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.
Walking time
1 hr 30 min
Length
5.1km
Uses
Walking/Running, Mountain Biking
Type
Shared trail
Walking difficulty
Easy: Walking track
Mountain Bike Grade
Intermediate: Grade 3
Profile
349m highest point
Dogs
No
About the trail
Te Ara Utiwai is an easy trail that runs from the Camp Elsdon car park to Te Titiro o Rangituhi. You’ll pass through stunning native bush on a gentle climb to the top of the trail.
The first 1.4 kilometres of the track is a two-way biking and walking trail. The upper 4.7 kilometres is a slightly more challenging uphill-only ride. Walkers can travel the entire track in both directions. Bikers must always give way to walkers.
The trail connects with Rangituhi / Colonial Knob Walkway to form an 8-kilometre half-day walking circuit.
Neat Places
Getting there
Te Ara Utiwai is accessible from the Camp Elsdon car park on Rahia Street in Porirua.
What to expect
Two-thirds of Section 1 of Te Ara Utiwai is exposed to the sun. There are noises from neighbouring factories.
Adaptive Mountain Bike Grade
This trail is Adaptive Mountain Biking Grade 3.
Know before you go
Get ready using Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews, and a packing list.
For tips and advice before heading out on Wellington’s trails check out our before you go section.
Looking for more?
At start of items
Rangituhi / Colonial Knob Walkway
Ngā Ara o RangituhiReward your steep climb up several hundred steps with views over Porirua and beyond.
Blaster
Ngā Ara o RangituhiBlast downhill through a challenging course of berms, tight switchbacks and tables.
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.
Restoration Trail
Battle Hill Farm Forest ParkEnjoy a short leisurely bike ride or stroll through farmland, wetlands, and an old airstrip.
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.
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.
Cannon Point Walkway
Zigzag through the hills north of Upper Hutt to the historic Birchville Dam.
Red Rocks Track
Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveAdventure along the ridgelines on the south coast for huge views of the Cook Strait and then down to the coastline to meet the fur seals.
Fenceline
Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveFollow the boundary of Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne ecosanctuary and tune into native birdsong.