Wellington Perimeter Pilgrimage
A unique 6-day, 150km fundraising ‘pilgrimage’ walk tracing the hills and coastline encircling New Zealand’s Capital city.
Wellington
Thank you for supporting this inaugural 150km ‘pilgrimage’ around the ‘perimeter’ of Wellington – a unique multi-day hike, tracing the hills and coastline encircling New Zealand’s Capital city to raise awareness and funds for early-onset Parkinson's.
Diagnosed in 2019 at the age of 48, I took to walking to help manage my symptoms and quickly discovered the remarkable power of pilgrimage to slow the onset. Loving walking the Wellington hills, and looking for a way to apply the benefits of pilgrimage without the need to travel, I have devised this local itinerary to see if I can replicate the experience in everyday life.
Over the course of six days from 26 February to 3 March, we will follow a network of trails and paths connecting the harbour, hills and coastline to trace a rough loop around the city limits, starting and finishing at Queen’s Wharf on Wellington waterfront.
Experience the wild harbour coastline, following remote coastal roads across public and private land, a network of hill trails and back streets, from Baring Head to Oriental Bay via Eastbourne, Petone, Johnsonville, Karori, Island Bay and the Miramar Peninsula. Soak up the native bush and enjoy uninterrupted views across the harbour entrance and out to Cook Strait and the South Island.
Thank you for your donation to Parkinson's New Zealand, a small organisation doing important work to support those of us living with what is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world.
Latest update
Day six: Island Bay to Queen's Wharf 8 March 2026
What a way to finish this little adventure. Perfect weather for walking. A mostly flat stroll around the beautiful Wellington bays, sparkling water, sandy beaches, plenty of water activity to watch - everything from swimming to sailing and kayaking. Spectacular views from the heights of the Eastern Walkway. Multiple refreshment stops including coffee, pastries and icecreams. Oh and the minor matter of saving the longest day until the last! But most of all, great company and conversation from start to finish.
And finish we did - back at the East by West Ferry berth where Helen and I started out just over a week ago. Back then, bright eyed and bushy tailed, this walk was just a concept, and a whole lot of hope. Walking in to Queen’s Wharf after six days and almost 130km I was reminded of how it felt walking in to St Peter’s Square in Rome after 2,400 kilometres on foot. Surrounded by thronging crowds who had no idea and little concern for our achievement, none of it mattered. We knew what we had accomplished. And the prosecco went down just as well today.
Thanks to all my fabulous friends who joined me along the way - expressing interest, contributing insights, helping with route finding, mapping and navigation, joining training walks, providing encouragement - and being part of the inaugural pilgrimage for one or more days.
Thanks also to everyone who has followed along, provided support and encouragement - there is still time to donate to the cause.
Latest donations
Many grateful thanks Celia - and for sharing the link.
Thank you for your donation Ralph. I appreciate it.
Wow, what a moving story. So glad you are both okay! Many grateful thanks for your support.
Thank you so much for the support and encouragement Barb.
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