Makara Track

This family-friendly loop walk offers spectacular views, farmland, a beach and gun emplacements.

The track begins and ends at Makara Beach and climbs to vantage points with sweeping views. Clifftop gun eplacements mark the position of Fort Opau, which was garrisoned by a hundred soldiers during World War II.

Return along the wild sea coast and explore a pā (Maori fortress) at the western end of Fisherman's Bay.

Getting there

The track starts at the beach at the end of Makara Road, 16km from Wellington.

Need to know

• Part of track is closed for lambing season between August 1 and October 1. 
• The track is undercut and exposed for the first 350m. Alternative access is via the beach.
• Carry food and drink as there is no drinkable water on the track.
• Makara beach is sheltered from southerly winds, but is very exposed to northerlies. The hilltops are especially prone to gale force winds.