Last updated October 2026
Colonial Knob is a LINZ locality and prominent hill area in Porirua City, about 17–18 km from central Wellington and west of Tawa. Known officially as Rangituhi / Colonial Knob, it rises to 468 m and forms part of Porirua’s western hills.
The locality centres on scenic reserves with remnant native forest, walking and mountain-bike trails, and wide views over Porirua Harbour toward Kapiti and Mana Islands. It sits outside Wellington City Council boundaries and is administered by Porirua City, with Department of Conservation land on the summit.
Visitors and those considering the area find a mix of regenerating bush, open farmland edges, and easy access from Porirua’s Elsdon and Kenepuru sides.
Practical Information
- Ward or local board
- Onepoto Ward (Porirua City)
- Getting there
- Main access via Broken Hill Road (off Raiha Street / Kenepuru Drive) to Spicer Botanical Park car park, and via Raiha Street (Elsdon) for Porirua Scenic Reserve and upper tracks. Near Porirua and Kenepuru train stations; Metlink bus and train services serve Porirua, Kenepuru and surrounding areas.
- Main shopping
- Porirua city centre and nearby retail (short drive or train from access points)
- Nearby landmarks
- Spicer Botanical Park, Porirua Scenic Reserve, Te Rāhui o Rangituhi / Ngā Ara o Rangituhi, Rangituhi / Colonial Knob Scenic Reserve summit, Porirua Harbour
About Colonial Knob
Rangituhi / Colonial Knob is a large hill southwest of Porirua city centre and west of the northern Wellington suburb of Tawa. The summit stands at 468 m.
Early Māori named the peak Rangituhi, meaning “sky glow”, for the red glow that can appear along the ridge at sunset. The dual name is now widely used for the hill and surrounding public land.
The landscape is a remnant of an ancient peneplain raised by earthquakes and later eroded into steep, undulating hills. It holds some of the most significant remaining native forest in the Tawa–Porirua Basin, including lowland forest with podocarps, coastal kohekohe and tawa.
Department of Conservation manages Rangituhi / Colonial Knob Scenic Reserve on and around the summit. Porirua City Council manages adjoining areas including Te Rāhui o Rangituhi (also known as Ngā Ara o Rangituhi) and Spicer Botanical Park.
In the late nineteenth century two reservoirs were built in the scenic reserve to supply Porirua Hospital; they later became redundant once the hospital joined the city water supply. The wider hospital farm once stretched toward the top of the hill. Today the locality is valued for recreation rather than dense housing.
Trails link the Broken Hill Road entrance with Raiha Street, and the Rangituhi / Colonial Knob Walk forms part of Te Araroa Trail. On clear days the summit views reach the Inland Kaikōura Range to the south and Mount Taranaki to the north-west, with Mana and Kapiti Islands offshore and the drowned river valleys of Porirua Harbour below.
The area remains open and accessible for walking, running and mountain biking. Public access is a stated priority in discussions about the future of council-held land of significance to Ngāti Toa Rangatira. Facilities are simple: car parking at Spicer Botanical Park and near Elsdon, toilets near Elsdon Youth Camp, and picnic tables and water at Spicer Botanical Park.
Getting Around
Colonial Knob is reached from Porirua’s western side. From State Highway 1 or the Porirua motorway network, follow signs toward Kenepuru or Elsdon, then Raiha Street or Broken Hill Road. Spicer Botanical Park off Broken Hill Road is the main lower car park and a common start for walks and rides into the reserves.
Raiha Street provides on-street parking and access toward Porirua Scenic Reserve and upper farm roads. Porirua and Kenepuru railway stations are close enough for combined train-and-walk or train-and-ride trips. Metlink bus services cover Porirua city and nearby suburbs; check current timetables for the latest routes. The hills are steep in places and exposed; weather can change quickly.
Getting Outdoors
The locality is defined by its outdoor network. Rangituhi / Colonial Knob Scenic Reserve and the adjacent Porirua Scenic Reserve protect native forest and open slopes.
Multiple routes climb to the summit or lookout, typically taking three to five hours return depending on the loop chosen; DOC rates the main walk as easy to intermediate and suitable for older children when prepared. One scenic route starts at the Broken Hill Road car park, passes the old reservoirs and moves through kohekohe forest.
Other approaches use Raiha Street and gravel farm roads. Ngā Ara o Rangituhi offers a growing trail network for walkers, runners and mountain bikers across regenerating hillside between the scenic reserves, with harbour and city views.
Dogs are not permitted on the DOC Colonial Knob Walk. Always check track status with Porirua City Council and weather forecasts before setting out, and avoid streams in heavy rain.
History and Heritage
The name Rangituhi records the visual character of the ridge at dusk. The hill and surrounding land hold importance for Ngāti Toa Rangatira. European-era development included the Porirua Asylum / Hospital and its farm, which at its largest extended toward the top of the knob; reservoirs in the reserve once served the hospital.
Public ownership later secured the scenic reserves that protect the remaining forest and provide recreation. The walkway is now part of the national Te Araroa route linking Porirua toward Wellington’s northern suburbs. Council-held land at Rangituhi has been the subject of discussions about return to iwi while retaining public access.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation – Rangituhi/Colonial Knob Scenic Reserve: Official reserve information, walk description, access notes and nature background.
Porirua City Council – Natural spaces: Local parks overview including Porirua Scenic Reserve, Colonial Knob and access via Broken Hill Road.
Wikipedia – Rangituhi / Colonial Knob: Summary of name meaning, elevation, geology, reserves and Te Araroa link, with citations to primary sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Colonial Knob in relation to Wellington?
Colonial Knob is a locality in Porirua City, roughly 17–18 km from Wellington city centre and west of Tawa. It is not inside Wellington City Council boundaries.
What does Rangituhi mean?
Rangituhi is the Māori name for the peak and means “sky glow”, referring to the red glow that can appear on the hill at sunset.
How do I get to the main tracks?
Drive or take public transport to Porirua or Kenepuru, then use Broken Hill Road to Spicer Botanical Park or Raiha Street in Elsdon. Both give access into the scenic reserves and trail network.
Is there a walk to the summit?
Yes. The Rangituhi / Colonial Knob Walk climbs the 468 m peak. DOC describes routes of about three to five hours return, with options from Broken Hill Road and Raiha Street. It forms part of Te Araroa Trail.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are not permitted on the DOC Colonial Knob Walk. Check Porirua City Council rules for adjoining council reserves and trails.
What facilities are available?
Car parking at Spicer Botanical Park and near Elsdon, toilets near Elsdon Youth Camp, and picnic tables and water at Spicer Botanical Park. There are no extensive visitor centres on the hill itself.
Is Colonial Knob a residential suburb with shops and schools?
It is a sparsely developed rural and reserve locality rather than a built-up residential suburb. Everyday shopping is in Porirua city centre; schools serving the wider area are outside the immediate hill locality.
What can I see from the top?
On a clear day, views extend from the Inland Kaikōura Range in the south to Mount Taranaki in the north-west, with Mana and Kapiti Islands, Porirua Harbour and surrounding hills visible.
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