Te Ara Tūpoupou

About the trail

Te Ara Tūpoupou is within Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush — the oldest and most intact native forest in Te Whanganui a Tara . This challenging route climbs sharply through some of the best old-growth forests in Wellington. It has narrow sections, a small stream crossing, and plenty of steps.

The name Te Ara Tūpoupou means “the steeply rising track,” reflecting the terrain and experience. The trail drops and rises sharply through native forest — perfect for people looking for a high-cardio adventure.

Getting there

You can start the trail from the Troup Picnic Lawn, or The Fernery (this option takes you past the waterfall on a one-way section before joining the loop). Ōtari-Wilton's Bush is at 150 Wilton Road — about five kilometres from Wellington city centre. The reserve is open daily from dawn to dusk.

• By bus: Take the Number 14 Wilton bus from Lambton Quay to Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush. Timetables are available from the Metlink website.
• By car: Parking is available at the main public car park at the Wilton Road entrance, or at the car park off Churchill Drive.

Know before you go

• Toilets are available at Tāne Whakapiripiri (Ōtari Visitor Centre), Leonard Cockayne Centre, and the Troup Picnic Lawn.
• A map board is available at the Visitor Centre, and all tracks are clearly signposted.
• Take all rubbish out of the park with you. Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush is a pack-in, pack-out site, with no rubbish bins available.
• Kaitiakitanga — take care and respect the forest:
  • Give wildlife space and don’t pick or damage the plants.
  • Keep dogs on short leads.
  • Don’t feed the eels.
  • No fires, drones, cycling or mountain biking permitted.