Last updated May 2026
Battle Hill Farm Forest Park covers about 500 hectares of rolling hills, working farmland, plantation forest and stream valleys near Pāuatahanui, between the Kāpiti Coast and Porirua. Several loop walks take you through farmland and along stream beds, with the Battle Hill Summit loop offering the best views and a connection to the historic 1848 battle between Ngāti Toa Māori and early colonial forces that gives the park its name.
Practical Information
| Location | 610 Paekākāriki Hill Road, Pāuatahanui, Porirua |
| Access | Via Paekākāriki Hill Road off SH1, or via SH58 from Pāuatahanui (6km) |
| Open | 6am–8pm (Oct–Mar); 6am–6pm (Apr–Sep) |
| Cost | Free |
| Facilities | Toilets, picnic tables, treated water, parking, camping with BBQ/fire pits |
| Dogs | On lead |
| Managed by | Greater Wellington Regional Council |
Key Tracks
Battle Hill Summit Loop climbs through grassy farmland to the Battle Hill summit, with views across Pāuatahanui inlet and the surrounding hills. Signs along the route explain the history of the 1848 battle between Ngāti Toa Māori and early colonial military forces, which took place in this area.
Transmission Gully – Puketiro Loop is a 7.5km route that takes in a wider section of the park, connecting the main farm park area to the Puketiro section and passing through plantation forest.
Restoration Trail is a track suitable for walking, biking and horse riding, climbing through dense pine plantation with views over Pāuatahanui inlet.
About the Park
Battle Hill Farm Forest Park sits at the junction of the Kāpiti Coast hills and the Pāuatahanui valley, where the land grades from working farmland near the entrance through pine plantation forest to native bush further into the hills. The park merges with the larger Akatarawa Forest to the north, providing a continuous bush corridor from the Kāpiti area into the Tararua foothills.
The park is one of the quieter regional parks in the Wellington region — less visited than the East Harbour or Kaitoke parks — and offers a combination of open farm walking and bush tracks that’s more unusual in the Wellington area.
What Visitors Say
“A great off-the-beaten-track park. The views over Pauatahanui from the summit are excellent and the history plaques add real interest to the walk.” — TripAdvisor
“Quiet and underrated — a nice mix of farmland and bush. Good facilities at the park entrance too.” — Google Reviews
Where to Learn More
Greater Wellington Regional Council — Battle Hill Farm Forest Park has the official park page with track maps, access and facilities.
WellingtonNZ — Battle Hill Farm Forest Park covers the park’s key tracks and visitor information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Battle Hill Farm Forest Park?
At 610 Paekākāriki Hill Road, Pāuatahanui, near Porirua. Turn off SH1 at Paekākāriki onto Paekākāriki Hill Road (11.5km to entrance), or off SH58 at Pāuatahanui (6km).
What are the opening hours?
6am–8pm from October to March; 6am–6pm from April to September.
What is the Battle Hill Summit Loop?
A farmland loop to the Battle Hill summit with Pāuatahanui views and information signs about the 1848 battle between Ngāti Toa Māori and colonial forces.
Can I camp in the park?
Yes — there is a campsite with BBQ and concrete fire pits. Check Greater Wellington Regional Council for booking.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on lead.
Is mountain biking permitted?
Some tracks, including the Restoration Trail, are open to bikes. Check the park map for permitted uses on each track.
What is the historical significance?
The 1848 Battle of Boulcott Farm (or Battle at the Hutt) involved Ngāti Toa forces and early colonial soldiers in one of the significant conflicts of the New Zealand Wars in the Wellington region.
Is there water available?
Yes — treated water is available at the park entrance.
The Wellington Walking Tracks hub lists all walking routes across the Wellington region. Queen Elizabeth Park on the Kāpiti Coast is nearby and offers flat coastal tracks suitable for families. The Paekakariki Escarpment Track is accessible from the SH1 end of the same area and offers a more demanding ridge walk.
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