Last updated May 2026
Rangituhi / Colonial Knob is a 475-metre hill above Porirua with 19 kilometres of mountain bike trails built and maintained by the Mana Cycle Group. The network runs through native forest and farmland on the eastern slopes of the hill, with trails ranging from easy two-way tracks to technical intermediate and difficult descents. Views from the summit extend across Porirua Harbour, Wellington and on clear days toward the South Island.
Practical Information
| Location | Rangituhi / Colonial Knob Scenic Reserve, Porirua |
|---|---|
| Main access | Raiha Street summit road (4WD); or Spicer Botanical Park, Broken Hill Road |
| Total trails | ~19 km: 2 easy, 9 intermediate, 3 difficult |
| Difficulty range | Easy to difficult |
| Cost | Free |
| Trail group | Mana Cycle Group |
About the Trails
The Mana Cycle Group has been building trails on Rangituhi’s eastern slopes for years, creating a compact but well-developed network above Porirua’s northern suburbs. The trails weave through regenerating native forest on the lower slopes and open farmland on the upper sections, with the summit providing 360-degree views over Porirua, the Hutt Valley and Wellington Harbour.
Two access points serve the network: the 4WD summit road on Raiha Street (suitable for high-clearance vehicles) and the Spicer Botanical Park car park on Broken Hill Road, which gives access to the lower trails. Most riders start from the Spicer Botanical Park side and climb through the forest to reach the upper trail network.
Key Trails
Te Ara Utiwai is the standout trail on the hill — a 5.9-kilometre climbing trail from the Raiha Street car park to the summit picnic table, winding through stunning native forest with a lookout part-way up. Mountain biking legend Simon Kennett called it “easily one of the best climbs in New Zealand” for its engaging flow and native forest setting.
The Doctor is an easy 1.6-kilometre two-way trail through regenerating forest in the Colonial Knob Scenic Reserve — accessible to most riders and a good introduction to the area. Chimney Sweep is a shorter 0.6-kilometre intermediate trail through farmland on the upper slopes.
What Visitors Say
“Unexpected! Views were incredible and the trails through native bush were a real surprise — didn’t expect this level of quality so close to Porirua.” — TripAdvisor review, Colonial Knob Walk
Where to Learn More
Trailforks — Porirua has GPS maps and difficulty ratings for the Colonial Knob trail network.
Wellington Mountain Bike Club — Where to Ride lists Colonial Knob alongside all Wellington region MTB areas.
Mountain Biking — Porirua City Council has local trail information and access details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I park for Colonial Knob trails?
Two options: the Spicer Botanical Park car park on Broken Hill Road (lower trails access), or the 4WD summit road on Raiha Street for upper trail access. Standard cars can use Spicer Botanical Park.
What is Te Ara Utiwai?
The flagship trail on Rangituhi — a 5.9km flowing climb through native forest to the summit. Described by Simon Kennett as one of the best climbs in New Zealand for its flow and forest setting.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Two easy trails (including The Doctor) are suitable for beginners. The majority of the network is intermediate to difficult.
How far is it from Wellington?
About 25–30 minutes by car from central Wellington. Porirua train station is nearby — combined train and bike ride is possible.
Are e-bikes suitable?
Yes — the trails are open to e-bikes. Te Ara Utiwai on an e-bike makes the climb very manageable.
What are the views like from the summit?
On clear days the summit provides views across Porirua Harbour, Wellington Harbour, the Hutt Valley and across Cook Strait toward the South Island.
Colonial Knob trails are part of the cycling tracks in Wellington. Also in Porirua: Ohariu Valley Road offers a scenic rural ride on the other side of the western hills. For more extensive MTB, Belmont Regional Park has 10+ trails to the south.
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