Te Ara Pīnaki

About the trail

Te Ara Pīnaki is a trail within Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush — the oldest and most intact native forest in Te Whanganui a Tara . A gently rising loop track, taking you through beautiful native forest and along the Kaiwharawhara Stream via the Karori Cemetery.

The name ‘Te Ara Pīnaki’ means the gently rising (or meandering) track. Starting at the Troup Picnic Lawn, you'll follow an easy route through ancient forests to the Karori Cemetery and back along the Kaiwharawhara Stream.

Ōtari is a haven for native wildlife. As you walk, listen out for birds like kākā, kārearea, kererū, kākāriki, tūī, tīwaiwaka, kōtare, riroriro, and ruru.

Getting there

The trail starts 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 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.