Te Ara Koukouoro Nature Trail

About the trail

Te Ara Koukouoro Nature Trail is a self-guided loop track within Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush — the oldest and most intact native forest in Te Whanganui a Tara . The trail winds through lush forest, down to a small stream, and past two main garden areas showcasing native flora.

The name Te Ara Koukouoro means “the track through the dense dark bush.” Koukouoro is a Taranaki word describing thick forest, while koukou refers to the ruru . Oro is a word to describe a resonating sound. It’s a trail where, depending on the time of day, you might hear the call of the morepork echoing through the trees.

You can pick up a trail brochure at various locations around Ōtari-Wilton's Bush. These are available in both te reo Māori and English. 

Getting there

The trail starts at the Tāne Whakapiripiri (Ōtari Visitor Centre). 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 Visitor 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.
• Kaitiakitanga — 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.