Mātiu/Somes Island
Ramble around this stunning nature reserve that sits right in the middle of Wellington Harbour.
15m climb
10m descent
13m highest point
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.
Josiah Wood
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.
There are frequent bus services to the start point on Thorndon Quay at Capital Gateway. Timetables are available from Metlink.
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.
Ramble around this stunning nature reserve that sits right in the middle of Wellington Harbour.
Take a journey through Wellington’s outer green belt and discover abandoned railway tunnels and expansive views.
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