Wellington Regional Trails
Three friends hike in Ōtari-Wilton's Bush surrounded by native trees.

There’s a wide variety of walks available at Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, ranging from gentle 10-minute strolls to 2.5-hour hikes. Original forests and native botanic gardens attract plenty of native birds.

Length

9.3km

Uses

Walking/Running

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Profile

263m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)
The trail at Ōtari-Wilton's Bush.

About the trail

As New Zealand’s only botanic garden dedicated solely to native plants, Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush encompasses 100 hectares of native forest, with five hectares of plant collections containing around 1,200 species, hybrids, and cultivars. The collections include plants from New Zealand’s mainland and offshore islands.

Among some of the gentler tracks is the Circular Trail. It descends to the Troup Picnic Area beside Kaiwharawhara Stream. The shared open space is a sun trap, and its barbeque facilities make for great picnics. The Blue Trail is a little more challenging, with some steeper terrain. But it is well worth the effort to see an 800-year-old rimu.

Suggested routes

Person looking up at a giant native Rimu tree.

The Blue Trail is a little more challenging, with some steeper terrain. But it is well worth the effort to see an 800-year-old rimu.

Looking for more?

A view of Wellington Harbour/ Port Nicholson at golden hour with Matiu/Somes Island in the centre of the image.

Mātiu/Somes Island

Ramble around this stunning nature reserve that sits right in the middle of Wellington Harbour.

The view overlooking Wellington and the harbour from the summit of Mount Kaukau on the Skyline Walkway.

Northern Walkway

Take a journey through Wellington’s outer green belt and discover abandoned railway tunnels and expansive views.

The bright blue water and rugged coastline at Red Rocks on Wellington's south coast.

Red Rocks Coastal Walk

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveExperience the wildest part of Wellington’s rugged south coast, where you might encounter a colony of fur seals and catch views of the South Island.

Two people take a selfie together at the Mount Victoria Lookout overlooking Wellington.

Southern Walkway

Start near Wellington’s city centre and follow the Town Belt through to Island Bay.

A birdseye view of the Eastern Walkway and the surrounding water, a hiking trail in Wellington, New Zealand.

Eastern Walkway

Enjoy sweeping views over the south coast of Miramar Peninsula while walking through native bush on the Eastern Walkway. Loop back with an easy stroll along the coastline from Breaker Bay.

Mother and child walking down a concrete path surrounded by leafy trees and flowers.

Wellington Botanic Garden trails

Spectacular views are at every turn. Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā hosts exotic forest, native bush, floral displays, and themed gardens.

A dog on a leash going over a boardwalk on Redwood Bush Loop in Tawa.

Redwood Bush Loop

Enjoy native New Zealand flora and fauna in this preserved pocket of native forest.

Two people are walking up the steps in front of the Castlepoint Lighthouse in the Wairarapa region.

Castlepoint Lighthouse Walk

In a region full of wonderful vistas, this short trail along a wild, rugged coastline leads to one of the most recognisable landmarks in New Zealand.

A drone shot of two adults and two kids standing on a bridge over a river in Tararua Forest Park.

Donnelly Flat Loop Walk

An easy walk for the whole family among mature podocarp and broadleaf native trees in the Tararua Range.

A person in a white teeshirt and a black and brown dog are standing on a hillside overlooking a coastal town, the harbour and a distant mountain range.

Te Whiti Riser

A popular all-weather walking and mountain biking track overlooking Wainuiomata and Lower Hutt.