Last updated July 2026
Te Ahumairangi Hill, formerly known as Tinakori Hill, forms the northwestern end of Wellington’s Town Belt and rises above the suburbs of Thorndon, Wadestown and Northland. The reserve features established native bush, a network of walking and mountain biking tracks, and a popular lookout with panoramic views over the city and harbour. It is managed by Wellington City Council and open at all times with free public access.
Practical Information
| Location | Northwestern end of Wellington Town Belt above Thorndon, Wadestown and Northland |
| Hours | Open at all times |
| Admission | Free |
| Access points | Orangi Kaupapa Road (Northland), Weld Street and Wadestown Road (Wadestown), Grant Road and Saint Mary Street (Thorndon), Huntingdon Street (Wilton) |
| Facilities | Lookout and picnic area off Orangi Kaupapa Road (redeveloped 2010); car parks at Orangi Kaupapa Road and Weld Street; no toilets on the hill |
| Dogs | Must be kept on a leash except in designated dog exercise areas |
| Managed by | Wellington City Council |
About Te Ahumairangi Hill
Te Ahumairangi Hill is a key section of Wellington’s historic Town Belt, the green corridor that separates the inner city from outer suburbs. The slopes support well-established native forest with a mixed canopy that provides habitat for native birds including tūī and kererū. Interpretation panels at the main lookout explain the hill’s Māori and colonial history along with changes to the landscape and vegetation over time.
The hill offers elevated views across Wellington Harbour, the city and the Orongorongo Range. The lookout and picnic area off Orangi Kaupapa Road were redeveloped in 2010 and now serve as an accessible viewpoint suitable for visitors with limited time or mobility. Well-formed tracks and some four-wheel-drive ridge routes make parts of the reserve suitable for mountain buggies.
As part of the Town Belt, the hill contributes to local biodiversity and provides a green escape within easy reach of central Wellington. The reserve is popular for both short outings and longer traverses, with multiple neighbourhood entry points allowing flexible route planning.
Walks and Tracks
Te Ahumairangi Hill contains an extensive network of tracks suitable for walkers of varying abilities. The most popular route is the Ridgeline Track, which runs from Orangi Kaupapa Road in Northland to Weld Street in Wadestown. The Northern Walkway climbs from Saint Mary Street near the Wellington Botanic Garden to join the ridgeline.
The Elephant Rock Loop is a 2.7 km moderate walk taking about 2 hours that passes a distinctive rock formation and offers city views. The Stellin Loop is a shorter 1.4 km easy-to-moderate option taking about 1.5 hours that includes a memorial, steps to a lookout and connections to the picnic area. Longer options combine the Northern Walkway with the Ridgeline Track for traverses of several kilometres.
Track maps and detailed directions are available on the Wellington City Council website. Visitors should stay on marked paths to protect the bush and follow signage for permitted activities.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is permitted on most of the main connecting trails, including the Northern Walkway, Huntingdon Street to Ridgeline Track, the Ridgeline Track itself, the West-East Connector and the Grant Road Track. All other tracks are closed to bikes to protect biodiversity and track condition. Riders must give way to walkers and follow all signage.
What Visitors Often Say
Walkers appreciate the variety of loop options and the quick access to native bush and city views from central Wellington suburbs. Many note the well-maintained tracks and the peaceful atmosphere even on popular routes.
Visitors frequently mention the lookout as a highlight for photos and picnics, with some combining a short walk with a visit to nearby Thorndon or the Botanic Garden. Dog owners value the designated off-leash areas along the ridge.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council – Te Ahumairangi Hill: official details on access, facilities, dogs and biking rules.
Wellington City Council – Ahumairangi Loop: descriptions and maps for the Elephant Rock and Stellin loops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the former name of Te Ahumairangi Hill?
The hill was formerly known as Tinakori Hill and remains part of Wellington’s Town Belt reserve network.
Where can I park?
Car parks are available at Orangi Kaupapa Road in Northland and at Weld Street in Wadestown, with additional street parking near other access points.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs must be kept on a leash except in designated dog exercise areas along the ridge and off Grant Road.
Is mountain biking permitted?
Biking is allowed on most main connecting trails but restricted on other tracks; check current signage or the council website for details.
Are there toilets on the hill?
No toilets are located on Te Ahumairangi Hill itself; facilities are available in nearby suburbs.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Native birds such as tūī and kererū are commonly seen and heard in the bush canopy.
Is the lookout accessible?
The main lookout off Orangi Kaupapa Road is reachable by road and features well-formed tracks suitable for mountain buggies in some sections.
When was the lookout redeveloped?
The lookout and picnic area were redeveloped in 2010 and include interpretation panels on the hill’s history and ecology.
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