Last updated July 2026
Battle Hill Farm Forest Park is a 500-hectare regional park at 610 Paekakariki Hill Road, Pauatahanui, Porirua, northwest of Wellington. It features rolling farmland, regenerating native bush and forestry, walking tracks, a campground and farm animals. The park offers views over the Pauatahanui Inlet and, on clear days, north toward Mount Taranaki. Day access is free, and it serves as an accessible spot for day trips or short stays from Wellington and the Kāpiti Coast.
Practical Information
| Address | 610 Paekakariki Hill Road, Pauatahanui, Porirua |
| Vehicle access hours | 6am–8pm (October–March); 6am–6pm (April–September) |
| Day admission | Free |
| Camping | Year-round, first come first served; approximately $8 per adult and $4 per child per night (under 5s free). No bookings. |
| Facilities | Car park, toilets (wheelchair accessible), picnic tables, playground, treated drinking water, Ken Gray Education Centre |
| Dogs | Not permitted anywhere in the park |
| Managed by | Greater Wellington Regional Council |
About Battle Hill Farm Forest Park
Battle Hill Farm Forest Park takes its name from an 1846 clash during the New Zealand Wars between government forces and around 250 of Te Rangihaeata’s men near the summit. The site includes interpretive information on the historic events. Today the park combines working farmland with native bush and forestry plantations across 500 hectares of varied terrain.
The park lies on Paekakariki Hill Road, providing convenient access between State Highway 1 at Paekākāriki and Pauatahanui. It supports a range of activities including walking, mountain biking, horse riding and camping. An indoor arena serves the Wellington branch of Riding for the Disabled, and the park hosts school visits focused on farm education.
Current notices include partial weekday closures of the Puketiro Loop Track due to logging operations and occasional wet-weather restrictions on vehicle access in the campground. Visitors should check the official Greater Wellington website for the latest updates before travel.
Walking and Tracks
The park offers multiple tracks ranging from easy farm roads to more challenging hill climbs. The Battle Hill Summit Loop is a popular moderate route of approximately 3.5 km with around 165 m elevation gain, passing through farmland and forest with historical storyboards. It reaches a summit area with views over the Pauatahanui Inlet and Porirua basin.
Other options include the Restoration Trail and sections of the Puketiro Forest Loop. The Puketiro Loop Track is closed to recreational users Monday to Friday from 4am to 5pm due to logging; one side of the loop remains open outside those hours and on public holidays. Walkers should stay on marked tracks, especially in wet conditions, and note that some trails are shared with mountain bikers and horse riders.
Playground and Family Activities
The park includes a playground near the main facilities, making it suitable for families with children. Visitors can also explore the working farm to see sheep, hens and the woolshed. The Ken Gray Education Centre provides a base for school groups and family visits, with ranger-led introductions to farm animals available by arrangement. Picnic tables and open grassy areas support relaxed outdoor time alongside the playground.
What Visitors Often Say
The summit walk offers rewarding views and interesting historical storyboards along the way, with a good mix of terrain for a half-day outing.
Families appreciate the playground, farm animals and easy access to camping facilities, noting the peaceful rural setting close to the city.
Where to Learn More
Greater Wellington — Battle Hill Farm Forest Park: official details on tracks, camping, current notices and activities.
Battle Hill Farm Forest Park Trail Map: downloadable map showing all tracks and features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Battle Hill Farm Forest Park?
At 610 Paekakariki Hill Road, Pauatahanui, Porirua, roughly 6 km from SH58 or 11.5 km from SH1 at Paekākāriki.
Is day access free?
Yes, day access and parking are free. Camping incurs a fee.
Why is it called Battle Hill?
The name commemorates an 1846 battle during the New Zealand Wars between government forces and supporters of Te Rangihaeata near the summit.
Can I camp here?
Yes, camping is available year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with fees of approximately $8 per adult and $4 per child per night.
Are dogs allowed?
No, dogs are not permitted anywhere in the park because it is a working farm.
What tracks are available?
Options include the Battle Hill Summit Loop and other farm and forest trails. The Puketiro Loop Track has weekday closures due to logging; check current status on the Greater Wellington website.
Is there a playground?
Yes, a playground is located near the main facilities and parking area, alongside picnic tables and farm viewing opportunities.
Are there any current restrictions?
Vehicle access may be limited in wet conditions, and parts of the Puketiro Loop are closed weekdays for logging. Always check the official site for notices.
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