Tuesday 11th January 2022
Location: Polhill Reserve, Aro Street, Aro Valley, Wellington 6021
There are lots of different walks which take you past the Brooklyn Wind Turbine, when we googled it we came across this Wellington City Council Page which we essentially followed (apart from a few short cuts on the way back).
We started at the Polhill Reserve in Aro Valley, the kids had their usual photo with the entrance sign and then decided they needed to complete some stretches on a random poll they found - as you do...once they felt suitably prepared we began our walk towards the Wind Turbine.
There are lots of tracks (including mountain bike tracks) throughout the reserve. We decided to stick with the plan and follow the blue bollards all the way to the Wind Turbine.
The track is well maintained and an easy walk, weaving in and out of regenerated bush. Although the walk up to the Wind Turbine is pretty much all uphill we never felt puffed as the incline is so gentle. It reminded us a bit of Te Whiti Riser (and definitely not the Raingauge to Jumbo Hut).
There wasn't a lot of variety in the bush but the kids were happy chatting away and every now and then they were rewarded with a view. It was also nice to have some shade on a warm summer day.
We popped out on Hawkins Hill Road and took the pedestrian trail to the right. This is a 4WD track. We found blackberries which kept Miss 7 happy and a beautiful view of the habour.
At the top of the 4WD track you hit the Zealandia fence which you follow until you cross the road again and are walking back in the bush.
From here the trail seemed to take the very longest route to the Wind Turbine - it kept popping up for us to admire and then we'd head off in the opposite direction. The kids were very pleased when they realised they were finally there! The view from the top is spectacular - with panoramic views towards Wellington Habour and the South Coast.
We decided we needed ice creams so took some short cuts on the way back. Taking the exit by the Wind Turbine that takes you back along the Zealandia Fence line instead of weaving in and out of the forest.
When we got back to the top of Polhill Reserve, where you meet Hawkins Hill Road, we took the second left down the stairs. The return walk took us just over 1 hour (vs 2 hours on the way in). It's all downhill so our pace was definitely faster.
Great day out :) - I think we had the bluebird day though due to the lack of wind.
Age of Kids: 7yr and 9yr
Walking Time: 3-4 hours ( we took 3 hours)
Length: 11.3 km
Elevation: 428
Difficulty: Moderate
Wet Feet: No
Amenities: There are seats and picnic tables scattered around but we didn't find any toilets or water.
Dogs: Yes (on lead only)
Cellphone Reception: Yes
Be Aware: We went on the only still day in the history of Wellington - but we'd expect it to get pretty windy at the top so while we never used our layers it's probably worth bringing them.
We also came across a lot of mountain bikers so you need to be prepared to dive out of the way.
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