Northern Start
Cable Car Terminus, Wellington Botanic Gardens
Southern End
Junction of Oriental Parade and Carlton Gore Rd
Distance
6km
Time
2hr
Track Standard
Road margin
Footpath
Easy tramping track
Tramping track
Route
Mixed grade
Description
(North to South)
(North to South)
This Section traverses the Botanic Garden, the City and around to Oriental Bay. There are many spectacular views of Wellington’s picturesque harbour, a wander right past the New Zealand Government Buildings and a walk down Wellington's "Golden Mile" shopping strip - passing outdoor shops in Willis and Mercer Streets: Kathmandu, Macpac and Bivouac.
Botanic Garden - 2km / 30min
This section begins at the top of the Botanic Garden. From the north side of Cable Car terminal head north on a sealed level path past the Observatory and a sundial then downhill on the ‘City to Sea’ walkway. There are numerous garden paths but Te Araroa follows the ‘City to Sea’ walkway through the garden. You will pass various sculptures, go through native bush, pass a café, a large rose garden, a playing field and then head downhill through ‘Bolton St Memorial Park’. A pedestrian bridge takes walkers across the main city motorway, then leave the City to Sea by turning hard left. Meander down past a white 12 storey high rise building to Bowen St. Just before the Bowen St exit, take a minute to inspect the cutout steel sculptures dedicated to Te Araroa - these were unveiled in 2017 by the Mayor of Wellington. Follow Bowen St down slope to Lambton Quay, passing the New Zealand Government Buildings (aka "the Beehive").
City, Waterfront, Oriental Bay - 4km / 1.5hr
This route begins at the corner of Bowen St and Lambton Quay. Turn right and follow Lambton Quay (Te Araroa plaques in pavement) through the main city shopping street (800m) until it merges with Willis St. Follow Willis St then turn left into Mercer St. Cross Victoria St and enter the Wellington Civic Centre. Walk through the centre and up onto a large wood decorated pedestrian bridge to the harbour. Descend the steps on left then turn right, pass large white water feature and walk out to the waterfront. Turn hard right (south) and follow the wharf past the Te Papa Museum and the boat harbour. Continue left and follow Oriental Parade (and beach) to the far end (east).
PLEASE NOTE...
In the city, the route is marked with brass plaques in the pavement. Along the waterfront the route is not heavily marked though somehwat obvious - follow the waterfront past Te Papa Museum to the far end of Oriental Bay. If you're thirsty, stop for a drink at one of the Te Araroa-themed drinking fountains en route.
Potential Hazards
- Vehicles on road or track Multiple Road crossings through the city
- Track exposed to sun, wind or cold
Description
(North to South)
(North to South)
This Section traverses the Botanic Garden, the City and around to Oriental Bay. There are many spectacular views of Wellington’s picturesque harbour, a wander right past the New Zealand Government Buildings and a walk down Wellington's "Golden Mile" shopping strip - passing outdoor shops in Willis and Mercer Streets: Kathmandu, Macpac and Bivouac.
Botanic Garden - 2km / 30min
This section begins at the top of the Botanic Garden. From the north side of Cable Car terminal head north on a sealed level path past the Observatory and a sundial then downhill on the ‘City to Sea’ walkway. There are numerous garden paths but Te Araroa follows the ‘City to Sea’ walkway through the garden. You will pass various sculptures, go through native bush, pass a café, a large rose garden, a playing field and then head downhill through ‘Bolton St Memorial Park’. A pedestrian bridge takes walkers across the main city motorway, then leave the City to Sea by turning hard left. Meander down past a white 12 storey high rise building to Bowen St. Just before the Bowen St exit, take a minute to inspect the cutout steel sculptures dedicated to Te Araroa - these were unveiled in 2017 by the Mayor of Wellington. Follow Bowen St down slope to Lambton Quay, passing the New Zealand Government Buildings (aka "the Beehive").
City, Waterfront, Oriental Bay - 4km / 1.5hr
This route begins at the corner of Bowen St and Lambton Quay. Turn right and follow Lambton Quay (Te Araroa plaques in pavement) through the main city shopping street (800m) until it merges with Willis St. Follow Willis St then turn left into Mercer St. Cross Victoria St and enter the Wellington Civic Centre. Walk through the centre and up onto a large wood decorated pedestrian bridge to the harbour. Descend the steps on left then turn right, pass large white water feature and walk out to the waterfront. Turn hard right (south) and follow the wharf past the Te Papa Museum and the boat harbour. Continue left and follow Oriental Parade (and beach) to the far end (east).
PLEASE NOTE...
In the city, the route is marked with brass plaques in the pavement. Along the waterfront the route is not heavily marked though somehwat obvious - follow the waterfront past Te Papa Museum to the far end of Oriental Bay. If you're thirsty, stop for a drink at one of the Te Araroa-themed drinking fountains en route.
Note: Map is indicative only
Extra Info
Wellington City
General information
i-SITE Visitor Centre - Civic Square, Cnr Victoria & Wakefield Sts, Wellington - P: 04 802 4860.
DOC Visitor Information Centre - 18 Manners St, Wellington - P: 04 384 7770 - E: wellingtonvc@doc.govt.nz.
Getting there/away
Interislander ferry to/from Wellington & Picton - multiple departures daily - P: 0800 802 802
Bluebridge - P: 0800 844 844
Air New Zealand - regular flights to and from Wellington - P: 0800 737 000
Jetstar - P: 0800 800 995
InterCity - P: 04 385 0520
Naked Bus - P: 0900 62533 (calls cost)
Interislander ferry to/from Wellington & Picton - multiple departures daily - P: 0800 802 802
Bluebridge - P: 0800 844 844
Air New Zealand - regular flights to and from Wellington - P: 0800 737 000
Jetstar - P: 0800 800 995
InterCity - P: 04 385 0520
Naked Bus - P: 0900 62533 (calls cost)
Rental Cars - multiple options available
Mana Bus - P: 09 367 9140
Mana Bus - P: 09 367 9140
Accommodation
Full range of hostel, motel and other accommodation providers including:
Full range of hostel, motel and other accommodation providers including:
YHA Wellington - 292 Wakefield Street, Te Aro, Wellington P: 04 801 7280 E: wellington@yha.co.nz
Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers - 1 Bunny St - P: 0800 225 725
Base Wellington - 23 Cambridge Tce - P: 04 801 5666
BBH Lodge in the City - 152 Taranaki St - P: 04 385 8560
Nomads Capital Backpackers - 118-120 Wakefield St - P: 0508 666 237
Wild Zebra Backpackers - 58 Tory St - P: 0508 00 5858
Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers - 1 Bunny St - P: 0800 225 725
Base Wellington - 23 Cambridge Tce - P: 04 801 5666
BBH Lodge in the City - 152 Taranaki St - P: 04 385 8560
Nomads Capital Backpackers - 118-120 Wakefield St - P: 0508 666 237
Wild Zebra Backpackers - 58 Tory St - P: 0508 00 5858
Environment
- Take all rubbish with you
- Use toilets provided
Amenities
(Start)
(Start)
- Full range of amenities in Wellington CBD
- Toilets en route
- Shop
Amenities
(On Route)
(On Route)
- Full range of amenities
- Toilets
- Shop
Amenities
(End)
(End)
- Full range of amenities
- Roadside parking only
- Toilets
- Shop
- Accommodation YHA Wellington
Closest Town(s)
Porirua/Johnsonville
Managed by
TAWT
Contact
Debby McColl
