Porirua
A birdseye view of three cyclists riding along Te Onepoto Loop Track in Whitireia Park along the coast in Porirua, New Zealand.

Porirua

The Porirua harbour extends across two arms — one reaching east toward Pāuatahanui, and the other reaching south toward Porirua city. The busy city centre is contrasted with beautiful scenic reserves that offer dozens of trails. The large harbour and coastal beaches to the west present multiple opportunities for swimming, boating, and water sports.

Top things to do in Porirua

Two people chatting inside The Big Salami in Porirua. A giant red car sits on the wall as decoration.

Eat your way around Porirua

Porirua and its suburbs are set between a two-armed harbour and west-facing beaches. Being so close to the water the city has attracted a large and diverse community. This brings a wide range of food options. From Thai green curries to Polish golabki, Neapolitan pizzas to hearty burgers — a feast awaits you.

A box with 6 cupcakes inside from The Cake Cafe Plimmerton.

Sweetest spots in Porirua

If a sweet treat is what you’re after, then Porirua is a great place to begin. From homemade shortbread, to chocolate, tortes, cupcakes, and croissant — Porirua has the sugar fix to appease you and please you. You’ll find the city is your home sweet home.

2 people posing for a selfie at the top of Mount Rangituhi, with a view of Porirua behind them.

Walk or bike your way around these Porirua trails

With its two harbours and surrounding hills, Porirua is full of natural vistas. Whether it’s a steep climb with impressive panoramas, a foray into native flora, or a simple beach stroll, there’s something for all ages and abilities.

Two children climbing on a half-sphere climbing structure on a playground in Cobham Court, Porirua.

Twelve hours in Porirua

From dawn until dusk Porirua has you covered. Spending a day in the city will give you your fill of beautiful walking tracks, outdoor activities, and great food.

A young child looking through a book at the new Zealand police museum.

New Zealand Police Museum

Telling the stories of how police have dealt with some of the country’s most infamous crimes, disasters, and other events.

An exhibition at the Pātaka Art + Museum located in Porirua City Centre featuring large painted canvases displayed on the walls. Four people stand and admire the artwork.

Pātaka Art + Museum

The cultural heart of Porirua City showcases the best in contemporary Māori and Pacific arts at this world-leading gallery.

Looking up into the trees at Adrenalin Forest as a child balances across a wire between two tress.

Adrenalin Forest

Get among the treetops at Adrenalin Forest — an epic aerial obstacle course designed to challenge you physically and mentally.

Porirua trails

Two people stand arm in arm looking at a picturesque sunset from Mount Rangituhi, Colonial Knob Walkway.

Mount Rangituhi / Colonial Knob Walkway

Reward your steep climb up several hundred steps with views over Porirua and beyond.

Rolling grassy hills with groups of trees scattered throughout under a blue sky with big white fluffy clouds.

Battle Hill Summit Loop

Battle Hill Farm Forest ParkClimb to the summit of Battle Hill for great views over the Horokiwi Valley and towards Pāuatahanui Inlet.

Two people riding bikes on Te Ara Piko Walkway. The trail features stretches of boardwalk and bridges, with amazing views of the harbour.

Te Ara Piko

An easy meandering pathway through a nationally-important estuary outlooking Pauatahanui Inlet.

Parent and toddler walk through wooden forest track.

Spicer Link

Only a few minutes from Porirua, an easy, family-friendly trail weaves through the bush, offering glimpses of fairies amongst the trees.

A walking path through the bushes at Te Ara Utiwai in Rangituhi in Porirua, New Zealand.

Te Ara Utiwai

The Te Ara Utiwai trail in Porirua is a gentle climb to the Rangituhi lookout through native bush.

Two people walking along Te Onepoto trail in Porirua. Walkng canes are assisting both. The harbour and hills of Porirua are in the background.

Te Onepoto Loop Track

An easy trail loop in Whitireia Park. Walk or ride through the active restoration area for great views out over Onehunga Bay.