contain significant gold the first burial occurred in 1965. The resevoir. Native Birds Truscott Avenue exit trails of the Northern Walkway. work in the morning and continue recreational destination known as Otari- cemetery is now roughly one third full. deposits. Nothing of any significance At the Makara end of There are no toilet or water facilities along the Skyline Track through the night, setting fallen bush Wilton’s Bush. Karori Wildlife Sanctuary is a safe haven was ever found. the Skyline you may on fire to allow them to dig in the dark. for endangered native birds and other This is the only botanic garden in New 8 Karori Reservoir 9 Makara Road see Kereru, Tui, wildlife, located minutes from Zealand completely devoted to native Fantail, Morepork, Grey Warblers, FARMING OPERATION HAZARDS 6 Wilton Farm Prior to becoming a wildlife sanctuary downtown Wellington. The world’s KARORI plants. It consists of 100 hectares of plant Makara Road was Silvereye and even North Island Robin. Homestead in 1995, this valley was traditionally 1. There is animal grazing in the area, please do not disturb the stock. collection. The forest nestles in the deep first predator proof fence surrounds one of the three part of the city water supply system. the Sanctuary, protecting wildlife and New Zealand Falcons may be seen in 2. Use gates and styles, please leave gates as you find them. Following on from valley formed by the Te Mahanga major roads built by In recent years the area ceased to be the vicinity. There is a small population 3. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times while using this track. Unleashed Kilmister Tops, look branch of the Kaiwharawhara Stream ensuring forest regeneration. the Provincial WELLINGTON a resource for the water supply system. of Kaka from the dogs may frighten stock or ground nesting birds. South-East towards Wilton locating one flowing North-East towards Ngaio Gorge. Council in the late However, the lower valley contained Rare and endangered wildlife roam Karori Wildlife CITY of Wellington’s oldest houses, Wilton The long, straight North-Western 1850s to open up 4. On-going predator control. free in their natural habitat. Many Sanctuary that Farm Homestead, looking over the Wilton boundary borders steep rural land outlying farm areas. The road was species have been returned to the venture around Bowling Club green. stretching up to the Te Wharangi ridge maintained for many years by the the city by day. on the Skyline. New Zealand mainland for the first Makara Road Board. Apart from sealing The original two bedroom cottage was time – including tuatara, little spotted and widening, the road has barely These may also be Dogs must be kept built in 1861 and later developed into a Photos: Waugh Family Collection in 1920, Kiwi, Maud Island frog, hihi and North changed since its construction. Photo: sighted along the No Fires on a leash two-story, five bedroom house in the then 2006 (above). Island saddleback. View along coastline at Makara Beach Skyline.

No Litter No Mountain Biking

OTHER TRACKS South of Colonial Knob behind Porirua. it joins the Skyline Track. This route Khandallah Park and Johnston Hill Karori Park originally provided access between farms in Karori. TOPOGRAPHICAL PROFILE No Camping 1. From here it joins into Spicer Forest In 1911 the Karori in Ohariu Valley and the Ngaio Railway AND WALKS and then onto Oharui Valley Road, Otari-Wilton’s Bush includes a short 75 Borough Council 500 Station. meeting up with Rifle Range Road, along metre walkway through the forest acquired several Mt Kaukau Makara Peak Te Araroa Old Coach Road and up to Mount KauKau. canopy, a wide range of native plants dairy farms and 400 Wright’s Hill from around New Zealand and several formed Karori Park. Cricket, hockey,

For some kilometres 2. Via Bells Track. es ) Fortress off shore islands, 10km of walking tracks, bowls & croquet were soon established along the ridges behind 300 Montgomery Ave 3. From here, if you wish to walk to the and some of Wellington’s oldest trees with a refreshment tent provided. entrance

