Te Ara Porowhita
Walking/Running1.6km
Wander Te Ara Porowhita loop and explore native forest, lush gardens, a flowing stream, and the cultural heart of Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush.
View trail
About the park
Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush covers over 100 hectares of protected native forest, making it a unique ecological and cultural treasure. It’s the only botanic garden in Aotearoa dedicated entirely to native plants. Ancient rimu and rātā stand tall above a canopy of tawa and kohekohe trees, while vines, shrubs, and ferns fill the lower layers of the forest. The thriving ecosystem is full of birds, insects, and stream life.
The place of mana whenua
Ōtarikākā (now referred to as Ōtari) translates to “the place of snares to trap kākā”. The area has long been a valued place for and connecting with nature. It remains an important site for in the for Taranaki Whānui, Te Āti Awa, and Ngāti Toa Rangatira.
Conservation and native wildlife
In the 1800s, settlers cleared much of the land in Wellington, but farmer Job Wilton chose to protect seven hectares of original forest, fencing it off and keeping it safe from fire. The remnant forest is the core of what we know as Ōtari today. Conservation efforts supported by dedicated volunteers from Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust are helping ensure the forest continues to flourish. They run predator and weed control, as well as native revegetation.
Ōtari-Wilton's Bush is a haven for native wildlife. Listen out for birds like kākā, kārearea, kererū, kākāriki, tūī, tīwaiwaka, kōtare, riroriro, and ruru.
Keep your eyes peeled for and . In the stream, look out for . can also be found along the stream bed.
Explore the trails
Te Ara Pīnaki
Walking/Running3.3km
A gently rising loop track, taking you through beautiful native forest and along the Kaiwharawhara Stream via the Karori Cemetery.
Te Ara o Tama
Walking/Running, Tramping/Hiking4.6km
Te Ara o Tama takes you past Moko, the 800-year-old rimu tree. You'll then climb up for amazing views across Wellington.
Te Ara Tūpoupou
Walking/Running, Tramping/Hiking1.8km
Tackle Te Ara Tūpoupou’s steep track and power through towering old-growth forest, stream crossings, and stair-filled climbs for a true cardio adventure.
Te Ara o Kaiwharawhara Awa
Walking/Running2km
Stroll Te Ara o Kaiwharawhara Awa and follow the stream’s gentle flow through native forest, birdsong, and eel-filled waters on an easy, buggy-friendly walk.
Te Ara Koukouoro Nature Trail
Walking/Running681m
The trail winds through lush forest, down to a small stream, and past two main garden areas showcasing native flora.
Wellington City Council, Chantelle Gribbon
Getting there
Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush is located at 150 Wilton Road, about five kilometres from Wellington city centre. The reserve is open daily from dawn to dusk.
- By bus: Take the Number 14 Wilton bus from Lambton Quay to Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush. Timetables are available from the Metlink website.
- By car: Parking is available at the main public car park at the Wilton Road entrance, or at the car park off Churchill Drive.
Know before you go
- Toilets are available at Tāne Whakapiripiri (Ōtari Visitors Centre), Leonard Cockayne Centre, and the Troup Picnic Lawn.
- A map board is available at the Visitor Centre, and all tracks are clearly signposted.
- Take all rubbish out of the park with you. Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush is a pack-in, pack-out site, with no rubbish bins available.
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— take care and respect the forest:
- Give wildlife space and don’t pick or damage the plants.
- Keep dogs on short leads.
- Don’t feed the eels.
- No fires, drones, cycling or mountain biking permitted.
Learn more about Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush on the Wellington Gardens website.
Bonny Beattie