Wellington Regional Trails
A traditional red Māori pou (carved post) with Wellington city in the background.

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.