Porirua Scenic Reserve,

Where the

wild

things are

Pikarere Farm and Colonial Knob

Facilities
Public transport

Bird watching

Parking

Accommodation

Toilets

Camping

(Part only)

(Nearby at Camp Elsdon)

(Nearby at Camp Elsdon)

Walking tracks
Mountain biking
(Colonial Knob Parkland Track)
Look out

Highlight
These reserves are one of several visible remnants of a peneplain (an eroded land mass) 3040 million years
old. Earthquakes have since raised the peneplain, and it has eroded to form these hills.

Description, values & significance

Colonial Knob Scenic Reserve and adjacent Porirua Scenic Reserve protect the most significant area of native
forest left in the TawaPorirua Basin. Colonial Knob has a rare example of lowland forest supporting five
species of podocarp, coastal kohekohe and tawa. The view from the summit of Colonial Knob extends from the
Kaikoura Range on the South Island to Mount Taranaki in the northwest, Porirua Harbour to the east and Mana
and Kpiti Island seaward.

Accessibility/How to get there/particular time of year to visit

The reserve is located on the hills west of Tawa and Linden. Access is via Broken Hill Road, off Raiha Street,
which connects Kenepuru Drive and Prosser Street in Elsdon, Porirua. Colonial Knob Walking Track passes
through the reserve, connecting the Broken Hill entrance with the Raiha Street entrance to the Porirua Scenic
Reserve.

Threatened species/species of interest

The walking tracks climb through kohekohe, tawa, mahoe, and rewarewa forest. There would once have been
large rimu and rata but these have all been logged from Colonial Knob, although some remain in Porirua Scenic
Reserve. This community is usually associated with higher altitudes and reflects the influence of the weather
on this environment. Kakariki numbers have increased since pest control implementation and they are now a
regular sight.

Key threats
Greater Wellington is battling a number of pests in Porirua Scenic Reserve including tradescantia, old mans
beard on Colonial Knob, gorse, broom, possum, stoat, hedgehog, feral cat, rats, and stock that occasionally
finds a hole in the fence. Some pines have been removed but are common near the top of Porirua Scenic
Reserve.

Walks (length)

Walks [grade]

There are a range of walks between 3-10km. Short

walks lead through native bush to old reservoirs.
Colonial Knob Walking Track (Moderate, 34 hr
return) is steep in places but can be completed by
people of most ages and fitness levels. The top section
is exposed to strong winds so carry warm clothing
and take food and drink. Views from the summit of
Colonial Knob extend to Mount Taranaki in the north
and the Kaikoura Range in the south.

Moderate to hard walking

Manager
Greater Wellington Regional Council, Porirua City
Council and Department of Conservation

Protection status
Scenic Reserve

How to get there

T
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PORIRUA SCENIC RESERVE

& COLONIAL KNOB

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