Wellington Regional Trails
looking out to Pāuatahanui from the Battle hill farm summit over bush and grassy hills.

Explore this historic battle site on foot, bike or horseback, and get up-close-and-personal with farm animals and native wildlife.

Looking down a path of lavender at the Battle Hill Farm homestead, with a red roof, red doors, and yellow walls.

About the park

With over 500 hectares of land, Battle Hill Farm Forest Park features hilly farmland and dense native forest. In 1848 Battle Hill was the location of one of the last battles between Ngāti Toa Māori and early colonial forces in the region.

Walk or ride one of the three different trails to the top of Battle Hill. Or you can cross the ridgeline into Puketiro Forest for stunning views across the Pāuatahanui inlet.

See sheep, cows, deer and chickens grazing, spot eels in crystal streams, and see glow worms light up at night.

The park has a campground, so pack your tent and marshmallows and listen to the dusk birdsong before turning in for a peaceful night under the stars.

Explore the trails

A mountain biker sits at the end of a hill ridge on the Puketiro Loop track looking out towards the Pāuatahanui Inlet.

Puketiro Loop

Walking/Running, Tramping/Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horse Riding6.2km

Climb through dense pine plantations and take in views over Pāuatahanui on this intermediate trail suitable for walkers, bikers, and horse riders.

View trail
A small stream cuts through green grass and trees on the Restoration trail at Battle Hill Farm.

Restoration Trail

Walking/Running, Tramping/Hiking, Mountain Biking2km

Enjoy a short leisurely bike ride or stroll through farmland, wetlands, and an old airstrip.

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

Battle Hill Summit Loop

Walking/Running, Tramping/Hiking, Mountain Biking2.7km

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

View trail

Getting there

  • Battle Hill Farm Forest Park is at 610 Paekākāriki Hill Road, Pāuatahanui, Porirua.
  • To get there, turn off State Highway 1 at Paekākāriki onto Paekākāriki Hill Road and drive 11.5 kilometres to the park entrance. You can also turn off State Highway 58 at Pāuatahanui onto Paekākāriki Hill Road and drive 6 kilometres to the park entrance.
  • There are regular bus and train services to Porirua and the surrounding areas. Timetables are available from Metlink.

Know before you go

  • Toilets, picnic tables, and treated water are available at Battle Hill Forest Park.
  • Parking is also available.
  • Camping facilities include BBQs and concrete fire pits.
  • No dogs permitted — Battle Hill is home to a working farm.
  • There are no powered sites at the campground.