11 October 2026
Fine spells, with the odd shower about the Hutt Valley before late afternoon. Clouding over this evening with possible late drizzle north of Wellington Harbour. Northerlies.
12° / 17°
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1 / 27Wellington
Red Rocks Coastal Walk
Experience the wildest part of Wellington’s rugged south coast- and one of Wellington’s most iconic walks. Meet the seals in winter just beyond Red Rocks at Sinclair Head-but don’t get too close!
Distance
7.4 km
Walking time
3 hr return
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
On-lead only
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Wellington forecast
Issued 11 Oct 2026, 2:10 pm
12 October 2026
Mostly cloudy with possible drizzle north of Wellington Harbour, clearing to fine in the morning. Cloud returning in the evening. Northerlies.
12° / 18°
13 October 2026
A few showers. Northerlies.
13° / 17°
14 October 2026
Rain becoming persistent in the evening. Northwesterlies, becoming strong in the evening.
11° / 17°
15 October 2026
Showers, easing for a time in the morning. Northwesterlies, turning southerly in the evening.
7° / 15°
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Red Rocks Coastal Walk on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Red Rocks Coastal Walk
This popular, easy, flat coastal track takes walkers, bikers or recreational four-wheel drivers along the rugged shoreline of the South Coast around to Red Rocks on Te Kopahou Reserve . Known for its stunning views , interesting rock formations and the colony of fur seals that visit during the winter months, this track has something for everyone. The track follows the coast from Owhiro Bay Quarry, past a small group of historic baches built in the early 1900s, and out to Devil’s Gate at Sinclair Head.
Essential information for Red Rocks Coastal Walk
Amenities Parking: Parking at Te Kopahou Visitor Centre carpark (at the end of Owhiro Bay Parade) Toilets and changing facilities: Toilets at Te Kopahou Visitor Centre Parking available at Owhiro Bay Be aware Stay at least 20 metres away from seals. Never come between them and the ocean. You may encounter deep sand in places, but this is an otherwise easy trail to navigate. Unsealed road is uneven in places - it is unsuitable for two-wheel-drive (2WD) vehicles. If biking or walking, beware of approaching 4WD vehicles Dogs must be kept on a leash and at least 20m away from seals and other native wildlife. On Sundays, the gate is closed and the route is only open for walkers and mountain bikers.
Getting there for Red Rocks Coastal Walk
The track starts from the car park located at the end of Ōwhiro Bay Parade and ends at the Devil’s Gate at Sinclair Head. For a longer journey, head up the ridgelines of Te Kopahau Reserve and link onto Red Rocks Track to Hawkins Hill. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Red Rocks Coastal Walk
Yes (on lead)
Before you walk Red Rocks Coastal Walk
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.