Australia & New Zealand

Wellington, New Zealand

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Wellington, New Zealands’ capital and second largest city, is located at the south-western tip of the North Island, on the Cook Strait. This compact city encompasses a waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, a working harbour and colourful timber houses on surrounding hills. The Wellington urban area comprises four cities: Wellington City, Wellington Harbour, Porirua, and the Hutt Valley. Running in Wellington is a pleasure – there are gorgeous waterfront paths, large parks, and nearby hills that are great for trail running.

The best places to run in Wellington showcase the waterfront. Enjoy a section of the 30 km Bays Route, the north end of Wellington Harbour along the Petone Esplanade, or the eastern side of the Harbour on the 13 km Great Harbour Way. For some hills and trails, enjoy the Botanical Gardens & Tinakori Hill, Victoria Peak, the Eastern Hills, Belmont Regional Park, and the Zealandia Pathway. In Porirura, it’s hilly & rugged on the west side, but we love the nice network of forested trails in Bothamley Park on the east side. For a destination run, drive or take the train to Waikanae for 7+ km of paths along the river and around an estuary.

Wellington has a good network of buses and also trains that head to the suburbs. Metlink has an easy to use journey planner. Note that Wellington’s mild climate is famous for being very windy nearly year-round.

Editor's Picks

Some of our favorite runs in Wellington, New Zealand

The Bays Route

Running around 'The Bays' is the classic Wellington Run. A road with path/sidewalk follows the waterfront around... more...

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Wellington has temperate marine climate. Quite sunny, and never too hot or cold. There are many windy days, and wind could be a factor in your running. Wellington rarely sees temperatures above 80 °F (25 °C) or below freezing. The city is notorious for its southerly blasts in winter, which may make the temperature feel much colder. It is generally very windy all year round with a good amount of rain (average annual of 49 in). June and July are the wettest months. Overall, the temperature is great for running year round but the wind could be your best friend or worst nightmare.wellington-climate-graph

The majority of hotels are located within Wellington City with a few in Oriental Bay. This area of Wellington houses the National Archives, the National Art Gallery, the National Library, and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. The Bays, Botanic Gardens, Mount Victoria and Zealandia routes are all accessible from these hotels. Other routes, along the Hutt River Trail and in Te Whiti Park are accessible by a car or Metlink (about 20 minute commute). Finally, the Pencarrow Lighthouse is about a 30 minute drive from Wellington City.stay-1

Please see our running overview map for store locations. Green icons have group runs. Click on it for location, directions, and details on group runs.

Shoe Clinic Wellington Podiatrist available please contact for appointment. Group Runs Tuesday at 6:00.

Stirling Sports

Rebel Sport Te Aro

Athlete’s Foot Lower Hutt

Wellington Harrier Athletic Club

Hutt Valley Harriers  Meet 1:30 on Saturdays during the winter season at the HVH clubrooms in Petone, Lower Hutt for club runs and walks.

Wellington and New Zealand running calendar

Signature Running Events

Round the Bays February. 6.7K and Half Marathon. Round the Bays takes advantage of Wellington’s stunning inner city harbour.

Wellington Marathon June. Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Kids Magic Mile.

Hutt News Fun Run March. 5K and 10K.

Wellington Waterfront 5K Sept — March. Every Tuesday enjoy Wellington’s beautiful waterfront and measure your progress.

Pelorus Trust Half Marathon Sept. Half Marathon, 10km, 5km Fun Run and the ‘Cool Kid’s Kilometre’.

Pencarrow Lighthouse Fun Runs May. 5K, 10K and Half Marathon run.