Trelissick Park covers a long stretch of the Ngaio Gorge on Wellington’s northern edge, with an extensive network of walking tracks through native bush along the Kaiwharawhara and Korimako streams. It is one of the larger and wilder bush areas accessible directly from the suburbs, with five main entrances, multiple track options, and connections to both the Northern Walkway and the Sanctuary to Sea walking route.
Practical Information
| Location | Ngaio Gorge, Wellington |
| Entrances | Ngaio Gorge/Kaiwharawhara Road, Ngaio Gorge Road, Trelissick Crescent, Waikowhai Street (Crofton Downs), Hanover Street (Wadestown) |
| Open | Daily |
| Cost | Free |
| Dogs | On lead |
| Mountain biking | Permitted on some tracks — check signage |
About the Park
Trelissick Park runs the length of Ngaio Gorge from the Kaiwharawhara Stream valley up to the suburb of Crofton Downs. The gorge is narrow, densely bush-lined, and largely unchanged from its pre-urban character — the Kaiwharawhara Stream and its tributary the Korimako Stream run through the valley floor, and the main tracks follow the water.
The Ngaio Gorge Track is the main through-route, following the Korimako Stream valley before connecting with the Kaiwharawhara valley further downstream. From there, the network links to the Northern Walkway — Wellington City’s long cross-city walking route — which passes through the park between Crofton Downs and Wadestown.
The Sanctuary to Sea Walkway also passes through Trelissick Park. This route connects Zealandia / Karori Sanctuary to the Wellington waterfront, and trail markers for it appear throughout the gorge. The combination of the gorge’s native bush, the two streams, and the through-routes makes Trelissick a significantly more substantial walk than its suburban surroundings might suggest.
What Visitors Say
“The Ngaio Gorge section is a real hidden gem — lush native bush, a gorgeous stream, and you feel miles from the city. An underrated Wellington walk.” — TripAdvisor
“I’ve walked here many times and it never gets old. The stream tracks are quiet, beautiful and well-maintained.” — AllTrails
Where to Learn More
Trelissick Park Group — Tracks has detailed track descriptions, entrance information and maps for the full Trelissick Park network.
Wellington City Council — Trelissick Park is the official council page with access, track maps and park information.
Ngaio Crofton Downs Residents Association — Walking Tracks has local knowledge about walking routes in and around the Ngaio area including Trelissick Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Trelissick Park?
In the Ngaio Gorge on Wellington’s northern edge, with entrances from Ngaio, Crofton Downs and Wadestown.
Which entrance should I use?
There are five main entrances. The Ngaio Gorge Road entrance (adjacent to Kaiwharawhara Road) is often used for the main Ngaio Gorge Track. The Waikowhai Street entrance in Crofton Downs is popular for the Sanctuary to Sea route.
How long are the walks?
The network has options from short 30-minute sections to longer routes of 2 hours or more, depending on the entrance and direction chosen.
Does the Northern Walkway pass through?
Yes, the Northern Walkway passes through Trelissick Park between Crofton Downs and Wadestown.
What is the Sanctuary to Sea Walkway?
A walking route connecting Zealandia in Karori to the Wellington waterfront, which passes through Trelissick Park and is marked with route signs through the gorge.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on lead.
Is mountain biking permitted?
Some tracks are suitable for mountain biking — check signage at the entrances for the current permitted uses on each track.
Is there parking?
Limited parking is available at some entrances. The Trelissick Park Group website has details on access for each entry point.
The Wellington Walking Tracks hub lists all walking routes across the Wellington region. The Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Tracks offer another extensive native bush walk close to the Karori/Ngaio area, with 11km of tracks through Wellington’s only native botanic garden. For a longer cross-city route, the Northern Walkway passes through Trelissick Park and can be walked from Johnsonville to the Wellington waterfront.
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