Improving access to and landscaping of Te Ahumairangi Hill (previously known as Tinakori Hill) - a significant Wellington landmark and recreational reserve - is a continuing project.
Wellington City Council has developed a landscape plan to guide long-term improvements in the northern-most part of the Town Belt.
Te Ahumairangi Hill
Te Ahumairangi Hill's distinctive landform is visible from all parts of the central city and waterfront. Its steep eastern face provides a green backdrop and defines the western boundary of the inner city.
Officially renamed as Te Ahumairangi Hill as a result of the Port Nicholson Block (Taranaki Whanui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika) Claims Settlement Act 2009, the hill is part of the Wellington fault escarpment. It has a wild landscape character and is traversed by walkways providing magnificent views of the city. It is also important historically to Māori and European settlement.
Landscape Plan
Over recent years, storms have damaged many ageing pines on the hill. Removal of fallen and hazardous trees helped provide an opportunity to develop a comprehensive landscape plan for the future of Te Ahumairangi Hill.
The project is based on the Wellington Town Belt Management Plan. The landscape plan was developed from a brief provided by the Friends of the Wellington Town Belt, and modified following public feedback.
The plan covers a range of improvements including tracks, new lookouts, entrance upgrade possibilities and mountain bike access.
Te Ahumairangi Landscape Plan (945Kb PDF)
The plan aims to:
- recognise the high profile of Te Ahumairangi Hill in the local landscape
- improve access for users, and needs
- rationalise the track network
- improve connections to other walking routes
- identify and improve entry points
- identify and develop key viewing spots
- integrate former Spark land
- develop signs
- explore opportunities to tell the hill's story
- identify a range of planting themes and an indicative plant list
- establish long-term vegetation management goals.
The review of the Council's Mountain Bike Policy has seen the Northern Walkway, the Huntingdon Track and the East-West Connector opened to bikes.
Progress
Completed projects include:
- installation of new directional bollards for the track network
- a new entrance at the Grant Road and Wadestown Road intersection
- extensions to the Stellin Walkway
- consolidation and improvement of some viewing points on the ridgeline
- installation of a gifted landmark / monument that traces the history of the city
- construction of a drive to the look-out at the Orangi Kaupapa Road end of the hill.
The recent addition to the Stellin Walkway links the Northern Walkway (near Elephant Rock) to the existing track above and includes a new section on the Stellin Memorial Park car park. This makes the link from Stellin Memorial Park to St Mary Street more accessible and easy to use.
The development of the southern entrance will start in the March / April 2010 financial year and includes formalising a look-out area, picnic area and car park.
Tinakori Hill Grid Map
This Te Ahumairangi map has a grid overlay so that specific areas within the site can be accurately located.
The map is available online and on the hillside so members of the public can identify special features, such as heritage sites, or alert Council staff to maintenance issues such as fallen trees.
Te Ahumairangi Grid Map (87Kb PDF)
More Information
David Halliday
Walkways and Reserves Officer