Historically, Wright’s ht (me tr FLORA AND FAUNA the city, the Skyline Track Old Coach Rd South Coast, you can join the City to Sea including an 800 year old Rimu. The Park was considered too windy entrance

merges with Te Araroa, Hill is best known for Hei g Chartwell Dr Awaruaentrance St Northern Walkway. This will take you to the coast for tennis. ellivnosnhoJ Descending to the South of the BCL TV Transmitter, the trail passes through an the National Walkway. Depending on Wellington’s most extensive World War 200 entrance halladnahK at Island Bay. This will at last be a walk Parkvale Rd area of low and in places continuous growth of shrubs that are sheared and

your route, Wellington is the beginning II fortifications. The fortress was built iroraK Walkway joins PARKS & RESERVES Photo: Hockey match at Karori Park oiagN grooved by violent gales. The twigs of these small-leaved shrubs are so from sea to shining sea – from Cape Makara Rd or end of the North Island section of from 1942 to 1949 to service the 9.2 inch 1950s (Alexander Turnball Library, Reinga*. Otari abundantly branched and interlaced that they provide comfortable seats. this magnificent project – a defined battery gun to protect Wellington from 100 Wellington, New Zealand). 5 01 51 It may appear that only one species of shrub exists in the area but there are * Known to Maori as Te Rerenga Wairua a potential Japanese invasion. This is Khandallah Park Distance (kilometres) track from North Cape to Bluff. Te Araroa at least a dozen, as well as a variety of vines. means ‘the long pathway’, and that is “the leaping place of the spirits,” it is one of three such installations built in The Northern Johnston Hill certainly what this will become: a legal believed that after death Maori spirits New Zealand. Restoration of the Fortress Scattered logs indicate low forest once existed in the area, cleared for farming Walkway winds thoroughfare for footsloggers. It is nearly travel to Cape Reinga where using began in 1988 and is continued today ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS TO: many years ago. Eventually, such a forest may return. down from Mt Lying above Otari-Wilton’s Bush are purchased the land from the first pakeha 3000km long across mountains and seaweed as ropes, they slide down the by the Wright’s Hill Fortress Restoration Kaukau to one of the higher eastern slopes and the main owner Judge Chapman. Johnston, a Onslow Historical Society Inc. lowland, through bush and pine forest, hill to the 800 year old Pohutukawa Society Inc. who host open days. Society ridgeline that links to Johnston Hill. New Zealand’s oldest parks – Khandallah Scottish settler with his wife, arrived in Brian Kilmister & the Kilmister family by way of all varieties of farm country tree at the northern most tip of the members guide one Wellington in 1843. The “lookout” was Planting a tree is a wonderful way to commemorate something special or to Park, first designated as a domain in Karori Historical Society Inc and local communities, from North to cape. The spirits make their final leap hour tours showcasing The campaign to acquire Johnston 1909. It has more than 60 hectares of named after Mr Fletcher. Today we take an acitve part in creating a greener future. There are lots of ways you can South of New Zealand. The aim is to from the tree down to the roots and a fascinating insight Hill as a reserve was led by Mr S.S.B. Department of Conservation native bush with 9km of walking tracks know it as “Fletcher’s Carpark”. help restore the city’s reserves, bush and coastal areas – and some don’t have it completed by 2008. then return to Hawaiiki, the Maori into the measures taken Fletcher and Mr George Penlington, Dr John Dawson winding through dense bush and passing Mr Penlington’s name was given to the involve getting your hands dirty! Phone 499 4444 or visit Ancestral Homeland. to protect New Zealand both long time residents of Karori. Karori Wildlife Sanctuary several lookouts. main track through the bush – an www.Wellington.govt.nz for more information. A small team of local enthusiasts are Johnston Hill was officially opened during World War II. appropriate recognition of the work both The Kennett Brothers working with Wellington City Council Bell’s Track as a public recreation domain in the Photo: Khandallah swimming pool, men had done. Ornithological Society of New Zealand Inc. and other regional councils to establish middle of World War II, 28 March 1942. This re-established route starts at the Otari-Wilton’s Bush tea kiosk and park, 5 January 1931 Waugh Family and mark the Te Araroa trail from Levin It was named after John Johnston who top of Awarua Street and joins a farm (Alexander Turnball Library, Wellington, to the top of the Cable Car. Walkers will track up to a saddle on the ridge where New Zealand). enter the Wellington City Council section Nestled on the Outer Green Belt between