Te Ara Porowhita

About the trail

Te Ara Porowhita is the most popular walk within Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush — the oldest and most intact native forest in Te Whanganui a Tara . The circular loop track takes you through native forest, beautiful gardens, and alongside a stream. The recommended direction is clockwise, down the steps to Troup Picnic Lawn, and then return via a gentle uphill slope.

The name ‘Te Ara Porowhita’ (translating to 'The Circular Track') was gifted by members of Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika and reflects the track's cultural landscape and physical nature. The word porowhita is derived from a translation of the Māori word pōro , referring to encircling or reserving an area. This is fitting as Job Wilton reserved the area enclosed by this track and now forms the heart of what people know as Ōtari today.

Getting there

The trail starts at 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.