Makara Gun Bunkers

Makara Beach, Wellington, New Zealand

Coastal hill-top walk to gun emplacements with views of South Island

Easy

Foot

Makara Beach is a popular spot for Wellingtonians on weekends. There is a cafe at Makara beach and toilets. The road from Karori to Makara Beach is twisty and windy so take care (60 km/hr speed limit). Construction of the wind farm is still underway to watch out for large trucks on the road during weekdays.

The track sets off along the coastline, around a small headland into a small bay which is popular with fishermen and divers. After about 800 metres the track divides - up the hill to the gun emplacements. There is one wind turbine visible nearby along this route. As you climb to the top of the hills more wind turbines come into view. The track continues along the hill tops. On a windy day it can be a bit scary, but there are several tracks to keep to the one which hugs the fenceline.

After about a further kilometre there is a style and you enter the gun emplacement area. Some of these are now fenced off, but you can wander round this historic site with good views of Cook Strait and the South Island. It takes about 1 hour from Makara Beach to reach the gun emplacements.

Some people walk to the gun emplacements and then back along the same route. If you want a longer walk (allow 3 hours for the round trip), follow the track inland for a few hundred metres to a t-junction. To the left is a farm track with a closed gate - this leads to Opau Rd and Quartz Hill, but is private property. However, you can see one of the wind turbines quite closely from the gate. Take the downhill track to Opau Bay. This is a sealed road but is quite steep (be careful if wet).

Gun emplacements overlooking Cook Strait

Wind turbines

Coastline south of gun emplacements (Opau Bay)

Drive to Makara Beach and park in the parking area beside the toilets and cafe.

The inland track is closed for lambing from 1 August to 31 October.

3.77km

Single track

190m 190m 0m 0m

11 Dec 2011 by Ian

ledzep