Wellington Regional Trails
A person wearing a vest sits on a bench looking at the scenic landscape from Rangituhi/Colonial Knob Walkway.

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

Length

1.6km

Uses

Walking/Running

Walking difficulty

Intermediate: Easier tramping track

Profile

310m climb

347m highest point

Dogs

No
Two people stand arm in arm looking at a picturesque sunset from Rangituhi/Colonial Knob Walkway.

About the trail

Rangituhi/Colonial Knob encompasses 110 hectares of scenic reserve, just a few minutes from Porirua city centre. There are three possible routes offering loop walks, so depending on your time, you can spend three to five hours there.

The more scenic route, beginning at the Broken Hill Road car park, takes you past the man-made lakes which once supplied water to Porirua Hospital and through Kohekohe Forest.

The high point, Mount Rangituhi, rises 468m west of Porirua City. On a clear day, you have views of the Inland Kaikoura Range in the South Island, to Mount Taranaki in the northwest. Just below is Porirua Harbour (a unique drowned river valley) stretching out towards Paremata and the Pāuatahanui Inlet.

Getting there

  • The trail starts from Camp Elsdon car park and can be completed in both directions.
  • The summit can be accessed from Te Ara Utiwai trail or from Farm Road.
  • There are regular bus and train services to Porirua and the surrounding area. Timetables are available from Metlink.
Two people are walking upwards along a grassy incline. The figures are silhouetted with a pale blue sky behind them.

Know before you go

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list.
  • Take warm waterproof clothing, durable footwear, sunscreen, food and water.
  • This trail is part of Te Araroa national walkway and is intended for walking only.

Looking for more?

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

Te Ara Utiwai

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

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

Spicer Link

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

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

Puketiro Loop

Battle Hill Farm Forest ParkClimb through dense pine plantations and take in views over Pāuatahanui on this intermediate trail suitable for walkers, bikers, and horse riders.

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

Restoration Trail

Battle Hill Farm Forest ParkEnjoy a short leisurely bike ride or stroll through farmland, wetlands, and an old airstrip.

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.

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

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.

Three people standing on top of Birchville Dam. Green trees and bushes surround them.

Cannon Point Walkway

Zigzag through the hills north of Upper Hutt to the historic Birchville Dam.

Two people walk along Bus Barn Track in East Harbour Regional Park during golden hour.

Bus Barn Track

East Harbour Regional ParkAn easy trail through mature beech forest and stunning kahikatea trees.

The people walk along a wide gravel path passing the entrance sign to East Harbour Regional Park.

Kererū Track

East Harbour Regional ParkSee native kererū and orchids while enjoying views over Wellington from the hills above Days Bay.

Powell Hut in Tararua Forest Park in the Wairarapa region. It’s a small house with dark green siding, and a red roof with two people standing on the exterior wooden deck.

Holdsworth roadend to Powell Hut/Mount Holdsworth

Spend the night at Powell Hut or continue on to the Mount Holdsworth summit on this one or two-day adventure in the Tararua Range.