Battle Hill Farm Forest Park is a 500-hectare working farm and regional park at 610 Paekākāriki Hill Road in Pāuatahanui, Porirua — about 30 kilometres north of central Wellington. Managed by Greater Wellington Regional Council, the park combines working farmland with walking tracks, mountain biking, horse riding and camping, plus the Horokiri Stream which is popular with children for wading and cooling off in summer. It is one of the region’s most accessible rural day-trip destinations for Wellington families.
Practical Information
| Address | 610 Paekākāriki Hill Road, Pāuatahanui, Porirua |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Turn off SH1 at Paekākāriki onto Paekākāriki Hill Road; drive 11.5 km to the park entrance |
| Entry | Free (day use); camping charges apply |
| Activities | Walking (15 min to 4 hours), mountain biking, horse riding, stream play, picnicking, camping |
| Facilities | Ken Gray Education Centre, picnic areas, toilets, car parking |
| Camping | Yes — tent and campervan sites (no powered sites or dump station) |
| Managed by | Greater Wellington Regional Council |
About Battle Hill Farm Forest Park
Battle Hill Farm Forest Park is one of the Wellington region’s most distinctive parks — a working sheep and cattle farm that is also open to the public for recreation. The combination of open farmland, stream gullies and forested ridges gives the park a rural character quite different from the city’s coastal and bush reserves. Walking tracks range from short 15-minute strolls to four-hour circuits through the park’s varied terrain.
The Horokiri Stream runs through the park near the campsites and is a popular spot in summer — children and families use it to paddle, wade and cool off. Stream spots are dotted along the route near the camping area, providing a natural play space without formal equipment.
Walking and Mountain Biking
The park’s track network includes options for walkers only and shared-use tracks for mountain bikers and horse riders. Some tracks offer ridge views across the hills to the Kāpiti Coast. The Ken Gray Education Centre, centrally located near the car park and toilets, serves as an information and base point for visits. Greater Wellington holds an annual Battle Hill Farm Day event at the park, a popular family-oriented open day that includes farm demonstrations and activities.
Greater Wellington Regional Council — Battle Hill Farm Forest Park has current track maps, camping information and event dates. Kids On Board — Battle Hill Farm reviews the park from a family visitor perspective.
FAQ
Where is Battle Hill Farm Forest Park?
The park is at 610 Paekākāriki Hill Road, Pāuatahanui, Porirua. Turn off State Highway 1 at Paekākāriki and drive 11.5 km along Paekākāriki Hill Road to the entrance.
Can I camp at Battle Hill Farm Forest Park?
Yes — tent and campervan sites are available. There are no powered sites or dump stations. Camping charges apply.
Is there stream access at Battle Hill?
Yes — the Horokiri Stream runs through the park near the camping area and is popular for wading and cooling off in summer.
Can I mountain bike or horse ride at Battle Hill?
Yes — several tracks are open to mountain bikers and horse riders. Some tracks are walking only; check the track information at the park entrance.
How long are the walks at Battle Hill Farm Forest Park?
Walks range from 15 minutes to 4 hours, catering to different ages and fitness levels.
Browse Wellington region playgrounds and outdoor spaces at Playgrounds in Wellington. Queen Elizabeth Park on the Kāpiti Coast is another large regional park suitable for families.