When the sun dips below Cook Strait, the Makara Walkway transforms. At night, our familiar Wellington landscapes are altered, becoming at once enchanting and mysterious. It is the hour when we are most receptive to awe—a time when the rugged coast sheds its daytime grit for a cloak of silver. With a clear sky and no wind, I set out to the Makara coast after dark, where the Moon and Venus reflected in a glassy-calm ocean. Accompanied only by a chorus of chirping crickets, this gentle after-work wander proved that while most New Zealand landscapes are stunning, some of the best views only appear once the lights go out.

At night all our familiar landscapes are altered. They at once become both enchanting and mysterious. It’s the time humans have evolved to be most receptive to awe and emotion.

With a clear sky and no wind, the Moon and Venus reflected in a calm ocean, together with a chorus of chirping crickets, the Makara Walkway was a nice place to be on a gentle wander after-work, and after-sunset.

DOC says the loop walk climbs to vantage points with spectacular views – farmland, a beach and gun emplacements that will keep kids interested – and maybe the kids would enjoy the walk at night too.

And if you enjoy Makara at night you will also enjoy Kaukau – check out some photos.

“The sun shows us the world, but the darkness shows us the universe” (Anon.).