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Otari-Wilton's Bush - Attractions

Walkways

Walking tracks

Otari-Wilton's Bush features about 11km of walking tracks through native bush and garden collections.

Tracks are signposted. Forest trails are slippery when wet. Sturdy footwear is recommended.

The following walking times are approximate and depend on fitness.

Nature Trail: 20 - 40 minutes. Some steps, and steep in places. Brochures are available at the Information Centre end of the Canopy Walkway.
Kaiwharawhara Track: 30 minutes. A gentle walk along the stream.
Blue Trail: One hour. Mainly through dense kohekohe forest. Some steps. The track is steep in places. Features an 800-year old rimu.
Yellow Trail: 40 minutes. Forest walk through Bledisloe Gorge. Challenging with some steps.
Red Trail: 40 minutes. Some steps, and steep in places.
Circular Walk: 30 minutes. Some steps, and steep in places.
Wilton Walkway: 5 minutes. A gentle walk to the viewing platform. Wheelchair friendly.
Canopy Walkway: A 75 metre canopy walkway - 18 metres above the forest floor – links the two main garden areas. Good footwear is required.

Otari-Wilton's Bush - Track Map (226Kb PDF)

Native Birds

Otari-Wilton's Bush is a haven for native birds including tui, kereru, silver eye, king-fisher, grey warbler, bell birds and morepork.

Picnic Areas

Troup picnic area

Otari-Wilton's Bush is one of Wellington's best picnic spots. There are two main picnic areas - the North picnic area off Wilton's Bush Road, and the idyllic Troup Picnic Area on the Circular Walk.

The Troup Picnic Area has toilet facilities and open space ideal for large groups and school visits.

Barbecue Facilities

There are two coin operated gas barbecues and tap water at the Troup Picnic Area. Barbecues cost $1 for 15 minutes.

Carved Gateway / Waharoa

Bruce Manu, of Te Atiawa, carved the two waharoa gateways to Otari-Wilton's Bush from totara. The waharoa at the main entrance depicts unity and partnership and welcomes visitors to the reserve. The waharoa at the southern end of the Canopy Walkway depicts Tane Mahuta and the forest's guardians.