Visiting
Otari-Wilton's Bush is only 5 kilometres from downtown Wellington. You can easily get there by car, bus, bicycle or on foot. Within the reserve, only foot traffic, wheel chairs and prams are allowed. Dogs must be on a lead at all times.
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Photo: Tim O'Leary
Entrances
There are car parks at three entrances to Otari.
The main entrance at 160 Wilton Road is shown on this map(external link). You walk from the car park through the waharoa, or gateway, carved by Bryce Manu of Te Atiawa. There you will find a map board to view before walking on to the Information Centre. The main attractions are the Canopy Walkway, the plant collection areas and the ancient forest.
The North Picnic Area entrance car park is only 20 metres off Churchill Drive, opposite Blackbridge Road. It has a map board and a picnic area. From the picnic area, a broad, smooth streamside track leads up valley through original forest and on to several notable attractions.
The Ian Galloway Park entrance provides car parking beside the Western Rugby Clubrooms. From the clubrooms, follow a signposted track down into the valley and on to Otari-Wilton's Bush. This is not an official entrance and does not have a map board.
Travelling by Bus
The Wilton (No. 14) bus runs regularly through Wellington City and on to Otari- Wilton's Bush. Ask the driver to drop you opposite the main entrance to Otari (corner of Warwick Street and Wilton Road). For bus times, phone 801 7000, or check out the timetable(external link).
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