Porirua Scenic Reserve, Pikarere Farm and Colonial Knob

Facilities

HighlightThese reserves are one of several visible remnants of a peneplain (an eroded land mass) 30–40 million years old. Earthquakes have since raised the peneplain, and it has eroded to form these hills.

Description, values & signif icanceColonial Knob Scenic Reserve and adjacent Porirua Scenic Reserve protect the most significant area of native forest left in the Tawa–Porirua 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 Kāpiti Island seaward.

Accessibility/How to get there/particular time of year to visitThe 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 interestThe 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 threatsGreater 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.

Toilets

Parking

Public transport (Part only) Bird watching

Look out

Accommodation(Nearby at Camp Elsdon)

Camping(Nearby at Camp Elsdon)

Walking tracks

Mountain biking (Colonial Knob Parkland Track)

Where the wild things are

Walks (length)There are a range of walks between 3-10km. Short walks lead through native bush to old reservoirs. Colonial Knob Walking Track (Moderate, 3–4 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.

Walks [grade]Moderate to hard walking

ManagerGreater Wellington Regional Council, Porirua City Council and Department of Conservation

Protection statusScenic Reserve

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PORIRUA SCENIC RESERVE& COLONIAL KNOB

How to get there