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

Porirua

The Porirua harbour extends across two arms — one reaching east toward Pāuatahanui, and the other reaching south toward Porirua city. The busy city centre is contrasted with beautiful scenic reserves that offer dozens of trails. The large harbour and coastal beaches to the west present multiple opportunities for swimming, boating, and water sports.

Top things to do in Porirua

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Two people chatting inside The Big Salami in Porirua. A giant red car sits on the wall as decoration.

Eat your way around Porirua

There are plenty of places to eat in Porirua. Restaurants and cafés have everything from Thai green curry to Polish golabki, Neapolitan pizza to hearty burgers.

A box with 6 cupcakes inside from The Cake Cafe Plimmerton.

Sweetest spots in Porirua

From homemade shortbread, to chocolate, tortes, cupcakes, and croissant — Porirua has the goods to satiate the craving of any sweet tooth.

2 people posing for a selfie at the top of Rangituhi, with a view of Porirua behind them.

Walk or bike your way around these Porirua trails

Discover the best walks and trails in Porirua. Climb the Rangituhi stairs for panoramic harbor views or stroll past the iconic Camborne boatsheds.

Two children climbing on a half-sphere climbing structure on a playground in Cobham Court, Porirua.

12 hours in Porirua

There's plenty of things to do in Porirua, just a short trip from Wellington. Take 12 hours to get your fill of beautiful walks, activities, and great food.

A young child looking through a book at the new Zealand police museum.

New Zealand Police Museum

The New Zealand Police Museum tells the real-life stories of policing in Aotearoa, from the most infamous crimes to disasters and significant events.

An exhibition at the Pātaka Art + Museum located in Porirua City Centre featuring large painted canvases displayed on the walls. Four people stand and admire the artwork.

Pātaka Art + Museum

Pātaka Art + Museum is a world-leading gallery dedicated to Māori and Pacific art in central Porirua.

Looking up into the trees at Adrenalin Forest as a child balances across a wire between two tress.

Adrenalin Forest

Adrenalin Forest in Porirua is an epic aerial obstacle course with a range of levels designed to challenge you physically and mentally.

Porirua trails

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Two people sit on the bench at the Rangituhi Lookout.

Rangituhi / Colonial Knob Walkway

Ngā Ara o RangituhiRangituhi/Colonial Knob is a steep climb to the Rangituhi Lookout with views over Porirua and beyond.

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 ParkBattle Hill Summit Loop is an intermediate-grade trail climb through the backcountry to the summit. Get great views over Horokiwi Valley and Pāuatahanui inlet.

Te Ara Piko wraps around the Pāuatahanui Inlet and connects up with Pāuatahinui Wildlife Reserve and Camborne Walkway.

Te Ara Piko

Te Ara Piko is a family-friendly walk or bike ride over the Pāuatahanui estuary. The trail crosses the inlet on boardwalks and bridges with spots to bird watch.

An adult walks with a child riding a tricycle along a nature trail.

Spicer Link

Ngā Ara o RangituhiSpicer Link is an easy walking and mountain biking trail in Porirua. It's family friendly and one of the most popular trails in Ngā Ara o Rangituhi.

Two people sit on a bench at Rangitoto Lookout.

Te Ara Utiwai

Ngā Ara o RangituhiTe Ara Utiwai trail is a gentle climb to the Rangituhi lookout through native bush. It's an easy walk or a Grade 3 uphill mountain bike trail.

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

Te Onepoto Loop is an easy trail walk or Grade 3 ride through an active restoration area, beaches, and forest areas, with views over Onehunga Bay.