The Mount Victoria Lookout offers incredible views of Wellington and beyond! You may have seen the photos before visiting the gorgeous waterfront area of the country’s capital. Well we’re here to help you get there! Join us on our ascent up Mount Victoria in New Zealand, and everything you need to know about this famous hike.
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Mount Victoria Hike vs Driving
If you’ve been following along with our New Zealand adventures then you know we love a good hike! So when we arrived in Wellington we knew the first thing we wanted to do was see the famous city view from the Mount Victoria Lookout.
This short hike takes just under an hour from the city center, but be aware some parts are very steep! It’s only a 10-15 minute drive from downtown Wellington if you’d prefer that over hiking up Mount Victoria New Zealand.
History of Mount Victoria Wellington
Like everywhere in New Zealand, the Maori inhabited Wellington harbor for hundreds of years prior to the Europeans. After settlers started arriving in the masses in the 1840’s they quickly named the mountain overlooking town for their young British queen.
The Mount Victoria Lookout soon became extremely important as they used it to signal what type of boat was pulling into shore. Nowadays Mount Victoria in Wellington is known as the best viewpoint in the city along with the famous cable car ride on the other side of the harbor.
This is also not to be confused with Mount Victoria in Devonport which gives you glorious views of the Auckland Skyline! You can check out both these articles below for more information.
→ Devonport New Zealand: Day Trip by Ferry From Auckland
→ Riding the Famous Wellington Cable Car to the Botanical Gardens
Mount Victoria Lookout Walkway Loop
There’s many trails that snake their way up to the Mount Victoria Lookout. Our favorite Mount Victoria hike was the walkway loop! It takes you up the front side of the mountain from the city, and down another way.
Follow the purple signs to stay on this track and you’ll eventually make it to the top. There are several other paths on Mount Victoria New Zealand, including mountain biking trails for all skill levels.
Our Mount Victoria Lookout Route
From Wellington CBD we walked along the waterfront path until Oriental Bay. From the beach we headed up Oriental Terrace which leads to a small paved path that zig zags through the houses into the hills.
After popping out on Moeller Street it was only two blocks to the Charles Plimmer Park entrance. Here is the start of the Mount Victoria Lookout Walkway Loop! On the walk down we continued on this route which took us back into the city.
What You’ll See From Mount Victoria in New Zealand
Maybe the better question is what won’t you see on top of Mount Victoria Wellington? The Mount Victoria Lookout provides 360 degree views of the beautiful harbor, ocean, and surrounding mountains.
We loved reading the informational signs about the history of Wellington, and imagining what this view must of looked like hundreds of years ago. Even if you decide not to do the Mount Victoria hike, getting to the lookout is a must on your visit to the capital!
→ 10 Fun Things to do in Wellington On Your First Visit
Where To Stay In Wellington New Zealand
Ultra Luxury – InterContinental Wellington – The InterContinental brand is known worldwide for its luxury, and Wellington is no different. Modern furnished rooms, indoor heated pool & spa, and located steps from the waterfront downtown.
Fun Vacation – Sofitel Wellington – Right in Wellington CBD with views of the famous botanical gardens. Great place for couples and solo travelers that want to be close to all the action of the city.
Budget Travel– U Boutique Hotel – Unique hotel right in the heart of Wellington. Gourmet breakfast is available, and walking distance to everywhere.
Hostel Life – The Marion Hostel – The perfect hostel to visit all the best breweries in Wellington from! Private rooms and dorms, large kitchen, and a helpful staff.
For more places to stay in Wellington you can explore the latest prices here!
Have any questions the Mount Victoria hike or want to share your own experiences from Wellington? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
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New Zealand Travel Planning
Jucy Van: The best way to explore New Zealand is with a Jucy camper! We spent over six weeks driving around the North and South Islands in a van and loved every moment.
Rental Car: If you’re not renting a van you’ll need a car to see this country. We use Discover Cars when traveling and enjoy having the freedom to get around.
Flights: It’s easy to find cheap flight deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we got flights from Auckland to Queenstown for $40 USD, and New Zealand to Fiji for less than $150!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda. Also, Hostelworld should be your go to if you’re traveling on a budget.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide to find activities all over New Zealand! They have everything from tickets to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves to a Hobbiton movie set tour, and even a Northland hole in the rock dolphin cruise!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered. We’ve been using SafetyWing for insurance the last few years and they are always there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
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North Island New Zealand
Travel Tips & Guides: 10 Helpful NZ Travel Tips – North Island Itinerary – South Island Itinerary – 25 Beautiful Beaches – Wellington to Picton Ferry – 15 Freedom Camping Tips – 27 Delicious Food & Drinks
Auckland & Northland: Piha Beach & Kitekite Falls – Cape Reinga Lighthouse – Russell – Mangonui – Mount Eden – Waiheke Island Guide – 9 Best Waiheke Wineries
Lake Taupo: 17 Fun Things to Do – Mount Tauhara Hike – Best Street Art – Taranaki Falls – Huka Falls Walk – 14 Tongariro Crossing Tips
New Plymouth: 10 Fun Things to Do – Dawson Falls – Te Rewa Rewa Bridge – Paritutu Rock Hike – Egmont National Park
Bay of Plenty: Tairua – Hot Water Beach – Cathedral Cove Walk – 8 Maunganui Things Not to Miss – Mount Maunganui Hike – East Cape Road Trip – How to Find Tua Tua Clams
Rotorua & Raglan: Kerosene Creek – Redwoods Treewalk – 8 Raglan Things to Do – Bridal Veil Falls
→ Explore all our South Island New Zealand Travel Tips & Guides
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
