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.
Final training walk completed 22 February 2026
A fantastic walk in gorgeous weather and great company, making sure I’m hill fit for the pilgrimage.
From Khandallah up Mt KauKau and back to Island Bay on the Northern, and City to Sea Walkways via Ngaio, Wadestown, Thorndon, Kelburn, the Aro Valley, Mt Cook, Newtown and Berhampore.
In my head it was do-able, which it was. But at Berhampore, after 22km up and down like a rollercoaster, I opted for the direct road route home rather than more climbing up and along hill trails! Hmmm, how am I going to cope with back-to back days of 25km on average?!
After setting out at 7.30am to catch the bus and train my body is telling me it was a long day. Coffee and pastries were had. Lots of tree trunks were climbed - branches down everywhere after the recent storms. Just a few sections completely impassable and closed.
The legs and feet are worn as I write this the next day. But the heart is full. Last training run for the Wellington Perimeter Pilgrimage completed - starting Thursday. 🙏
Thanks so much for the support - it would be very cool if it became 'a thing'! Would love to have you along...
Andrew, thank you very much for your donation. I appreciate it.
Thanks so much for your donation Angela!
Thanks Tama, I really appreciate the donation.
Thanks for the encouragement Jo - it helps!
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