A new way to experience Ōtari-Wilton's Bush

We’ve refreshed the walking experiences at Ōtari-Wilton's Bush. While no new paths have been built, some existing routes have been rerouted into clearer loops and gifted new names by mana whenua. Alongside this, you’ll notice brand new directional signage, updated map boards, and two new brochures: one for the Forest Tracks and another for the Native Botanic Garden. An updated Nature Trail is also ready to explore. All materials are available in both te reo Māori and English.

Why the changes?

We wanted to create a clearer, more consistent experience. The new routes are designed to help you choose a walk that suits your time and energy level, from easy strolls to challenging tramps.

What’s new on the ground

All the old signage has been replaced with bollard-style markers topped in colour, showing the track name. Where tracks overlap, you’ll see multiple colours alongside the Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush label. Each bollard also shows distances to important points along the way.

The walking experiences themselves have been reimagined by linking existing tracks into intuitive, themed loops. This gives every visitor, from first-timers to long-time locals, a clear set of options to explore the beautiful landscapes of Ōtari.

Track names and their stories

The new track names were gifted by Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika and reflect the cultural landscape and physical character of each route:

• Te Ara Porowhita – The Circular Track: A loop that honours the original name and the reserve first set aside by Job Wilton.
  
  
• Te Ara Pīnaki – The Gently Rising Track: A meandering loop through forest and along the Kaiwharawhara Stream.
  
  
• Te Ara o Tama – Named for Ngāti Tama ki Kaiwharawhara, whose land this track crosses.
  
  
• Te Ara Tūpoupou – The Steeply Rising Track: A demanding climb through native forest.
  
  
• Te Ara o Kaiwharawhara Awa – The Kaiwharawhara Stream Track: Following the flow of this culturally significant awa.
  
  
• Te Ara Koukouoro Nature Trail – The Track Through Dense Dark Bush: A place to hear the resonant calls of ruru (morepork).
  

Walks to suit everyone

Each track offers a different way to connect with the forest:

• Te Ara Porowhita – 1.6km loop, 30–60min, Easy. Our most popular walk with stream, forest, and gardens.
  
  
• Te Ara Pīnaki – 3.25km loop, 60–90min, Easy. A gentle rise through forest and cemetery with streamside return.
  
  
• Te Ara o Tama – 4.75km loop, 90–120min, Moderate. Ancient forest tramp, visit Moko the 800-year-old rimu.
  
  
• Te Ara Tūpoupou – 2km loop, 60–90min, Hard. A steep, step-filled climb through old-growth forest.
  
  
• Te Ara o Kaiwharawhara Awa – 2km one way, 60–90min return, Easy. Flat, streamside walk, buggy-friendly.
  
  
• Te Ara Koukouoro Nature Trail – 750m loop, 15–45min, Moderate. A self-guided forest and garden trail.
  

Brochures and maps

To make exploring even easier, we’ve created two new brochures:

• Forest Tracks – highlighting the different walks through Wilton's Bush Reserve.
  
  
• Native Botanic Garden – introducing the Ōtari Native Botanic Garden plant collections from across Aotearoa.
  
  

By separating these, you can quickly find what you’re after—whether it’s a forest adventure or a stroll among native plants.