Last updated May 2026
Te Ahumairangi Hill — also known as Tinakori Hill — is a forested Town Belt reserve rising above the Thorndon and Wadestown suburbs, accessible from multiple points around Wellington’s northern inner city. It has walking tracks through dense native bush, elevated views over Wellington Harbour and city, and is free to visit.
Practical Information
| Location | Wellington Town Belt above Thorndon; access from Orangi Kaupapa Road, Northland, Wadestown, Weld Street, and other entry points |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open at all times |
| Admission | Free |
| Facilities | Small car park at the lookout (Orangi Kaupaka Road); no toilets on the hill itself |
| Managed by | Wellington City Council |
About the Hill
Te Ahumairangi (the name translates as “resting place of the sky”) is part of Wellington’s Town Belt — the green corridor of reserves separating inner suburbs from the rest of the city. The hill rises sharply from Thorndon to the west and Wadestown to the north, and the bush on its slopes is well-established native forest with a good canopy of mixed species. Tūī, kererū, and other native birds are common.
The hill is a local favourite for morning and evening walks, with enough variety in the track network to offer routes of different lengths and grades. The lookout at Orangi Kaupaka Road gives one of the better accessible viewpoints over Wellington Harbour and city without requiring a long walk.
Walks
The Elephant Loop (2.7 km, moderate, about 2 hours) leads through the bush to Elephant Rock — a distinctive rock formation. The Stellin Loop (1.4 km, easy-moderate, about 1.5 hours) passes a memorial and a lookout with city views. The Northern Walkway and Ridgeline Loop (7.5 km, challenging, 2–3.5 hours) is a longer traverse that covers more of the ridge. Multiple shorter connections run between the hill’s various neighbourhood entry points.
Where to Learn More
FAQ
What does Te Ahumairangi mean?
Te Ahumairangi translates approximately as “resting place of the sky” in te reo Māori. The hill is also known by its older name, Tinakori Hill.
Where are the access points?
The main access points include Orangi Kaupaka Road (with a small car park at the lookout), Northland, Wadestown, and Weld Street in Thorndon. The hill has multiple entry points from surrounding suburbs.
Is the hill free to visit?
Yes — access is free at all times.
What is the easiest walk?
The Stellin Loop (1.4 km, about 1.5 hours) is the shorter and easier option, with a lookout providing city and harbour views.
What wildlife might I see?
Tūī and kererū (native pigeon) are commonly seen and heard in the bush. The hill supports significant native biodiversity as part of the Wellington Town Belt.
Can I cycle on Te Ahumairangi Hill?
Cycling is permitted on some tracks only — check with Wellington City Council for which tracks allow bikes, as cycling is restricted on others for biodiversity reasons.
Nearby on the Town Belt: Tanera Park in Brooklyn is another popular Town Belt reserve with off-leash dog walking and connections to the City to Sea walkway. See Wellington Parks and Reserves for more.
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