Monday 1 June 2026

Leader: Susan Robertson

Life doesn’t get much better than a calm, pleasant day wandering the hills of central Wellington, with the forecast rain holding off, the famous wind a little weaker than expected and the sun making an occasional appearance.

We set off from the railway station at about 9.30 and headed up through the Botanical Gardens into Kelburn, behind the university Hunter Building and down through the local cemetery to Aro Valley. Few Parawai trips proceed precisely as planned and in Aro Street we met our first challenge. The famed Aro Street Café was, unfortunately, closed for the King’s Birthday public holiday.

Ignoring the murderous looks from a few team members, the leader scouted out a perfectly good alternative: climbing a hill, sitting on damp grass and drinking our water. At least there was a good view of the Tanera community gardens and an opportunity for interesting conversations with some of the locals involved in planting and cultivating the area.

After the morning break we walked through Central Park, crossed Brooklyn Road and headed into the Prince of Wales Park which is a grassy plateau above Newtown with sweeping views over the city and harbour.

From the park we dropped down into Newtown village where Owen saved the day by navigating us towards a terrific café, where various addictions could be satisfied.

After coffee our journey continued past the hospital towards the southern hills. On the way (speaking of Owen) we crossed a street of noble name and distinguished appearance, much like our former chief guide (see photo below).

At the end of Mein Street a trail took us directly onto the Southern Walkway. After a brief search for the perfect picnic spot we sat down for a late lunch on the slopes of Mt Alfred, looking out towards the Orongorongo and the Rimutaka Range.

After that it was a fairly easy stretch along the ridgeline to the Mt Victoria peak, down to Oriental Bay and back to the railway station.

This was a terrific day out in great company, enjoying a relaxed circular walk of about six to seven hours, including breaks.

Those on the trip were:

Adrian Jull, Chris Keating, Dave Cox, Glenda Robb, John Glover, Marian Cox, Owen Cox, Pam Glover, Susan Robertson, Liz Jull, Chris Lakomy, Erica Treacher

Currently there is no photo album for this trip.