Tawa’s western hills hide a decent bit of bush, and this is the easiest way into it. The track opened in 2021 to replace an old farm route that was too steep for anyone to enjoy, and the rebuild made a real difference. It zig-zags up at a steady gradient with no steps at all, which is rare enough in Wellington to be worth the trip on its own.
You’ll climb 2.2 km through pines and regenerating natives, with the views over Tawa and Porirua getting better the higher you go. At the top you’re in Spicer Forest, where you can turn around or carry on towards Colonial Knob and the Te Araroa trail. Half an hour of climbing, no gear needed, and coffee in Tawa when you’re done.
Quick facts
| Distance | 2.2 km one way, 4.4 km return |
| Time | 35 minutes up, about an hour return |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
| Surface | Compact gravel and dirt, 1 to 1.2 m wide |
| Steps | None |
| Start | Between 56 and 58 Kiwi Crescent, Tawa |
| Upper entrance | Top of Spicer Road |
| Parking | Limited on street on Kiwi Crescent, or the gravel carpark at Spicer Road |
| Managed by | Wellington City Council |
| Dogs | On leash at all times |
| Toilets | None |
Getting there
The main way in is off Kiwi Crescent in Tawa. Look for the asphalt driveway between numbers 56 and 58, follow it in, and you will find the trail through a fence opening or the forestry gate. Both are signposted with council boards.
Do not park on that driveway. Kiwi Crescent only has limited on street parking, and there is no off road parking at this entrance, so if you are driving you may end up parked further down the hill than you would like. Check the surrounding streets if Kiwi Crescent is full.
If you would rather walk down than up, use the Spicer Road entrance at the top instead. It has a proper gravel carpark and it is the same spot walkers use to join the Te Araroa trail.
By train, get off at Tawa or Redwood station. It is about a 25 minute walk from either station to the Kiwi Crescent gate.
The walk
This shared path opened in 2021, replacing an older farm route that was too steep to share safely. What you get now is a steady zig zag climb with no steps at all, which is why it works for buggies and for anyone who does not fancy a Wellington stair marathon.
The surface is compact gravel and dirt, mostly 1 to 1.2 metres wide, narrowing to about 0.8 metres where roots and trees crowd in. Some sections have tree roots, ruts and a cross camber, and parts can get muddy after heavy rain, so check current track conditions if it has been wet.
The bush is a mix. Pines with native regeneration underneath, and patches of older native forest. Tawa, kohekohe, rewarewa and mahoe, with ferns below.
At the top you are in Spicer Forest. Turn around there, or carry on to the Te Araroa trail or the tracks towards Colonial Knob if you want a longer day. Some connecting tracks in the Spicer Park network have been closed after storm damage, so check current track status before you commit to the longer option.
What you’ll see
Gaps in the trees give you views over Tawa and Porirua. The higher you climb the more you see, and near the ridge it opens right out.
Fantails are along the whole track. Kereru sit up in the canopy, usually heard before they are seen. Once you are in the bush the traffic noise drops away, which you do not expect this close to the houses.
Who it’s for
Anyone reasonably fit. It is a climb, but a steady one with no steps, so it suits older kids and it is one of the few Wellington bush tracks you can actually push a buggy up. A good half day option if you are local and cannot be bothered driving anywhere.
When to go
Any time of year works. The track drains reasonably well and holds up better than most Wellington bush tracks after rain, though the dirt sections can get slippery, so check current track conditions if there has been recent heavy rain. There is shade through the bush in summer.
Important stuff
- Dogs must be kept on a leash on this track, and mountain bikes are not allowed.
- No toilets and no water at either entrance, sort that before you start.
- There is no off road parking at the Kiwi Crescent entrance, and only limited on street parking nearby.
- Phone coverage is fine, you are right next to the suburb the whole way.
- Main Road in Tawa is a few minutes drive for coffee afterwards. Cafe El Portefio, Urban Eatery and Streetwise Coffee are all there, or The Borough if you want a proper meal.
