Last updated July 2026
Seton Nossiter Park is a 30-hectare bush-clad reserve in Belmont Gully on Wellington’s northern edge, spanning the suburbs of Grenada Village, Newlands and Paparangi. The park protects a stream corridor with regenerating native forest and remnant stands of titoki and tawa. It offers walking tracks, an off-lead dog exercise area and permitted mountain biking through a sheltered gully setting. The reserve also preserves historic concrete abutments from an 1885 timber viaduct that was once New Zealand’s largest.
Practical Information
| Location | Grenada Village / Newlands area, northern Wellington |
| Entrances | Mark Avenue (Grenada Village) and Colchester Crescent (Newlands) |
| Parking | Large free car park at Mark Avenue entrance |
| Entry | Free |
| Hours | Open at all times |
| Facilities | Picnic tables beside the stream; minimal facilities otherwise |
| Tracks | 1.6 km-long main track through the gully; easy sections near Mark Avenue, steeper uphill to Colchester Crescent |
| Dogs | Off-lead exercise area halfway up the valley |
| Mountain biking | Permitted |
| Stream | Belmont Stream (tributary of Porirua Stream) flows through the park |
About Seton Nossiter Park
Seton Nossiter Park lies in Belmont Gully between Grenada Village and surrounding northern suburbs. Belmont Stream runs through the reserve, supporting a mix of regenerating bush and remnant original forest including stands of titoki and tawa. The park is named after Seton Nossiter, a local farmer and councillor who served on the Hutt County Council and later Wellington City Council.
The reserve protects a significant gully corridor that provides habitat and connectivity for native wildlife amid suburban development. A community working group supports ongoing revegetation and enhancement of native vegetation in the park.
Historic features include the concrete abutments of a timber viaduct built in 1885 by the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company. Two of these abutments remain visible in regenerating bush near the Mark Avenue entrance.
Walking and Activities
The main track begins with an easy walk from the Mark Avenue car park along the valley floor, crossing the stream via stepping stones in places. Further up the valley the track passes the dog exercise area and an open picnic spot beside the stream before climbing steeply in sections to the Colchester Crescent entrance in Newlands. The full length of the main track is approximately 1.6 km.
Mountain biking is permitted on the tracks. The off-lead dog exercise area extends from roughly halfway up the valley to the stand of titoki and tawa.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors appreciate the quiet, sheltered bush setting and the convenience of the large car park right at the entrance. Many enjoy combining a walk with time for dogs off-lead or a picnic by the stream.
Reviewers note the contrast between easy lower sections and the steeper climb toward Newlands, and value the park as a peaceful local spot for regular exercise away from busier Wellington trails.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council – Seton Nossiter Park page: Official details on location, access, features, dogs and mountain biking.
Wellington City Council parks and reserves: Overview of northern suburb reserves including current conditions and maps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Seton Nossiter Park free to visit?
Yes, entry is free and the park is open at all times.
Where is the main entrance and car park?
The main entrance and large free car park are at Mark Avenue in Grenada Village. A second entrance is at Colchester Crescent in Newlands.
Can I take my dog off-lead?
Yes, there is an off-lead dog exercise area halfway up the valley.
Is mountain biking allowed?
Yes, mountain biking is permitted on the tracks.
How long is the main track?
The main track through the reserve is approximately 1.6 km long, with easy sections near Mark Avenue and steeper sections toward Newlands.
What historic features are in the park?
Concrete abutments from an 1885 timber viaduct, once New Zealand’s largest, can be seen near the Mark Avenue entrance.
Are there picnic facilities?
Yes, there is an open area with picnic tables beside the stream.
Is the track suitable for families?
The lower sections from Mark Avenue are relatively easy, though stepping stones cross the stream and the upper track becomes steeper.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.