Hikes and Walks in Porirua You Can’t Miss
Whether you’re based in Porirua for the work opportunities or just want to see a different side of Wellington, Porirua is a city full of things to do. One of the best ways to see the scenery and do something for free is by taking on one of the many walks in Porirua! From easy flat walks in wildlife-filled habitats to uphill climbs to amazing views, there’s a walk in Porirua for everyone.
In between walking and hiking in Porirua, make sure to check out these 10 Fun Things to do in Porirua! Plus, we recommend checking out the nearby Kapiti Coast for more excellent things to do in the Wellington region!
1. Te Ara Piko Walkway (50 Minutes One Way)
Follow this walkway along the shores of the Pauatahanui Inlet crossing native salt marshes and wetland habitat. The flat walkway is a mix of gravel and boardwalks. Look out for birds and combine the walk with a visit to the Pauatahanui Wildlife Management Reserve (see below).
Location: Start the walk from Matukaraka Point, off Greys Road in Plimmerton (park at the toilets). Walk around the Motukaraka Point Road to the pathway at the eastern end.
© Rudolph89 on Wikipedia2. Colonial Knob (3-5 Hours Return)
This fantastic hike takes you 468-metre (1535ft) high to reveal amazing views of Porirua city, the rural countryside and even as far as the South Island and the Kapiti Coast. The walk starts by climbing through native bush then traverses the hilltops.
Location: Raiha Street, Elsdon.
© Arnhemcr on Wikipedia3. Pauatahaunui Wildlife Management Reserve
On your exploration of the Pauatahanui Inlet don’t miss the Pauatahaunui Wildlife Reserve with short walking tracks and hides for bird watching!
Location: Off Paekakariki Hill Road, Pauatahaunui Village.
© Richard Taylor on Wikipedia4. The Camborne Walkway (30 Minutes One Way)
Another awesome perspective of the Pauatahaunui Inlet is from The Camborne Walkway. This is a sheltered and flat walkway providing excellent views toward the suburb of Whitby and the colourful Camborne boatsheds. The walk starts from Dolly Varden Beach, one of the great beaches in the Porirua area!
Location: Start from either Dolly Varden Beach, Pascoe Avenu, Mana Esplanade or from Greys Road, Plimmerton (by the water-ski club).
© Rudolph89 on Wikipedia5. Aotea Lagoon (10 Minutes Loop)
One of the city’s best-loved parks, the Aotea Lagoon has a wide sealed pathway circumventing the lagoon. There’s plenty of picnic areas, gardens and even a fitness station.
Location: From State Highway 1, take the Whitford Brown turn-off then left onto Papakowhai Road.
© Arnhemcr at en.wikipedia6. Ara Harakeke Walk (2h20min One Way)
For an easy but longer coastal walk in Porirua, take on the Ara Harakeke Walk! This pathway, which can be walked or cycled, goes between Paremata and Pukerua Bay running alongside a mix of rugged coastline, four beaches and wetland. Stop off for coffee and one of the communities of Mana, Plimmerton and Pukerua Bay. The pathway takes about 45 minutes to cycle.
Location: Start from Paremata Railway Station or Pukerua Bay shops where the walk is signposted.
© Pseudopanax at English Wikipedia7. Taua Tapu Track (40 Minutes One Way)
Walk through native forest to a lookout overlooking Plimmerton and Mana Island on this short walk on a mix of gravel and grass tracks. A nice loop can be made by following the Plimmerton roads down to the waterfront and walk along the waterfront. This walk features on our 10 Best Walks in Wellington.
Location: Start from the bottom of the track at the end of a road called The Track, Plimmerton or start from the top of the track toward the end of Airlie Road before it intersects with State Highway 1.
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Whitby Walkways (45 Minutes – 3 Hours One Way)
You have 15km (9 miles) of walkways to explore with beautiful views of bush-clad hills and coastline. However, if you want to pick one of the shorter walks, the Whitby Walkway is a favourite. Follow this 4km (2.5-mile) pathway alongside a stream and past a children’s playground.
Location: Start from either Samuel Marsden School off Discovery Drive or from Postgate Park, following the path through the subway under Postgate Drive.
© Karora on Wikipedia9. Whitireia Park (1h30min One Way)
Walk through the farmland of Whitireia Park on this flat walkway overlooking the coast. There are farm stiles to cross and sometimes farm animals to look at.
Location: Onepoto Road (near the Onepoto Boat Sheds).
© Pixnio
