Wellington City

Botanic Gardens - 2km / 30 minutes This section begins at the top of the Botanic Garden. From the north side of Cable Car terminal head north on a sealed level path past the Observatory and a sundial then downhill on the City to Sea Walkway. There are numerous garden paths but Te Araroa follows the City to Sea Walkway through the garden. You will pass various sculptures, go through native bush, pass a café, a large rose garden, a playing field and then head downhill through ‘Bolton St Memorial Park’. A pedestrian bridge takes walkers across the main city motorway, then leave the City to Sea by turning hard left. Walk down past a white 12-storey high-rise building to Bowen Street. Just before the Bowen Street exit, take a minute to inspect the cutout steel sculptures dedicated to Te Araroa – these were unveiled in 2017 by the Mayor of Wellington. Follow Bowen Street downslope to Lambton Quay, passing the New Zealand Government Buildings (aka "the Beehive"). City, Waterfront, Oriental Bay - 4km / 1.5 hours This route begins at the corner of Bowen Street and Lambton Quay. Turn right and follow Lambton Quay (Te Araroa plaques in the pavement) through the main city shopping street (800m) until it merges with Willis Street. Follow Willis Street then turn left into Mercer Street. Cross Victoria Street and enter the Wellington Civic Centre. Walk through the centre and up onto a large carved-wood pedestrian bridge to the harbour. Descend the steps on the left, then turn right. Pass large white water feature and walk out to the waterfront. Turn hard right (south) and follow the wharf past the Te Papa Museum and the boat harbour. Continue left and follow Oriental Parade (and beach) to the far end (east). Note: In the city, the route is marked with brass plaques in the pavement. Along the waterfront, the route is not heavily marked, though somewhat obvious – follow the waterfront past Te Papa Museum to the far end of Oriental Bay. If you're thirsty, stop for a drink at a Te Araroa-themed drinking fountain en route.

Northern Start: Cable Car Terminus, Wellington Botanic Gardens Southern End: Junction of Oriental Parade and Carlton Gore Road Interislander ferry to/from Wellington & Picton - multiple departures daily - P: 0800 802 802 Bluebridge - P: 0800 844 844 Air New Zealand - regular flights to and from Wellington - P: 0800 737 000 Jetsta r - P: 0800 800 995 InterCity - P: 04 385 0520 Rental Cars - multiple options available Mana Bus - P: 09 367 9140

Wellington City i-SITE Visitor Centre - Civic Square, Cnr Victoria & Wakefield Sts, Wellington - P: 04 802 4860. DOC Visitor Information Centre - 18 Manners St, Wellington - P: 04 384 7770 - E: wellingtonvc@doc.govt.nz . Wellington City Central Library - 65 Victoria St, Wellington - P: 04 801 4040. You can get trail maps printed here - for a small charge. Before starting Te Araroa either as a through-walker of the whole country or a section walker, please register on Te Araroa website . Please also visit the website or download the app for detailed maps, trail alerts and other relevant information. This track is part of the Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa track database. Herenga ā Nuku has maps and advice about public access to the outdoors . We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. You can access them at www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping/field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .