Wellington Regional Trails
A dog on a leash going over a boardwalk on Redwood Bush Loop in Tawa.

Walking time

1 hr

Length

2.5km

Uses

Walking/Running

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Profile

50m climb

30m descent

131m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)
The trailhead sign at Redwood Bush Reserve with a small stairway on the right and a blossoming tree on the left.

The trail entrance at the end of Brasenose Place.

About the trail

Meander through Redwood Bush Loop and you’ll find old-growth tawa and towering mataī and rātā. Keep your eyes peeled for trees marked by wētā, or kererū on the hunt for purple berries falling from the tawa trees.

Starting near the play area on Brasenose Place, this trail takes you through a towering native forest. Walk a little further to the ridgeline and experience great views over northern Wellington.

Once you get to Peterhouse Street, cross the road and check out the mataī trees in Larsen Crescent Reserve. From there, you’ll find a short track that leads to Larsen Crescent or you can loop back to Peterhouse Street. The fastest route is to return to Brasenose Place via Oriel Avenue.

The Friends of Tawa Bush Reserves created this track with support from Wellington City Council. The group continues to protect and restore the area through replanting and pest management.

Getting there

  • You can take the train from Wellington to Redwood Station and walk to the start of the trail. Train timetables are available from Metlink, and tickets can be purchased onboard with cash or Snapper.
  • By car, you can access the start of the track from Achilles Close which is off Oriel Avenue. The track begins at a small sealed car park next to the Redwood Bush sign.
A black, brown and white dog walks on a forest trail.

Know before you go

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk by the NZ Mountain Safety Council for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list. For an up-to-date weather report, check the MetService website.
  • Take warm waterproof clothing, durable footwear, sunscreen, food and water.
  • There are cafes and shops in nearby Tawa.
  • Dogs must be on leash outside dog exercise areas.
  • The trail is for walking only, mountain bikes are not allowed.

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