Pariwhero/Red Rocks Seal Colony

This is an interesting walk named for its distinctive red rocks (probably Jasper). The walk along this beach is pleasant but rocky and often very windy, so dress accordingly. If you walk for about an hour you'll come across a distinctive pass through the rock face. Just on the other side of this is a seal colony that is worth the walk. Please bear in mind that these are wild animals and so require a certain level of respect, so keep your distance and don't get between them and the sea, especially if you value your health! Continuing on from here, you will eventually arrive at Makara (but this is a long distance, and the seal colony is a recommended turn-around point).

• outdoors

Getting there

take the number 1 bus to the end (Island Bay); walk across the park towards the ocean and hang a right; there is another bus, number 4, that goes to the end of the road at certain times; travel west (right side, if facing the water) until you run out of road; here you will find a disused quarry and a visitors centre

Website

wellington.govt.nz (opens in a new tab)