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Mount Kaukau

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Mount Kaukau

Mount Kaukau

Mount Kaukau is a peak located in the northern suburbs of Wellington. Travellers visit the summit for its lookout point, which provides views of the city center, the harbour, and the Remutaka and Tararua ranges. On clear days, the Kaikoura Ranges are also visible from this vantage point.

Getting There

The summit is accessible by car from the Wellington city centre. The drive typically takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Duration of Visit

Depending on whether you are visiting solely for the view or utilizing the surrounding walking tracks, allow 1 to 2 hours at the site.

When to Visit

Visibility is the primary factor for visiting; clear weather is necessary to see the distant mountain ranges. The summit is exposed to the elements, so wind-resistant clothing is recommended regardless of the season. It is a popular lookout point and can become crowded during weekends and public holidays.

Nearby Attractions

You can combine a trip to the summit with other sites in the city and northern suburbs:

  • Ōtari-Wilton's Bush (4.3km)
  • Katherine Mansfield Birthplace (4.3km)
  • Old St Paul's (5km)
  • Wellington Cathedral of St Paul (5km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Mount Kaukau

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Mount Kaukau Nearby stays

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Good to visit alongside

Ōtari-Wilton's Bush

Zoos & aquariums

Ōtari-Wilton's Bush

A botanic garden and forest reserve in Wellington's Wilton neighborhood, the only public garden in New Zealand dedicated solely to native plants. Visitors can wander through more than 100 hectares of native forest and take in the scenery.

4.3 km away
Katherine Mansfield Birthplace

Museums & galleries

Katherine Mansfield Birthplace

The childhood home and garden of Katherine Mansfield, one of New Zealand's foremost writers. Located in the Thorndon neighborhood of Wellington, it's a heritage-listed building open for visits.

4.3 km away
Old St Paul's

Temples & religious sites

Old St Paul's

Consecrated in 1866, this historic Wellington church stands in the Pipitea district near Parliament. It showcases colonial-era Gothic Revival architecture.

5.0 km away
Wellington Cathedral of St Paul

Temples & religious sites

Wellington Cathedral of St Paul

An Anglican cathedral in Wellington's Thorndon district, near the Parliament Buildings. It's a peaceful place to explore the chapel.

5.0 km away
Sacred Heart Cathedral

Temples & religious sites

Sacred Heart Cathedral

Sacred Heart Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral on Hill Street in Wellington, serving as the seat of the Archdiocese of Wellington. It's close to the New Zealand Parliament Buildings, making it easy to combine both on a walking tour.

5.0 km away
Karori Cemetery

Heritage & monuments

Karori Cemetery

Karori Cemetery in Wellington is New Zealand's second-largest cemetery, opened in 1891. It's the resting place of several notable figures and offers a quiet space for walking, jogging, and exploring history.

5.4 km away