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An exposed trail following a ridgeline in the hills with huge views over Cook Strait.


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Map Key

3.9

Miles

6.3

KM

Point to Point

1,450' 442 m

High

44' 13 m

Low

479' 146 m

Up

1,515' 462 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (5°)

49%

Max Grade (26°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

Description

From the sealed road that leads to the summit and the radar dome, the Red Rocks Track continues straight on, leveling off a bit, until it joins Tip Track. From the fork with the Tip Track, follow the track south towards the coast. Originally a 4WD road, the trail is now mostly singletrack, following the ridgeline towards the sea. Although on average downhill, the trail is hilly and contains some short, steep climbs.

It is possible to hike the track in reverse, though hiking it southwards makes the most of the stunning ocean views you'll be treated with.

The last section offers a choice to either follow the original Red Rocks Track, or turn right and follow a new section built in 2010. This new section avoids the very steep, and deteriorating, original descent to the shore.

The track is named after an area of red colored pillow lava rocks along the coast. The rocks contain small amounts of iron oxide, which gives them their distinctive color. They can be seen at the end of the track after turning left onto the Sinclair Head Track for a few minutes.

Flora & Fauna

Bushland, tussock, and perhaps possums.

Contacts

Land Manager: Wellington City Council

Shared By:

Kay Steinkamp

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 1 vote

#2829

Overall
  5.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#28

in New Zealand

#2,829

Overall
2 Views Last Month
666 Since Feb 12, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Overlooking the path in front of me with the ocean and the South Island in the background.
Feb 12, 2016 near Brooklyn, NZ
Looking back along the path, with the entrance to Wellington's harbor in the background.
Feb 12, 2016 near Brooklyn, NZ
Red Rocks Trail coming down to the beach
Feb 12, 2016 near Brooklyn, NZ
Start of Barking Emu southern end, with the start of the trail up to Hawkins Hill on the left.
Dec 20, 2016 near Brooklyn, NZ

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