Wellington's Old Coach Heritage Trail

I spent the morning of New Year's Eve hiking a portion of Wellington's Old Coach Heritage Trail. This trail runs a total of 12 kilometers but I hiked maybe a third of that, from the suburb of Johnsonville to the peak of Mount Kaukau, about two hours there and back. As the pictures attest, it was gorgeous here yesterday and this hike offered fantastic 360 degree views of the Wellington area. I discovered this hike by using the terrific app "Welly Walks" -- highly recommended if you're going to hike in Wellington. 

Panoramic view from a peak at the start of the hike. I parked in a residential neighborhood at the end of McClintock Street North.

You can see how Wellington's strong winds result in plant life growing at an angle.

After 45 minutes of mildly strenuous hiking, Wellington comes into view. 

This is the Kordia TV Transmitter, which is the primary source of television and radio coverage for Wellington. Reminded me a great deal of the Twin Peaks radio towers in San Francisco. 

Near the peak of Mt Kaukau. 

The panoramic view from Mt Kaukau. 

This cow was very skeptical of my intentions.