Wellington Regional Trails

Explore the western hills of Porirua at this idyllic reserve set on 110 hectares of regenerating native bush.

A scenic view of Porirua Harbour from Colonial Knob Walkway on Mount Rangituhi. A cyclist is riding their mountain bike on the trail.

About the park

Ngā Ara o Rangituhi is a large reserve set on 110 hectares of ex-farmland slowly regenerating into indigenous vegetation. It runs from Tītahi Bay in the north to Ohariu Valley in the south and is located between Porirua Scenic Reserve and Colonial Knob Scenic Reserve.

Ngā Ara o Rangituhi is the perfect place for mountain bikers, walkers and runners to explore the trail network on Porirua's western hills.

Adventure through lowland forest featuring five species of podocarp, coastal kohekohe and tawa. Take in spectacular views from Te Tihi o Rangituhi (the Rangituhi summit) that extend from the Kaikōura Ranges to Mount Taranaki.

Explore the trails

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

Te Ara Utiwai

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking5.1km

The Te Ara Utiwai trail in Porirua is a gentle climb to Te Titiro o Rangituhi (Rangituhi lookout) through native bush.

View trail
A young child looks at 'the Smurf corner', a manmade fairy village on the Spicer Link Trail.

Spicer Link

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking2.8km

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

View trail
Two people stand arm in arm looking at a picturesque sunset from Rangituhi/Colonial Knob Walkway.

Rangituhi / Colonial Knob Walkway

Walking/Running1.6km

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

View trail
A child looks at a smurf-themed fairy village on the forest floor.

Spicer Link is a popular family-friendly trail Ngā Ara o Rangituhi.

Getting there

There are multiple entry points to Ngā Ara o Rangituhi:

  • Spicer Botanical Park off Broken Hill Road, Kenepuru. Car parking and basic facilities are available.
  • Raiha Street, Porirua. On-street car parking is available. Most mountain bikers access Ngā Ara o Rangituhi from here. It is close to Kenepuru and Porirua train stations.
  • Camp Elsdon on Raiha Street, Porirua. Car parking is available. 

There are regular bus and train services to Porirua, Kenepuru and the surrounding areas. Timetables are available from the Metlink website.

Know before you go

  • Check the track status on the Porirua City Council website.
  • Get an up-to-date weather report from MetService before setting off
  • The park has moderately steep hills and is exposed in places. Weather conditions can change quickly, so make sure you’re prepared.
  • Avoid streams during heavy rain.
  • Toilets are available near Elsdon Youth Camp. Picnic tables and water are available at Spicer Botanical Park.
  • Walkers must be aware of bikes travelling downhill at high speeds.
  • No dogs permitted, except on Farm Road from the Raiha Street gate to the Rangituhi lookout and along Te Ara Tai Tonga. Dogs must be on a leash in these areas at all times.

For more tips and advice before heading out on Wellington’s trails check out our before you go section.