Welly Walks goes wild

There are plenty of trails to explore in Ōtari‑Wilton’s Bush, but Te Ara o Kaiwharawhara Awa is the one delivering the treats. Beginning at the main Wilton Road entrance, make your way down to the Troup Picnic Lawn. From there, follow the pink markers along the Kaiwharawhara Stream through Wellington’s oldest native forest. This gentle, buggy‑friendly route is ideal for families wanting a wander with the chance to spot eels along the way. The Welly Walks box awaits on the Southern Picnic Lawn, filled with salted caramel cookies from Shelly Bay Baker.

Te Ara o Kaiwharawhara Awa | Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush

Bridge Road carpark is the starting point for another picturesque Welly Walk. If you follow the signs to Birchville Dam, you’ll find an easy gravel track that crosses bridges and winds through lush bush. It’ll take 15 minutes to reach the foot of the historic Birchville Dam, where baked treats from Jean’s are hidden. From here, choose to return the way you came or keep climbing along Cannon Point Walkway. The uphill route is more challenging, but once you reach the Cannon Point Trig, you’ll be rewarded with views across the Hutt Valley.  

Cannon Point Walkway

Camborne Walkway is one of Porirua’s most popular trails, and for Welly Walks weekend, it’s going to be even sweeter. Follow the shoreline path along the Pāuatahanui Inlet while enjoying birdlife and the colourful Camborne boatsheds. The Welly Walks box will be filled with delicious treats from Sweet & Co. 

On Saturday, start your walk from Dolly Varden Beach on Mana Esplanade. On your way to the boatsheds, look for the box on a patch of lawn on your left. On Sunday, walkers will find the box at the north end of the Camborne Walkway, on the lawn near the Wellington Jet Sport Club. 

Camborne Walkway

Track down your treats on Coast 35. This trail runs the length of the Kāpiti Coastline between Paekākāriki and Ōtaki. The box is hidden along a shorter section between Paraparaumu and Waikanae. Keep your eyes peeled for the specially marked box, where you can choose between a jar of Kapiti Island Honey or coffee from The Roastery (remember, only take one).

Coast 35 is a shared off‑road trail weaving through dunes and wetlands, bridges, and art‑filled underpasses. Explore it on foot or, for those wanting to cover more ground, by bike.

Coast 35

Located in Wainuiomata Regional Park, the Gums Loop Walk is a gentle, family‑friendly track weaving through towering gum trees. Begin at the Whitcher Grove car park and follow the wide gravel trail anti‑clockwise along the Wainuiomata River. Swimming spots and a hidden fairy garden make it a great walk for kids. Near the end of the loop, you’ll reach the historic Mackay Cottage site, once a base for workers building the Morton Dam. Today, a sign and rock outline mark the former site. Here you’ll find bags of JoJo’s Sweet Treats.

Gums Loop Walk

A wide limestone pathway connects the historic Woodside Railway Station to Greytown. It weaves through an avenue of mature oak trees and offers great views of the Tararua Ranges and Gladstone Hills. You can choose to walk or bike the trail. Dogs are welcome, as long as they’re on leash. 

If starting in Greytown, begin the trail at the arched entrance on Cotter Street. About halfway, you’ll cross a small stream surrounded by a row of pine trees. Look for the Welly Walks box tucked into the long grass. Inside are golden jars of Greytown Honey.

Greytown to Woodside Trail