Exploring Wilton Bush Walks in Wellington
Located in Wellington, the Wilton Bush walks are a chance to explore native bushland within the city boundary. Nestled in the suburb of Wilton, this area forms part of the wider Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Reserve, New Zealand’s only public botanic garden dedicated solely to native plants. While the Ōtari Native Botanic Gardens sit at the top of the reserve, you can descend into Wilton Bush itself to discover forest trails, ancient trees, and regenerating forest.
Access and Visitor Facilities
The main entrance to Wilton Bush is from Wilton Road, where you will find the car park and visitor centre. Just beyond the centre is an elevated canopy walkway, providing unique treetop views of the forest below. This boardwalk leads directly into the network of trails, including the popular Blue Trail loop.
Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush is managed by the Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust, a community-supported organisation that works in partnership with Wellington City Council. The trust supports conservation, education, and public engagement through volunteer work, guided walks, plant propagation, and advocacy.
Discovering Ancient Trees
The Blue Loop Trail is a relatively easy walk through mostly regenerating native forest, with some steep sections. From the Wilton Road car park, follow the signs past the visitor centre and across the treetop canopy walkway. The track takes you along the edge of a steep, bush-covered ravine and eventually links up with side trails, including access points to the Skyline Walkway.
A highlight of the Blue Loop is the encounter with an 800-year-old rimu tree, one of the oldest in the Wellington region. A few other mature podocarps, including mataī and miro, can also be seen in this pocket of original forest. These ancient remnants provide a humbling moment of reflection - they are practically the only true ancients left in the city.
You all also discover picnic areas and grassy clearings, and a walk along the Kaiwharawhara Stream.
Regeneration and Wildlife
Only about 1% of Wellington’s original lowland forest survived deforestation during early European settlement. Much of the remaining native bush was cleared to make way for housing, agriculture, and roads. However, Wilton Bush is now a symbol of ecological recovery, where community and city efforts are restoring the landscape.
The nearby Zealandia ecosanctuary has also played a role, with once rare native birds, especially kākā, overflowing into the recovering forest habitat. You will often hear or see kākā, kererū, pīwakawaka (fantails), and occasionally even the elusive ruru (morepork).
Getting to Wilton Bush Walks
To reach the Wilton Bush from Central Wellington, the easiest route is to take Tinakor Road to George Street, Grant Road, then onto Wadestown Road. Follow Wadestown Road as it winds its way around Te Ahumairangi Hill and through the suburb of Wadestown. The road then becomes Wilton Road, which you follow to the signposted entrance for the Wilton Bush and Ōtari Native Botanic Gardens. From there, choose your preferred trail. The drive takes around 7 minutes and is 4 km.
Other outdoor places to explore around Wellington include the Wellington Botanic Gardens, the downtown harbour walk to Oriental Bay and Mount Victoria.
