Oruaiti Reserve occupies the southern Miramar Peninsula between Worser Bay and Breaker Bay, with a loop track that climbs to an exposed ridge and returns through native bush. The reserve holds the site of Oruaiti Pā and the remains of old coastal defence gun emplacements — layers of Wellington history compressed into a short walk with panoramic views of the harbour and Cook Strait.
Practical Information
| Location | Southern Miramar Peninsula, Seatoun, Wellington |
| Distance | Loop walk, approximately 2–3km |
| Walk time | 1–1.5 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
| Main access | Churchill Park, end of Brougham Street, Seatoun |
| Other access | Breaker Bay Beach, Pass of Branda |
| Cost | Free |
| Dogs | On lead |
| Water | None on track — bring your own |
| Bus | No. 2 Seatoun to Seatoun Park (1-minute walk to Churchill Park) |
About the Reserve
Oruaiti Reserve (formerly known as Point Dorset Recreation Reserve) covers a stretch of the Miramar Peninsula coastline and the ridgeline above it. From the top, views extend across Wellington Harbour to the city and the hills to the west, and out to Cook Strait to the south and east.
Within the reserve, signage marks the site of Oruaiti Pā — an ancestral settlement that predates European arrival. Nearby, the concrete remains of coastal defence gun emplacements are visible on the ridge, part of the wider network built to defend Wellington Harbour during the twentieth century. The combination of pā site and gun emplacements on the same ridge gives a sense of the headland’s long history as a strategic lookout point.
The reserve connects directly to the Eastern Walkway at Pass of Branda, making it possible to combine both into a longer coastal half-day walk along the lower Miramar Peninsula.
Conditions to Know
The ridgeline is exposed to both wind and sun. Even on what looks like a mild day in the city, the ridge can be significantly windier. There are no water facilities on the track, so bring enough for the walk. The main access point at Churchill Park is a one-minute walk from the Seatoun Park bus stop.
What Visitors Say
“The views from the ridge are incredible — you can see all the way across to the city and out to Cook Strait. The old gun emplacements are fascinating.” — Google Reviews
“Great short walk from Seatoun. The native bush at Churchill Park is a lovely starting point and the ridge views reward the climb.” — TripAdvisor
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council — Oruaiti Reserve has the official reserve page with access points, track information and facilities.
TripAdvisor — Oruaiti Reserve has visitor reviews with photos and practical tips from people who have walked the reserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Oruaiti Reserve?
On the southern Miramar Peninsula in Seatoun, Wellington, between Worser Bay and Breaker Bay.
How do I get there by bus?
Take the No. 2 Seatoun bus to Seatoun Park, then walk one minute to Churchill Park on Brougham Street.
What is Oruaiti Pā?
An ancestral Māori settlement within the reserve. The site is signposted with information boards explaining its history.
Are there gun emplacements?
Yes — the concrete remains of coastal defence gun emplacements are visible near the ridgeline, built as part of Wellington Harbour’s defence network during the twentieth century.
Is there water on the track?
No. Bring your own water.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on lead throughout the reserve.
Can I walk to the Eastern Walkway from here?
Yes, the reserve connects to the Eastern Walkway at Pass of Branda.
What is the best starting point?
Churchill Park in Seatoun is the most popular starting point, with good bus access.
The Wellington Walking Tracks hub lists all walking routes across the Wellington region. The Eastern Walkway connects directly from Oruaiti Reserve at Pass of Branda and continues south along the Miramar Peninsula coast. The Red Rocks Coastal Walk on the South Coast offers a similarly raw coastal walk, finishing at a resident fur seal colony at Pariwhero.