Rangituhi / Colonial Knob Walkway, Porirua

Length

1.6km

Uses

Walking/Running

Walking difficulty

Intermediate: Easier tramping track

Profile

310m climb

347m highest point

Dogs

About the trail

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. Te Titiro o Rangituhi has epic views over Porirua and is the perfect place to watch the sunrise or sunset.

Rangituhi/Colonial Knob Walkway is part of Ngā Ara o Rangituhi, a 110-hectare scenic reserve near Porirua city centre. Rangituhi is the traditional name for the site more commonly known as Colonial Knob. This maunga has great significance to mana whenua Ngāti Toa Rangatira as a symbol of resilience and strength. The name Rangituhi translates to ‘Sky Glow’, reflecting the colours of the setting sun that spread across the ridge line.

Two people look at the sunset from Rangituhi/Colonial Knob Walkway.

The name Rangituhi translates to ‘Sky Glow’, reflecting the colours of the setting sun that spread across the ridge line.

Most people start the trail at the Camp Elsdon car park. Take the left-hand track to go up the stairs, where you'll climb through some of the most beautiful native bush in the area. At about 700 steps, there’s a small bench next to a damp gully and a small waterfall. Visit this spot at night to see glowworms lighting up the bank.

The trail ends at Te Wāhi Hononga (the Hub), where you can take a short track to the lookout. There are benches where you can rest and enjoy the view.

Trail options

The fastest and most popular route to Te Titiro o Rangituhi 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. If you take Farm Road, follow Raiha Street at the end of the trail for a short walk back to the car park.
If you want more of a challenge, take Farm Road from The Hub up to Te Tihi o Rangituhi (Rangituhi Summit). This will add about 1.75km. Mount Rangituhi rises 468m above Porirua. 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.

A person wearing a vest sits on a bench looking at the scenic landscape from Rangituhi/Colonial Knob Walkway.

Getting there

The trail starts from Camp Elsdon car park and you can walk it in either direction.
There are regular bus and train services to Porirua and the surrounding area. Timetables are available from Metlink.

Know before you go

Get ready using Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list.
Take warm waterproof clothing, durable footwear, sunscreen, food and water.
This trail is part of Te Araroa — a long distance trail spanning the length of New Zealand, and is for walking only.