Last Updated on: 20 May 2025

Why walk the Wilton’s Bush Reserve?

There’s something uniquely soothing about stepping into Wilton’s Bush Reserve. One minute you’re sipping a flat white in Wellington’s café jungle, and the next—you’re swallowed by ancient podocarp forest, serenaded by tūī and korimako. 

On a blustery Thursday morning in late spring, I ducked out of city chaos and into this green time capsule. Within minutes, the soundtrack of car horns faded, replaced by birdsong and the soft rustle of wind through rimu. It felt like the forest was exhaling for me.

“Wilton’s Bush is perfect for when you want nature without the gear list. No boots, no prep—just you and the bush,” says Sandra, our resident Freewalks trail specialist.

This short, sweet urban escape is ideal for young families, beginner walkers, or locals needing a midday mental reset. But don’t be fooled by its ease—it’s one of the most botanically rich patches of native bush in Wellington, with surprises tucked into every bend.

🥾 Walk Overview

Location: Otari-Wilton’s Bush, Wellington
Nearest town/region: Wellington City
Distance: 2 km loop (shorter and longer options available)
Time required: 30–60 minutes depending on pace and stops
Difficulty Level: Easy
Track type: Loop
Dog-friendly: No
Kid-friendly: Yes (supervised due to some steep sections)
Wheelchair accessible: Partially (Forest Loop not accessible; gardens and canopy walk are)
Toilets nearby: Yes – at the Otari Visitor Centre car park
Best time to go: Spring mornings or calm afternoons in summer
Are drones allowed: No
Are bikes allowed: No

Map location

🚗 Getting There

  • Car park location: Otari-Wilton’s Bush Visitor Centre – 150 Wilton Road
  • Parking availability: Around 20–30 spaces. Free. Some shade. Fills up quickly on weekends.
  • Public transport options: Bus #14 from Wellington CBD stops 5 mins’ walk from entrance
  • Google Maps link: Click here for directions
  • Entry fees / permits required: None
  • Signage to the start of the walk: Clear signage from the car park and gardens

🥾 Track Details

  • Track surface: Gravel paths, forest trail, wooden boardwalks, some steps
  • Track condition: Well-maintained. Can be slippery after heavy rain.
  • Elevation gain / stairs or steep sections: Some gradual climbs; stairs in Forest Loop
  • Estimated pace or fitness level required: Low to moderate. Suitable for most walkers
  • Any alternative routes or extensions? Yes – the Canopy Walkway, Blue Trail and Nature Trail offer variations

🌿 What You'll See

  • Towering rimu and kahikatea trees
  • Birdlife galore: tūī, kererū, piwakawaka (fantail), and more
  • A canopy walkway through the treetops
  • Historic 800-year-old rimu tree
  • Native plant collections in Otari Native Botanic Garde
  • Peaceful picnic lawns and wooden bridge
  • Fern-filled gullies and mossy logs (classic NZ bush vibes)

Walk Directions:

  1. From the Visitor Centre, head into the Native Botanic Garden.
  2. Follow signs to the Canopy Walkway — start with an elevated view of the forest.
  3. Descend into the bush to join the Forest Loop.
  4. Follow the loop clockwise for a gentle descent and steeper climb.
  5. Pop out near the gardens, where you can circle back to the car park or extend via the Blue Trail.

🧽 Navigation & Safety

  • Phone reception: Good throughout
  • Map needed? Not necessary, but there’s a trail map at the car park and on DOC’s site
  • Any parts where people commonly go the wrong way? Minor confusion near Canopy Walk exit—just follow the orange markers
  • Weather considerations: Gets slippery in wet weather; Canopy Walk can be breezy—hold your hat!

🧲 What to Bring

  • Recommended footwear: Walking shoes or sturdy trainers
  • Water needed: Bring a bottle—no taps in the bush section
  • Snacks or lunch: Yes, plenty of picnic spots!
  • Sun and weather protection: Hat, sunscreen, light raincoat if overcast
  • Insect repellent? Optional – not too buggy, but mosquitos can appear near dusk
  • Optional extras: Camera, bird book, thermos for a hot cuppa on the lawn

🍽 Nearby Facilities

  • Closest café or food option: Picnic Café at Zealandia (5 mins drive) or nearby Wadestown shops
  • Picnic tables or sheltered spots: Yes – scattered around the gardens and lawns
  • Playgrounds or family-friendly extras nearby: Yes – Wilton Park next door has a playground
  • Accommodation nearby: Central Wellington has countless options – this is an easy half-day trip

Insider Tips

  • Go early for birdsong—the tūī chorus around 8am is worth the wake-up.
  • Bring binoculars! The canopy walkway gives rare top-down views of forest life.
  • Look for the massive rimu tree with a small sign—it’s easily missed but unforgettable.
  • If walking with kids, do a scavenger hunt: fern shapes, bird calls, or tree types.
  • The Nature Trail has great info boards—ideal for curious minds or a lazy school project!

📍 Useful Links

👤 My Experience on This Walk

  • Date of walk: November 2024
  • Weather and track conditions: Calm and sunny morning, dry track with slight breeze on canopy
  • What I personally loved: The feeling of remoteness so close to town. Birdwatching from the canopy walkway felt like flying.
  • Any unexpected moments: Saw a tūī mimic a car alarm—Wellington wildlife never misses a beat!
  • Tips I’d give based on doing it myself: Take your time. Sit. Listen. This is a walk best savoured, not rushed.

🖋️ Final Thoughts

  • What stood out the most? The blend of deep native forest and easy accessibility—like having a national park in your backyard.
  • Who I’d recommend this walk for? Families, solo wanderers, city dwellers craving calm, or travellers short on time.
  • Would I do it again? Absolutely. It’s become my go-to “reset button” walk in Wellington.
  • What I’d do differently next time? Bring a sandwich and make a full morning of it—this walk is about more than just walking.

✅ Walker Testimonial

“A true gem tucked into Wellington! I walked it with my 3-year-old and 70-year-old mum. Both loved it. We even spotted a kererū at eye level!”
 – Marion T., Lower Hutt, walked October 2024

❓ FAQ's

Is Wilton’s Bush safe for solo walkers?

Yes, it’s well-frequented during the day and very safe. I walk it solo often.

Can I take a pram?

Only through the gardens and canopy walkway. The Forest Loop has stairs and uneven surfaces.

Are dogs really not allowed?

Correct – to protect native wildlife, dogs are strictly prohibited.

Photos of my walk

See more of my walks in Wellington