Whitireia Park
Whitireia Park in Porirua’s west offers 180 hectares of open space, native bush, dramatic views, and rugged coastline
Whitireia Park has adventures to suit every style, whether it’s an adrenalin rush you’re after, relaxing in the bay or building your fitness on the track.
Take a scenic walk around the headland or if the weather’s warm have a refreshing swim. For the more adventurous, there’s rock climbing or kite surfing spots to get the heart racing. Jump into the water for some diving, fishing, or rock pooling, or explore the grasslands on your horse or mountain bike.
Onepoto Loop Track and Onehunga Bay
The Onepoto Loop Track is a popular pathway that takes you through farmland and along the coastline between Onehunga Bay and Te Onepoto Bay. It offers dramatic views of Mana Island and the South Island. The loop is 4.6km and sturdy footwear is recommended to navigate the farm stiles.
Start or end your walk with a picnic or play in the water at Onehunga Bay (the kids will love exploring the rock pools) With some of the most breathtaking views all the way to the South Island, this beach is one of Porirua City’s best-kept secrets. The safe, flat bay is easily accessible and has changing sheds and toilets.
Kaitawa Point and beyond
If you’re keen on a touch of fishing, snorkelling or scuba diving, Kaitawa Point is the place to go. As you drive into the park on Whitireia Road, turn left before the Onehunga Bay carpark and you’ll find this picturesque spot. Surf casting is popular off the point of Onehunga Bay, and divers enjoy the water between there and Kaitawa Point, which is home to large groups of juvenile fish, stingrays, and seahorses.
If rock climbing is your thing, venture further around the coast to the area just below the Maunga Whitireia track. Here you’ll find close to 100 rock climbing routes over a number of walls and boulders. For more information on climbing at Whitireia Park, visit ClimbNZ.
The discovery of Whitireia
Whitireia is of cultural importance to Ngāti Toa and its history goes back to the explorer Kupe, who discovered the area while searching for his canoe. By the Onehunga Bay carpark you’ll see where Kupe's anchor stone is believed to have lain for centuries. The stone is now housed at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.