Last night around 8 p.m. I walked up Mount Victoria for the first time. I’ve lived in Wellington for about three months, so that’s pretty shameful considering it’s one of the most popular things to do in the city.

Originally I thought about visiting the famous lookout point during the day, but when I mentioned it at work someone advised me to go at night as the view is absolutely amazing.

Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon

He was right.

As the last bit of the day drifted away, this gorgeous fading blue sky came out. Black mountains surrounded speckled lights from the city’s nightlife.

At 196 meters, Mt. Vic is the highest point in Wellington. Originally named Tangi Te Keo by Maoris, it offers a 360 view of the city, it’s suburbs and the water that surrounds the city.

There are several pathways to reach Mt. Vic, which can be by car or on foot. It’s more of a challenge on foot though. Traditionally, people use the Southern Walkway to reach Mt. Vic lookout point, but a friend who led me last night took me on a more exciting path that went past a barbecue on a stairway and a secret garden, which we may or may not have been trespassing.

Have you visited Mt. Vic lookout? Share your experience and images below!