Section 60 of 93 · Wellington/Kapiti

Ngaio

Distance
7.8 km
Time
3.5 hours
Grade
Easy
Ascent
514 m
High point
223 m
Type
Day walk

Walking this section

Introduction

Te Araroa trail section: From Ngaio, the route follows Wellington City Council's Northern Walkway, through Trelissick Park, over Te Ahumairangi Hill (Tinakori) and through Wellington Botanic Gardens, ending at the top Terminus of the Wellington Cable Car

There are exits to Wellington suburban shops and city transport from Ngaio and Wadestown. 

Awarua Street to the Cable Car Terminal - 7km

200m before the bottom of Awarua Street turn right into Cummings Park. Exit the park at Ngaio Library, turning right down Ottawa Road (joins Northern Walkway)

Follow Ottawa Road to the roundabout and continue straight into Waikowhai Road. After roundabout use pedestrian crossing and keep to the footpath. Turn hard left down into bush-clad Trelissick Park (before suburban rail underpass).

Soon after 'Wightwicks Field' leave the Northern Walkway and follow Te Araroa signs along the valley floor. After the river gorge, turn hard right to rejoin the Northern Walkway up a steep track to Hanover Street. At top of Hanover Street turn left into Wadestown Road. Cross Wadestown Road at bus toilets, go up steps to Weld Street.

Head up Weld Street, cross Margaret and Wade Streets. Near the top of Weld Street turn sharp left (east) into Te Ahumairangi Park (previously "Tinakori Hill") on a gravel vehicle track. Follow Northern Walkway around the side of the hill with city views to St Mary Street.

At the lower end of St Mary Street, leave Northern Walkway and turn right up Tinakori Road for 300m. Cross over Tinakori Road at the pedestrian crossing and enter Wellington Botanic Garden through the 'Founders Gate'. Follow Te Araroa signs through the Gardens uphill to the Cable Car Terminal.

Getting there

Northern Start: Mt Kaukau, Wellington
Southern End: Cable Car Terminus, Wellington Botanic Gardens
Elevation 514 m ascent · 39–223 m
0 km 7.8 km

Track conditions

Potential Hazards

  • Vehicles on road or track
  • Farming operations
  • Track exposed to sun, wind or cold High winds and rain are common on Skyline Track
  • The section along the tops are very exposed and prone to high winds
  • Bypass in Trelissick Park through Northern Walkway if Korimako Stream flooded

Dogs on leash only.

Accommodation

  • Tui Birdsong Bed and Breakfast - 18 Orari Street, Ngaio -Belynda and Adam - Belyndajack@gmail.com 027 289 8608 
    • loads of transport options
    • comfortable private bedroom set up for our bed & breakfast guests 
    • private toilet and shower
    • wifi
    • small fridge
    • washing machine,
    • bbq 
    • continental breakfast provided if needed

Food and supplies

  • Cafe Villa on Ottawa Road is a highly recommended stop for Te Araroa walkers