Te Ara o Ngā Tūpuna heritage trail

Walking time

2 hr

Length

3.5km

Uses

Walking/Running

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Profile

15m climb

10m descent

13m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

About the trail

Te Ara o Ngā Tupuna (The Trail of our Ancestors) is a walking and driving trail from Thorndon to Owhiro Bay in Wellington city. The first part is a walking trail that starts at Pipitea Marae in Thorndon and ends at Waitangi Park.

It takes about two hours to complete, with stops along the way to learn about the history of the land and the people. The information stations are marked with a pou (carved post), rock, or information panel. While many of the original sites previously occupied by Māori have been built over or destroyed, they still have a strong spiritual presence.

Te Ara o Ngā Tūpuna is a joint project between Wellington City Council, the Wellington Tenths Trust and Ngāti Toa.

Inside an exhibition space in Te Wharewaka o Pōneke, a multipurpose function centre and waka house located on Taranaki Stree Wharf on Wellington's waterfront. The dark room has images and text on display with a glass floor in the middle of the space.

Te Ara o Ngā Tūpuna goes past 39 Taranaki Street where the remains from Te Aro Pā were uncovered in 2005. The visitor centre houses the preserved foundations of two whare ponga (buildings) and other items from the old Pā dating back to the 1840s.

Getting there

There are frequent bus services to the start point on Thorndon Quay at Capital Gateway. Timetables are available from Metlink.

Know before you go

Te Ara o Ngā Tūpuna Heritage Walk goes through busy city areas. Stay on the sidewalks and follow pedestrian signs.

For more information download the Wellington City Council brochure.

A view of Wellington Harbour/ Port Nicholson at golden hour with Matiu/Somes Island in the centre of the image.

Mātiu/Somes Island

Ramble around this stunning nature reserve that sits right in the middle of Wellington Harbour.

The view overlooking Wellington and the harbour from the summit of Mount Kaukau on the Skyline Walkway.

Northern Walkway

Take a journey through Wellington’s outer green belt and discover abandoned railway tunnels and expansive views.

The bright blue water and rugged coastline at Red Rocks on Wellington's south coast.

Red Rocks Coastal Walk

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveExperience the wildest part of Wellington’s rugged south coast, where you might encounter a colony of fur seals and catch views of the South Island.

Two people take a selfie together at the Mount Victoria Lookout overlooking Wellington.

Southern Walkway

Start near Wellington’s city centre and follow the Town Belt through to Island Bay.

Juvenile Delinquent

Centennial ReserveWarm up or practice your skills on this mountain bike track for beginners.

A skate park with some graffiti tags on the pavement.

Kids Track

Centennial ReserveA fun mountain bike track for kids and beginners with city views.

Nevay Link

Centennial ReserveA short access track into Centennial Reserve from Nevay Road.

Eastern Walkway

Enjoy sweeping views over the south coast of Miramar Peninsula while walking through native bush on the Eastern Walkway. Loop back with an easy stroll along the coastline from Breaker Bay.

Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush

There’s a wide variety of walks available at Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, ranging from gentle 10-minute strolls to 2.5-hour hikes. Original forests and native botanic gardens attract plenty of native birds.

Mother and child walking down a concrete path surrounded by leafy trees and flowers.

Wellington Botanic Garden trails

Spectacular views are at every turn. Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā hosts exotic forest, native bush, floral displays, and themed gardens.