Top trails in Porirua

Rangituhi/Colonial Knob Walkway is a steep uphill climb to Te Titiro o Rangituhi (the Rangituhi Lookout). It is a return track with great views, native forest, and stairs covering more than 700 steps.

The fastest and most popular route is there-and-back from the Camp Elsdon car park, following the stairs. To make a loop, head back down to the car park on Te Ara Utiwai or Farm Road. For more of a challenge, climb up to Te Tihi o Rangituhi (Rangituhi Summit). On a clear day, you can see as far as the Inland Kaikoura Range in the South Island and to Taranaki Maunga to the northwest.

Families of all ages enjoy this trail, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. You’ll climb about 1,200 steep steps, navigate narrow pathways across ridgelines, and traverse two swing bridges.

But don’t let that put you off. It’s one of the highlights of Te Araroa Trail. Escarpment runs from Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay, taking in sweeping views of the spectacular Kāpiti coastline and Kapiti Island. The trail can be walked in either direction, but most choose to walk from north to south.

Heading south, the trail follows the Kāpiti railway line, then veers uphill and across privately-owned farmland. Along the way you’ll climb 220m above sea level. Make sure you take some well-deserved breaks to appreciate the spectacular views.

Camborne Walkway is one of the most popular trails in the Porirua area. The trail begins near Paremata Bridge and follows the shoreline of Pāuatahanui Inlet. It passes by the colourful and iconic Camborne boatsheds, with their mini gardens and displays. Along the way, you might see fish jumping from the water, native birds wading, and people out kayaking or fishing.

The walkway is mostly flat, with gentle undulations. It is narrow and rocky in places, but all stream crossings are bridged. This shared path is popular with walkers, cyclists, prams, and off-lead dogs, so it can get congested at times. Take it easy, enjoy the views, and be ready to give way to others.

Situated in Whitireia Park on the western side of Porirua Harbour, Te Onepoto Loop is an easy walking option for all ages and abilities.

Walk or ride through the active restoration area for great views out over Onehunga Bay. The well-maintained track offers beaches, meadows, steep trails, and wooded areas.

It takes about 1.5 hours to walk through this popular 6km loop track. Whitireia Park Reserve is also popular for fishing, exploring rock pools, swimming at Onehunga Bay, and kite surfing.

Only a few minutes from central Porirua, Spicer Link is a gentle, connector trail between Raiha Street and Spicer Botanical Park. Weaving beneath towering pine trees and native bush, this popular trail is ideal if you're out for a leisurely family walk or learning the basics of mountain biking.

Choose a shorter, after-work wander, or easily connect with the wider Rangituhi trail network for an extended adventure.

With more than 500 hectares of land, Battle Hill Farm Forest Park features hilly farmland and dense native forest. In 1848 Battle Hill was the location of one of the last battles between Ngāti Toa Māori and early colonial forces in the region.

You can walk or ride one of the three different trails to the top of Battle Hill. Puketiro Loop and Summit Loop are most popular.

Puketiro will see you climb through dense pine plantations and take in views over Pāuatahanui. It’s an intermediate trail suitable for walkers, bikers, and horse riders. Or as its name suggests, Summit Loop involves a climb to the summit of Battle Hill. Here you’ll see great views over the Horokiwi Valley and towards Pāuatahanui Inlet.