Te Araroa Walkway, Porirua

Walking time

1 hr 30 min

Length

2.8km

Uses

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Mountain Bike Grade

Intermediate: Grade 3

Profile

178m climb

-42m descent

350m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

About the trail

Te Araroa Walkway is a single track that heads from the end of Ohariu Valley Road towards Te Tihi o Rangituhi, the summit of Rangituhi/Colonial Knob. It’s an intermediate trail for bikers and walkers.

It weaves its way through regenerating native bush and exotic forestry, and it can be steep and exposed in places.

You can travel this route in both directions, except for the lower section from Ohariu Valley Road to the top of Spicer Trail. You can only travel this section uphill on a bike.

Two people look at the sunset from Rangituhi/Colonial Knob Walkway.

Getting there

The trail starts from a small gravel car park at the end of Ohariu Valley Road. It is clearly signposted. The trail ends at the southern end of Seven Pines, on farmland just below the summit of Colonial Knob.
There is no public transport to the end of Ohariu Valley Road. You will need a car. Take care, as the road is narrow and twisting.

The rocky coastline, blue water, and mountains are at Red Rocks Coastal Walkway.

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.

Three people are walking up the trail on Mount Victoria, surrounded by lush greenery, with a view of Wellington city centre behind them.

Mount Victoria Lookout Walkway

Start from the city and climb through historic pine forests to enjoy unbeatable views of the Wellington Harbour and the city from Mount Victoria Lookout.

The wooden platform at the summit of Lookout Loop Walk at Wrights Hill on a cloudy day.

Wrights Hill Lookout Loop Walk

Check out a WWII military fortress, spot rare birds, and take in views of the city and sea on the Wrights Hill Lookout Loop walk.

Salvation Bush Walk

A walking and mountain biking loop trail at Wrights Hill Reserve.

Looking east over Wellington city. The sweeping view shows green hills dotted with houses. The sky is blue with a few clouds.

Brooklyn Wind Turbine

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveTake in some of the best views of the city from popular Wellington landmark, the Brooklyn Wind Turbine.

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.

The bright blue water and rugged coastline at Red Rocks on Wellington's south coast.

Red Rocks Coastal Walk

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveExperience the wildest part of Wellington’s rugged south coast, where you might encounter a colony of fur seals and catch views of the South Island.

A vast landscape with tall dry grass in the foreground, rolling hills, houses along the coastline and a mountain range across the water.

Tip Track

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveA punishing route to the top of Hawkins Hill with stunning views over Wellington.

Skyline Walkway

Journey along Wellington’s highest peaks from Mākara Saddle to the summit of Mount Kaukau, ending in Johnsonville.

Te Araroa Walkway