On-leadModerate
Johnston’s Hill Loop
Wellington · Loop
↑ 312 m gain↓ 311 m descenthigh 348 msteepest 26 %
DISTANCE8.4 km
ASCENT312 m
DURATION2.5–3 hr
STEEPEST26 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · HIKERS 4.7 · 71
DOG EFFORT3.5 /5 paws
PARKING30 m away
Nearest emergency vetWellington After Hours Veterinary Clinic, Wellington
04 473 7545
The route
Good to know
On the lead here. Keep it to two metres or less and watch for ground-nesting birds, as on most NZ tracks.
Check the water before the dog swims. Toxic algae blooms in NZ rivers and lakes can kill a dog within hours. Scan the LAWA water quality map in warm months and keep dogs away from dark slime on rocks.
About Johnston’s Hill Loop
In Wellington, Johnston’s Hill Loop runs 8.4 km as a loop.
Expect moderate going, with around 312 m of climb, pitching up to 26 % at its steepest, and takes about 2.5–3 hr to walk.
Walkers come for native forest, river frontage, big views, and wildflowers. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.7 / 5 across 71 reviews.