The Zealandia Fenceline Tack follows the 8.6km predator-proof fence of Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne and provides spectacular hilltop views and access to various suburbs and other reserves. It is one of Wellington’s best trail playgrounds.

There are several direct access points and this extended loop adds a number of the popular shared tracks through Waimapihi (formerly Polhill) Reserve. The reserve was established in 1989 and today is popular with cyclists, runners and walkers, and many native birds thanks to spillover from Zealandia.

At the entrance, follow the blue-topped marker poles along a series of tracks that lead to the Brooklyn wind turbine. The first is Transient, which climbs gradually through regenerating  native bush and crosses bridges and boardwalks. After 3km is the first glimpse back over the valley and out to the harbour. A further 500m on are steps on the left, which provide a more energetic connection to Ashton Fitchett Drive and the Sawmill 4WD Track than the sign-posted zig-zags. Take your pick.

Continue uphill on the Sawmill 4WD Track until the fenceline is reached. There are great views over the city as well as WWII gun emplacements to pass.

The reasonably well-maintained 4WD Fenceline Track now sticks to the perimeter fence for the next 5km, initially climbing to the wind turbine (350m), then to the southwest corner of the sanctuary (370m), before descending and ascending again to Wrights Hill. A detour here goes to the Wrights Hill lookout and historic fortress.

Continue along the fenceline past several large pylons until track and fenceline head sharply downhill into bush, then Campbell Street and Waiapu Road. Again, there are expansive views across the sanctuary and to the harbour.

Cross the grass area at the bottom, pick up the track on the eastern side and follow the zigzags back to the fenceline. The track climbs briefly before another sharp right-hander, then left into Birdwood Reserve which avoids the extreme gradient of the fenceline.

Part-way down watch for the Waiapu Road Track, which turns right. After crossing the stream at the bottom, the track climbs briefly to Waiapu Road – the main access road to Zealandia.

Cross the road and clamber up the steep concrete zigzags and steps to rejoin the fenceline until wooden steps on the left of the trail are reached. It’s up the steps and through some more bush before popping out onto the main trail before a final climb to the George Denton Park access on the left which signifies almost a full perimeter walk of Zealandia.

Cross George Denton Park and follow either the Clinical Track (longer with an easy gradient) or George Denton Track (shorter and steeper) down to Holloway Road  – once again through Waimapihi Reserve. Finally, walk down Holloway Road back to Aro Street.