Last updated July 2026
Trelissick Park is a 24-hectare bush reserve in the Ngaio Gorge area of Wellington, providing a regenerating native forest and stream valley experience close to the city. The park follows the Kaiwharawhara Stream and connects to the Northern Walkway, offering well-formed tracks through native bush with historic features. It serves as an important ecological corridor for birds and supports community restoration efforts by the Trelissick Park Group. Visitors appreciate the off-leash dog exercise area and the sense of bush immersion within suburban Wellington.
Practical Information
| Location | Ngaio Gorge, Ngaio, Wellington |
| Entrances | Bottom of Ngaio Gorge Road, Kaiwharawhara Road, Trelissick Crescent, Waikowhai Street, Hanover Street, Oban Street |
| Getting There | Drive or take Metlink bus to Ngaio; short walk to entrances |
| Parking | Limited street parking at multiple entrances including Kaiwharawhara Road and Trelissick Crescent |
| Entry | Free |
| Hours | Open at all times |
| Facilities | Minimal; no toilets or café in the park. Nearest facilities in Ngaio village |
| Dogs | Off-leash dog exercise area; clean up after dogs |
| Mountain Biking | Not permitted |
| Accessibility | Well-formed tracks but steep in places; not suitable for pushchairs on most sections |
About Trelissick Park
Trelissick Park occupies a narrow valley in the Kaiwharawhara Stream catchment below Ngaio Gorge Road. The reserve features regenerating native bush including tawa, kohekohe and tree ferns, along with an intact urban stream that supports native fish and eels. The park forms part of a key bird corridor linking to nearby reserves such as Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush and Zealandia.
The area has historical significance as a traditional Māori route from the harbour toward Porirua and as an early European transport corridor. Remnants of 1870s gunpowder magazines remain near the lower track, and the park takes its name from the Cornish estates of Captain Daniell, an early Ngaio settler. In 2024 the park was extended following a land gift from a local resident.
The Trelissick Park Group has worked since 1990 on pest control, planting and advocacy to restore the native ecosystem. The park’s compact size and multiple access points make it convenient for regular local use while providing genuine bush scenery and stream crossings.
Walking Tracks
The main Trelissick Park Loop is a 3 kilometre circuit that takes approximately 2 hours. It follows the Kaiwharawhara Stream past the historic powder magazine, crosses several bridges, climbs briefly to a ridgeline section of the Northern Walkway, and returns via the stream. A fish ladder side trail offers an optional short detour.
The Northern Walkway also traverses the park between Waikowhai Street and Hanover Street, providing longer options that connect toward Wadestown or other western suburbs reserves. Track maps are available on the Wellington City Council website, and signs at entrances indicate route options of varying lengths.
Tracks are well formed with some steps and uneven sections. The terrain suits most walkers at a relaxed pace, though some steeper climbs exist. The lower stream-side sections offer easier walking for shorter visits.
What Visitors Often Say
Walkers enjoy the peaceful stream-side path and the feeling of being in native bush close to the city, with good birdlife and interesting historic features along the way.
Dog owners appreciate the off-leash opportunities and the variety of tracks, noting that the park is popular with locals for daily exercise in a natural setting.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council – Trelissick Park: Official page with access details, track information and bylaws.
Wellington City Council – Trelissick Park Loop: Detailed route description and map for the main circuit.
Trelissick Park Group: Volunteer group site with maps, history and restoration updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trelissick Park free to visit?
Yes, entry is free and the park is open at all times.
Are dogs allowed at Trelissick Park?
Yes, it is an off-leash dog exercise area. Dogs must be on leads outside designated areas and owners should clean up after them.
How long is the Trelissick Park Loop track?
The loop is 3 kilometres and typically takes about 2 hours to complete.
Is mountain biking allowed in Trelissick Park?
No, mountain biking is not permitted in the park.
Are there toilets or other facilities in Trelissick Park?
There are no toilets or cafés within the park. The nearest facilities are in Ngaio village.
What wildlife might I see?
Native birds including tūī, kererū, pīwakawaka and occasionally kākā can be seen or heard. Eels are visible in the stream.
Is the park suitable for families or beginners?
The lower stream sections are easier, but many tracks have steps and steeper sections. It suits most walkers but is not ideal for pushchairs on bush tracks.
Has the park been extended recently?
Yes, the park was extended in 2024 following a generous land gift from a local resident.
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