Wellington Regional Trails
The view from Te Ara Paparāngi ki te Tonga over the Newlands hills out to the Wellington Harbour and Eastbourne.

Take in views of the Wellington harbour on this easy walk from Waihinahina Park in Newlands through native forest.

Walking time
1 - 2 hr
Length
4km
Uses
Walking/Running, Mountain Biking
Type
Single track
Walking difficulty
Easiest: Easy access short walk
Mountain Bike Grade
Intermediate: Grade 3
Profile

225m highest point

Dogs
Yes (on lead)
A view of Wellington Harbour from Te Ara Paparāngi ki te Tonga nature trail.

About the trail 

Te Ara Paparārangi and Te Ara Paparāngi ki te Tonga are two tracks that make up a 4.6km walk along the harbour escarpment between Waihinahina Park and Promontory Crescent in Newlands.

This is a nice and easy walk, suitable for all ages and people with an average level of fitness. There are no steps so this walk is buggy friendly, although be aware there are some steeper sections.

This trail is known for stunning views of Wellington Harbour and Petone, and the tranquil native forest in Gilberd Bush Reserve. Make the most of the views by pausing along the walkway one of the many viewpoints.

This trail is shared-used. The track goes below Ngā Hau e Whā o Paparārangi marae and residential properties – please keep to the track.

Getting there

  • Car parking is available at Waihinahina Park, Promontory Crescent or on-street near Gilberd Bush Reserve. 
  • There are many access points from nearby streets so you can complete this walk in stages. 
  • There are regular bus services to Newlands. Timetables are available from Metlink.

Know before you go

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk by the NZ Mountain Safety Council for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list.
  • The weather changes quickly in Wellington. Take warm waterproof clothing, durable footwear, sunscreen, food, and water. 
  • The track is well-graded with a couple of steeper sections. It is suitable for buggies.
  • Keep to the track and respect trail etiquette. Mountain bikers must give way to people walking or buggies.
  • Dogs must be on leads outside dog exercise areas.

Looking for more?

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The rocky coastline, blue water, and mountains are at Red Rocks Coastal Walkway.

Red Rocks Track on Wellington's south coast

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveWellington's Red Rocks Track follows the ridgeline on the south coast. Enjoy views of the Cook Strait before walking down to the coastline to see fur seals and marine life.

The Fenceline Trail in Waimapihi Reserve. It travels alongside the fence of Zealandia, amongst trees, to the Brooklyn Wind Turbine.

Fenceline track (boundary of Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne)

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveFenceline in Waimapihi Reserve (formerly Polhill) follows the boundary of Zealandia ecosanctuary. Hear native birdsong on this walking and mountain bike trail.

A section of the Sawmill trail in Waimapihi Reserve overlooking the Wellington Harbour.

Sawmill

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveSawmill is a quick connector trail between Ashton Fitchett Drive and the popular Fenceline trail near the Brooklyn Wind Turbine in Wellington.

A section of the Transient trail in Waimapihi Reserve. The dirt trail goes around burms, onto wooden platforms, and has great views of the city.

Transient

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveThe main track through Waimapihi Reserve (formerly Polhill) that connects to some of the most popular trails in the reserve.

A scenic view of Porirua Harbour from Colonial Knob Walkway on Rangituhi/Colonial Knob on a misty dawn.

Te Araroa Walkway

Te Araroa Walkway is an intermediate trail from Ohariu Valley Road to the summit of Rangituhi/Colonial Knob.

A young couple enjoy the view from Mount Victoria lookout in Wellington.

Mount Victoria Lookout Walkway

The Mount Victoria Lookout Walkway starts from the city and climbs through pine forests. It's the best place for views of the city and Wellington Harbour.

A nature trail in a forest.

Bootleg

Centennial ReserveBootleg is a short mountain bike access track in Centennial Reserve that is easy for kids and beginners. It turns other tracks into loop tracks.

A mountain biking track in Centennial Reserve.

Conviction

Centennial ReserveConviction is a long trail with a bit of challenge in Miramar’s Centennial Reserve. It's a shared-use track, where walkers must give way to mountain bikers.

The Repeat Offender track at Centennial Reserve in Miramar.

Repeat Offender

Centennial ReserveRepeat Offender in Centennial Reserve is an intermediate mountain bike track with switchbacks, a gap jump, and pump sections.

The view overlooking the bay from the Solitary trail at Centennial Reserve.

Solitary

Centennial ReserveSolitary is an intermediate to advanced level mountain bike trail in Centennial Reserve with challenging features including double drops.