On-leadModerate
The Esplanade
Wellington · Out & Back
↑ 28 m gain↓ 26 m descenthigh 11 msteepest 7 %
DISTANCE8.0 km
ASCENT28 m
DURATION1.5–2 hr
STEEPEST7 %
ROUTEOut & Back
RATING · HIKERS 4.5 · 57
DOG EFFORT2.1 /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 The Esplanade
This long track follows 8.0 km as an out-and-back, in Wellington.
Graded moderate, it climbs about 28 m overall, pitching up to 7 % at its steepest, and takes about 1.5–2 hr to walk.
Along the way there are beach walking, lakeside stretches, big views, and wildflowers. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.5 / 5 across 57 reviews.