From a small picnic area about 100m before Carlton Gore Road the route climbs uphill on to the slopes of Mt Victoria, following Wellington’s ‘Southern Walkway’ for its full length right down to the south coast. Cover is mainly native bush but with various grassed areas, playing fields and two small pine tree plantations. There are short stretches of suburban roads.

From Mt Victoria the route is on a ridge and approximately parallel to Alexandra Road, crossing the road several times. Early in the walk, keep an eye out for the "Summit Walkway" if you wish to pop up to the top to admire the views. There are numerous city walking tracks and mountain bike trails so keep focused on the pink Southern Walkway signs. Some of these tracks are shared walking/cycle tracks, and cycle tracks also cross the walking tracks, so be alert.

From the Mt Victoria Summit, descend the steps, pass public toilets and onto the grass verge on the right hand side of Alexandra Road. Pick up the Southern Walkway track again (pink signs) and continue on this route. Alternatively, descend Alexandra Road to Constable Street, crossing at the traffic lights to Coromandel Street.

At the top end of Coromandel Street, follow the paved zig-zag path to another small plantation of pine trees. Soon the trail climbs a few flights of steps and emerges into Truby King Historic Park. Exit the Park's long driveway and turn hard left onto Manchester St and very soon hard right onto Sutherland Crescent. This road ends at Melrose Park where the route skirts round the north side of the playing field which is also the Wellington Zoo boundary fence (see Hamadryas Baboon if you’re lucky). There is a water tap outside the changing rooms.