Wellington Regional Trails
Two people sit on the bench at the Rangituhi Lookout.

A steep climb to Rangituhi Lookout with views over Porirua and beyond.

Length
1.6km
Uses
Walking/Running
Walking difficulty
Intermediate: Easier tramping track
Profile

310m climb

347m highest point

Dogs
No

About the trail

Rangituhi/Colonial Knob Walkway is a steep uphill climb to Te Titiro o Rangituhi (the Rangituhi Lookout). It is a return track with great views, native forest, and stairs covering more than 700 steps. Te Titiro o Rangituhi has epic views over Porirua and is the perfect place to watch the sunrise or sunset.

Rangituhi/Colonial Knob Walkway is part of Ngā Ara o Rangituhi, a 110-hectare scenic reserve near Porirua city centre. Rangituhi is the traditional name for the site more commonly known as Colonial Knob. This has great significance to Ngāti Toa Rangatira as a symbol of resilience and strength. The name Rangituhi translates to ‘Sky Glow’, reflecting the colours of the setting sun that spread across the ridge line. 

Most people start the trail at the Camp Elsdon car park. Take the left-hand track to go up the stairs, where you'll climb through some of the most beautiful native bush in the area. At about 700 steps, there’s a small bench next to a damp gully and a small waterfall. Visit this spot at night to see glowworms lighting up the bank.

The trail ends at Te Wāhi Hononga (the Hub), where you can take a short track to the lookout. There are benches where you can rest and enjoy the view.

Trail options

  • The fastest and most popular route to Te Titiro o Rangituhi is there-and-back from the Camp Elsdon car park, following the stairs.
  • To make a loop, head back down to the car park on Te Ara Utiwai or Farm Road. If you take Farm Road, follow Raiha Street at the end of the trail for a short walk back to the car park.
  • If you want more of a challenge, take Farm Road from The Hub up to Te Tihi o Rangituhi (Rangituhi Summit). This will add about 1.75km.   Mount Rangituhi rises 468m above Porirua. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Inland Kaikoura Range in the South Island and to Taranaki Maunga to the northwest.
Two people look at the sunset from Rangituhi/Colonial Knob Walkway.

The name Rangituhi translates to ‘Sky Glow’, reflecting the colours of the setting sun that spread across the ridge line. 

Getting there

  • The trail starts from Camp Elsdon car park and you can walk it in either direction. 
  • There are regular bus and train services to Porirua and the surrounding area. Timetables are available from Metlink.

Know before you go

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list.
  • Take warm waterproof clothing, durable footwear, sunscreen, food and water.
  • This trail is part of Te Araroa — a long distance trail spanning the length of New Zealand, and is for walking only.
Two people are walking upwards along a grassy incline. The figures are silhouetted with a pale blue sky behind them.

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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.

Two people walk up a hill on Farm Road to Rangituhi Summit.

Farm Road

Ngā Ara o RangituhiFarm Road is a moderate climb to the Rangituhi summit in Porirua, connecting to popular trails in Ngā Ara o Rangituhi.

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.

A section of the Chimney Sweep trail in Ngā Ara o Rangituhi. For mountain bikers only, the dirt track winds down a grassy hill overlooking Porirua.

Chimney Sweep

Ngā Ara o RangituhiChimney Sweep is a fun flowing trail for intermediate riders. The track is a downhill ride via a chimney jump, rock garden feature and a few tight corners.

Dirt pathway surrounded by green tress and moss.

Tumeke

Ngā Ara o RangituhiA downhill mountain bike ride in Porirua with options for upping the ante.

The Doctor trail in Ngā Ara o Rangituhi. The gravel and clay trail winds through bush with pine needles covering the ground.

The Doctor

Ngā Ara o RangituhiExplore exotic native forest and open landscapes on The Doctor, a quick and easy one-hour trail near Spicer Botanical Park.

A section of the Rough Justice mountain bike track on Ngā Ara o Rangituhi, in Porirua.

Rough Justice

Ngā Ara o RangituhiRough Justice is a walking and mountain biking trail in Ngā Ara o Rangituhi that lives up to its name.

A person walks away from the camera down a grassy hill on the Seven Pines track in Ngā Ara o Rangituhi. In the background are Porirua and Pāuatahanui Inlet.

Seven Pines

Ngā Ara o RangituhiSeven Pines is a trail that winds its way through Ngā Ara o Rangituhi for views over Porirua and beyond.

The Te Ara Tai Tonga trail at Ngā Ara o Rangituhi.

Te Ara Tai Tonga

Ngā Ara o RangituhiTe Ara Tai Tonga is an easy ride or walk in Porirua from Spicer Botanical Park to Spicer Forest Road.

Looking down Ngā Ara o Rangituhi mountain biking/walking trails.

Crash Palace

Ngā Ara o RangituhiCrash Palace is a rutted trail full of tight turns and corners. This mountain bike track in Ngā Ara o Rangituhi is for expert riders only.