Red Rocks and Sinclair Head - Te Kopahou Reserve

The coastal walk to Red Rocks is one of the capital city’s best – scenic, flat and relatively easy going, with geological and botanical interest and, at certain times of year, a seal colony too. There are two major features along this walk, the Red Rocks themselves and, a little further on, the seal colony at Sinclair Head. The walk follows the magnificent, rugged coastline of Wellington’s south coast. On a clear day you can get incredible views of the Marlborough Sounds and the Kaikoura Ranges across Cook Strait.

From the car park to Sinclair Head takes around 11/2 - 2 hours (3 – 4 hours return). You just follow the path to Sinclair Head (or to wherever you fancy) then turn around and come back. It is a flat, relatively easy walk but for those who prefer to drive, there is a four-wheel-drive track, open every day bar Sunday. You will need a four-wheel-drive vehicle – twowheel-drives will not be able to negotiate some parts of the track. Rocks There are a number of interesting geological features at Red Rocks.

The Red Rocks themselves were formed during the Torlesse period when lava erupted from fissures on the sea floor. As it emerged its outer surface chilled to form a coherent but still plastic envelope which filled with molten lava to form a pillow-like structure. The repeated occurrence of this produced a stacked layer of these structures termed pillow lava. Various iron oxides which were leached as clouds of superheated steam were released into the ocean and formed the red colour we see today. All of this occurred on the sea floor. Subsequent uplift has raised the land to where it is today. (The Reed Field Guide to New Zealand Geology is a good place to start if you wish to learn more).

New Zealand fur seals inhabit the rocky foreshore at Sinclair Head during the winter months. They can be quite hard to spot so keep a sharp eye out for them. Also make sure that you do not get between them and the sea and if you bring your dog make sure it is kept on a leash. Numerous birds species live in the area. Little blue penguins breed under vegetation along the coast and reef herons, banded dotterel and oystercatchers may be seen here. Land birds that can be seen include grey warblers, fantails, silvereyes, shining cuckoos and kingfishers.

This area contains a number of rare and endangered plants. You may notice that some patches of ground are fenced off. This is to protect the divaricating shrub Muehlenbeckia astonii from the numerous goats which are found all around the south coast and inland. Other rare plants you may see include the prickly herb, the sea holly. Between Sinclair Head and Red Rocks you may also spot some karaka trees which were planted by the Maori who lived in the area for their berries. What to Bring No food or drink are available so make sure you take plenty of both. It can also get quite cold and windy along the south coast so warm clothes and a light jacket are advised no matter what the weather looks like in town. Sturdy shoes or light boots would be preferable.

To get to the car park from the Basin Reserve follow Adelaide Rd which flows into the Parade and when you get to the Esplanade (you can’t go any further along the Parade) turn right. The Esplanade turns into Owhiro Bay Parade; follow this road along the coast until you reach the car park or The Wellington Explorer Tour will deliver you to the start of the Red Rocks walk or take bus no 1 or 4 to Island Bay, then 29 to Owhiro Bay Parade. The walk starts 1km away at the quarry gate.

WELLINGTON SOUTH COAST DISCOVERY HELICOPTER FLIGHT