Tracks

The Ngaio Gorge Track

This is the backbone stream side track of the whole Park - shown on various maps, but not often directly signposted within the Park. The good news is that this is the most intuitive of the tracks. Just follow the two major streams where you can. This track has changed considerably over the decades, especially in the Korimako Stream valley as bridges were added or replaced.

(traveling downstream) Start at the Waikowhai Street entrance to the park, descend into the park to stream level and follow the Korimako Stream, past bridge 1, past Wightwick's Field, and then past bridges 2, 3, 4 and 5. Eventually, near the actual Ngaio Gorge the track starts to climb, initially through a rough section, and then connects to and follows a ridge track above the actual gorge, past the path to the Fish Ladder until you are nearly at the "Crossroads" track junction. At this point you start down again to stream level going past the "Lookout" - which looks upstream Kaiwharawhara into the lower Ngaio Gorge.

Upon reaching the Kaiwharawhara Stream you follow the track, keeping the stream on your right. There is one track section just before Bridge 6 which is very rough and not easy to navigate when the stream is high. The track then continues through the whole lower park, passing Bridge 6, then Bridge 7 and eventually past the Debris Trap and the remains of the Magazine buildings and the two historic stone walls. The track then leads to the exit from the park on the lower Ngaio Gorge Road.

Frances Lee Track

This track connects from the Northern Walkway below Trelissick Crescent, down the slope to near Bridge #4 on the Korimako Stream.The track was named for Frances Lee in 2014. (Picture taken on Christmas Day 2014.)

Frances initiated the Trelissick Park Group for restoration of the park in 1991 and has been a strong motivating force in the Group over many subsequent years.

Cr Andy Foster suggested that a track in the park should be named after Frances Lee. The track leading off the Northern Walkway (below Trelissick Crescent) down to just upstream of bridge 4 was named ‘The Frances Lee Track', with a plaque at each end. It is a well used track with quick access to the Koromiko valley, through well-established and attractive bush. There is also historical interest, as the upper part appears to follow an old benched track.

The 51 Mosque shooting victims memorial plantings access track

There is a circular track providing access to the 51 memorial tree site - circular in that the planting site can be approached from two directions.

Heading uphill from bridge 6 towards the Hanover Street entrance there is a rough connection path just before a series of steep steps. This path stays parallel to the stream and takes you to the 51 memorial tree site.

Coming downhill from the Hanover Street entrance, there is an unmarked track heading down to the planting site.

Hopefully someday the two ends of the track can be better signposted and the track can be upgraded from its current rough state.

Forest Remnant Track

The Forest Remnant Track entry is at one end from the Crossroads as shown in the picture.

A small part of this track goes across private land, so please stay on the track. And the track is generally in rough shape, so take care on your walk.

The track does go through some original groves of trees so is botanically interesting. - It is a work in progress to adequately describe this track. It does show up with its name on some older maps of the park, but not current ones except as a 'route' (without a name).

Starting from the Crossroads the track traverses much of the slopes up from the Kaiwharawhara Stream. Initially below Trelissick Crescent but then below the Ngaio Gorge Road. At the mid point of the track, there is access to the Minor Entrance on the Upper Ngaio Gorge Road. From there the track descends to the valley floor - connecting with the stream side tracks. The track is narrow in places, as well as rough.

Barry's Track (Oban Track)

This is the newest track in Trelissick Park, connecting from the Oban Street entrance (Entrance 7) in Wadestown down a steep set of steps and then a pathway to Bridge 7. It was a several decade struggle to get the second entrance from the city side of the park officially accepted by the City which required a new bridge across the Kaiwharawhara Stream before a new entrance and official track would be built. Funds for the new bridge came from a number of sources. The plaque on the bridge lists Frances Lee, Wellington City Council, Transpower, Tararua Tramping Club, (Michael Taylor Bequest) and Public Donations.

For years the track on the Oban slope existed as an informal path - mainly used to access various predator bait stations and traps on that side of the park. The track could appropriately be named "Barry's Track" for the person who developed and maintained the track for many years and protected the public access from Oban Street - Barry Durrant.

The picture shows the sign which was initially there when the track opened - but was removed without permission.

Other track options

There are a few other tracks - mostly small connecting tracks, but one major track without an agreed name.

> Hanover track - the track from bridge 6 to the Hanover Street entrance is commonly referred to as the Hanover Street Track or just the Hanover Track.

> Debris Trap access - this is a wider vehicle access track - from entrance 5 on the Ngaio Gorge Road down to the Debris Trap.

> Forest Remnant access track - the Minor Park entrance near the top of Ngaio Gorge Road provides a short access track to connect to the middle of the Forest Remnant Track. The picture to the right shows the start of this access track.

> 'Honeysuckle' track - so named by a couple of intrepid volunteers who spent many days over several years clearing out large infestations of honeysuckle. This track connects from the Northern Walkway (near entrance 4 on Trelissick Crescent) to the ridge track above the actual Ngaio Gorge. This is the one major track without an agreed name.

- these 'other tracks' is a work in progress to describe these various bits and pieces of existing tracks. The picture is of the minor entrance access on Ngaio Gorge Road to the middle of the Forest Remnant Track.

Other signs

There are many other sign variations. Sometimes they are obvious in intention and sometimes they are helpful.

Here is one helpful one at stream level in the Kaiwharawhara indicating the start of the Forest Remnant Track - heading up to the Ngaio Gorge Road.