Te Ara o Tama

About the trail

Te Ara o Tama is a trail within Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush — the oldest and most intact native forest in Te Whanganui a Tara . This moderately rising tramping track winds through ancient forest, with steps and tree roots underfoot. It is named for Ngāti Tama ki Kaiwharawhara, whose land it crosses.

Along the trail, you’ll encounter one of Wellington's oldest trees, Moko, an 800-year-old rimu. Moko was gifted its te reo Māori name by mana whenua in 2021, honouring the majestic rimu’s towering presence and the significance of the whenua itself. The viewing platform near the tree is the perfect place to pause, take in your surroundings, and listen for native birds.

Continue up the trail to enjoy epic views across Wellington. You can connect to the Skyline Walkway, one of Wellington's signature trails, or follow Te Ara o Tama back down to the Troup Picnic Lawn.

Getting there

The trail starts and ends at the Troup Picnic Lawn in Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, 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.
• 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.