Parks & reserves

Our parks and reserves are very special to us here in Porirua. We love walking in our local parks and exploring nature.

Parks galore

Porirua has an array of parks to suit everyone - whether you're after a stroll in the bush, looking for somewhere to kick a ball around, or are keen for a coastal adventure, chances are we have a park to suit your needs. 

Aotea Lagoon (Papakōwhai)

With seven hectares to explore with there is something for everyone at Aotea Lagoon, click here to check out our Splash Pad at Aotea Lagoon. It's a splashing good time for everyone!. Getting to Aotea Lagoon - Google map and directions

Perfect for: Being adventurous in the playground and fort, kayaking on the lagoon, cruising on the model train, relaxing in the perfect picnic spot and running after our kids around the lagoon.

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Ngāti Toa Domain (Mana)

Situated in between Porirua Harbour and State Highway 59, Ngāti Toa Domain is our favourite place to throw a ball around and get together for fun events. Getting to Ngāti Toa Domain - Google map and directions

Perfect for: Cheering our favourite teams on at the sports grounds, escaping the wind and rain to play cricket in the Mana Indoor Facility, sleeping under the stars (in our RV) and having a BBQ.


Bothamley Park (Cannons Creek)

PLEASE NOTE THAT BOTHAMLEY PARK IS CLOSED TO WALKERS AND CYCLISTS IN MANY AREAS in 2024 DUE TO PIPE RENEWAL WORK IN THE AREA. PLEASE FOLLOW SIGNAGE.

We’re so proud of the community efforts that have gone into making Bothamley Park an ecological wonderland. Getting to Bothamley Park - Google map and directions.

Perfect for: Taking part in the weekly Parkrun, planting in the park, harvesting blackberries in the community garden and cycling through the bush.

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Spicer Botanical Park (Takapūwāhia)

Walk among the exotic trees from all around Asia, America and Australia in Spicer Botanical Park. Getting to Spicer Botanical Park - Google map and directions

Perfect for: Learning the names of trees, planting in the park, mountain biking and exploring the walkways. 

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Colonial Knob/Rangituhi (Takapūwāhia)

Our beloved maunga looking over Porirua City is ideal for an adventurous outing. Getting to Colonial Knob/Rangituhi - Google map and directions

Perfect for: Testing our fitness and climbing the 468m peak, roaring down the mountainbike tracks, walking to the 19th Century reservoirs, looking out to the Kaikoura ranges and Mt Taranaki from the summit.

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Whitireia Park (Titahi Bay)

With 180 hectares of grassland, native bush, and coastal tracks, Whitireia Park is a wonderful location for a day outdoors. Getting to Whitireia Park - Google map and directions

Perfect for: Fishing off the rocks, mountain biking along the coastal tracks, horse riding along the coast, checking out rock pools and walking around the headland. 

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Battle Hill

Escape the city and experience beautiful Battle Hill Farm Forest Park with its 500 hectares of rolling paddocks, native bush, farm animals and wildlife.

Less than an hour’s drive from central Wellington you’ll find this historic working farm where you can spend the day or a whole weekend away. Enjoy a lazy summer picnic, explore the range of trails, feed the eels, swim in the river, and say hi to the grazing horses and sheep. Make more magical kiwi summer memories by staying longer and pitching a tent - nothing beats toasted marshmallows over an open campfire!

  • Trails for biking, hiking and horse riding
  • Enjoy a picnic, BBQ or campfire
  • Camping (book with the park ranger)
  • River swimming and feeding the eels
  • Visit the historic graveyard
  • Battle Hill Family Farm Day, 23 January Please note - no dogs allowed at all times.

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Belmont Regional Park

The hills between Porirua and Hutt Valley, a favourite destination for walkers, mountain bikers, and horse riders. The historic Korokoro Dam, Pareaho Pa, World War II ammunition stores and the original main coach road from Wellington.

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Ascot Park

Home to the Bernie Wood Turf, rugby league fields, sports pavilion, courts, and a playground, Ascot Park is a great spot for sport and fun. Getting to Ascot Park - Google map and directions

Perfect for: Watching our sports teams show off their talent (rugby league, tennis, football, netball), fine-tuning our three-point throws on the b-ball court, cruising around the upgraded Conclusion Walkway and sliding in the playground. 

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Porirua Park (Porirua East)

Porirua Park on Mungavin Ave is where we like to check out great sport and events. Getting to Porirua Park - Google map and directions

Perfect for: Supporting Northern United (rugby) and the Phoenix women in the 2000-seat covered grandstand in the Jerry Collins Stadium or on the grass embankment at one end, and playing softball on the purpose-built diamond.

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Jasmine Underhill Reserve (Aotea)

Named after New Zealand’s first ever Pacific Island Deputy Mayor, Jasmine Underhill Reserve is a local favourite. Getting to Jasmine Underhill Reserve  - Google map and directions

Perfect for: The family friendly vibe, Kicking a ball around with the kids, playing on the various playgrounds suitable for all ages, taking in the view of the area, walking our kurī and riding our bikes around the paths and subdivision. 

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Te Rauparaha Park (Porirua City)

Right in the heart of Porirua City, Te Rauparaha Park is our go-to location for family fun, fitness and a skate. Getting to Te Rauparaha Park  - Google map and directions

Perfect for: Walking and biking around the tracks, perfecting our ollies in the fiery skate bowl, listening to great music in the park over summer, attending events at the Arena and swimming and playing at the Aquatic Centre.

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Skate park

Some of New Zealand’s most talented skateboarders have honed their skills in Porirua’s skate parks.


Community use of our parks and reserves

Our parks and reserves include some incredible facilities, which make them ideal for community events.  Email us about what you’re planning and how Porirua City’s parks and reserves team can help.

Also check our page on hiring parks and reserves or our camping rules for more information.

Protecting our taonga

While we love the community using our parks, we’re very keen to keep our parks and reserves in pristine condition. Together, Porirua City and our residents are proactive in protecting and maintaining the beauty of our environment. 

We’ve planted hundreds of thousands of native plants in our reserves, and our lakes and wetlands are home to healthy populations of fish including nationally threatened species banded kōkopu, giant kōkopu, and short-fin eel.

Latest park news