Discover Porirua
Your guide to summer 2019-20 Rangituhi Summit Photo: Jay French Walk and Walk Bike bike Porirua Dogs allowed
Celebrate the long, sunny days of summer with Ara Harakeke Titahi Bay Beach and a wide range of outdoor adventures in our 9.1km, 2 hr 30 min (one way) Southern Clifftop own big, beautiful backyard. We have lots of This track takes you through Mana, 2.8km, 1 hr (return) biking and hiking options to help you explore Plimmerton, and Pukerua Bay and If you’re after a mesmerising coastal includes four beaches, a wetland, view, this is the trail for you. Start Porirua’s great outdoors – from tamariki-friendly a steam train operation and historic at the south end of Titahi Bay strolls to challenging tracks for even the most World War II sites. The flat and Beach and then join the Southern easy track makes it particularly Clifftop Walk to enjoy views to seasoned and fearless mountain biker. popular for biking with tamariki. Mana Island and beyond.
Te Ara Utiwai, Escarpment Track Te Ara Piko Whitireia Park Rangituhi 10km, 3-5 hr (one way) 3.2km, 50 min (one way) 6.5km, 1 hr 50 min (one way) 6.1km, 1 hr 45 min (one way) Stretching from Pukerua Bay to Take in the serene coastal wetland There are few tracks in New Zealand There are a range of tracks on Paekākāriki, this track will give atmosphere and the gorgeous inlet that can match the dramatic views the beautiful hills to the west of you bragging rights that you’ve views when you take the popular that Whitireia Park offers. The the city centre. If you’re looking walked part of the Te Araroa Trail ‘Meandering Path’ around the walkway takes you through farmland for an easy to moderate track in (the track that goes the length of stunning Pāuatahanui inlet. Its well- and along the coastline between stunning native forest, then Te New Zealand). Also called ‘Stairway developed flat gravel and boardwalk Onehunga Bay and Te Onepoto Bay Ara Utiwai with its gravelled track to Heaven’, it has a lot of steps, tracks are buggy friendly and the to reward you with breathtaking views and gentle gradient from Camp some steep terrain and is a great perfect spot for bird-watching. of Mana Island and the South Island. Elsdon to the Rangituhi lookout is a option if you’re fit and ready for a Decent footwear is recommended. beauty! Bikers uphill only please. challenge with breathtaking views.
2 Discover Porirua Summer 2019-20 3 Mountain Jon Hull Frank Hopfler Jon Hull biking for beginners
Jude Pointon Matt Pollock Robyn Hall Porirua has an amazing range of tracks for riders of all skills. Simon Bendall from Get Fixed Bicycle Café shares his top tips for those who want to give it a go.
Be comfortable on Don’t over inflate 1 your bike. 2 the tyres. Get your bike fitted at your local Softer tyres conform to the contours of bike shop. It will make the ride an uneven terrain and provide more grip. Robyn Hall Bradley DeSwardt Frank Hopfler enjoyable experience. Start with 35psi for tubed tyres and 25psi for tubeless. Change gears Momentum is The hunt for the 3 before climbing. 4 your friend. Changing gears under load while When descending steep sections, climbing is sometimes difficult as it keep your body low and towards perfect view reduces your momentum and is hard the rear to help stop you going over on the drive components. the handlebar. From coastal views to the South Island Here’s a few to inspire you to get out and beyond, to lush native bush, there this summer and capture your rolling farm hills and colourful sunsets, own perfect view. Porirua’s views can take your breath Kids keen to bike? Check out WORD! away. A group of locals have been For kids aged 7-17 years WORD is a non-profit organisation that offers school capturing and sharing their beautiful Share your photos of Porirua using the programmes and holiday camps in Porirua. Tamariki will learn mountain biking photos on Porirua Views on Facebook. hashtag #PoriruaViews. skills, build confidence and have fun while making new friends!
4 Discover Porirua Nothing says ‘summer fun’ quite like the feeling of sand between your toes, eating ice cream on the beach and the smell of sunscreen on your skin. With so many beaches and water-based activities to keep everybody entertained, you can have the best time this summer in Porirua, without breaking the bank.
Head to the beach Launch your boat If you have togs, sunscreen and a The waters around Porirua are a towel you’re already set for a good popular playground for boaties with day out in Porirua. We have seven public launching facilities at Pukerua beaches to choose from where the Bay, Karehana Bay, Paremata, whānau can go swimming, surfing Onepoto and Titahi Bay Beach. or rockpool exploring. Keep your Plimmerton Boating Club and Mana eyes peeled and you may even spot Marina offer great facilities that seals, whales and dolphins playing members can take advantage of in our waters! Be mindful that we before or after heading out to sea. have plenty of birdlife nesting around Remember to always wear your our coastline and dogs on leashes lifejacket and have two ways you can are best to protect our wildlife. call for help if you get into trouble.
Grab your snorkel Have a blast at the Explore our underwater world around Splash Pad the rocks of Titahi Bay, Pukerua Bay, There’s something for all ages at Onehunga Bay and Karehana Bay. the Splash Pad at Aotea Lagoon. See if you can spot fish, shells, starfish Toddlers will be treated to water and if you’re lucky, seahorses! Please jellies and misters, while older kids don’t touch or disturb our special will enjoy spray cannons and a species and take only memories. massive dumper bucket named ‘supersplash’. Don’t forget your sunscreen, and bring along a picnic to enjoy a day out at the Lagoon.
6 Discover Porirua Summer 2019-20 7 Marty grew up in the Bay and even How is the club going? after stints living in Gisborne and This is the club I grew up with and Auckland, will always call Porirua I’m enjoying helping out with the home. He enjoys what the city has kids where I can, trying to pass on a to offer, especially its proximity to few tips. The ski and board squads outstanding walks and mountain have huge numbers and it looks Surf’s Up bike tracks – and the beach! like there will be 10 surf boat crews this coming season, so this could How much time do you spend Marty McDowell knows the waters of Titahi Bay be an outstanding summer for us. on the water these days? well. The former national champion kayaker, who In summer, the surf boat crew What was the best thing about paddled for his country at the Rio Olympics in 2016, are out there six days a week. growing up in Titahi Bay? devotes his time to Titahi Bay Surf Life Saving Club We had a fantastic last season, It was always a tight community. winning nationals here in New these days, where he is part of the men’s surf boat All the kids knew each other, you Zealand and making the final were never short of mates to play crew that won the national title last summer. at the Australian nationals. It’s a with and have something to do. very good crew and we’re hoping You felt safe and a little bit out of to carry on our winning ways this the way in the Bay, which I loved. summer. I’m not kayaking much And the beach is right there… now, so surf boat is it for me. What do you do to relax? If I’m not on the water with the surf boat crew or surfing, I walk the dog around Whitireia Park and love the mountain bike trails below Colonial Knob. I really enjoy the outdoor feel you have in Porirua, it’s always been something that’s drawn me home.
Where do you like to eat? The boys often head to Peppermill after training on Saturday mornings. There’s a few good options for food in the city – my family and I headed to Tuk Tuk Thai for a fantastic meal recently.
What’s next for you? I’m working as an engineer on the Interislander these days, so that takes up a lot of my time. But most of my spare time will be on the water here in Titahi Bay! Photo: Barbara Newton
8 Discover Porirua Summer 2019-20 9 Kai with The ideal Porirua a view summer checklist
Looking for the best places to eat under the sun? Take a picnic to Aotea Lagoon Take the Titahi Bay If you are looking for a meal with some indoor- and enjoy the summer concerts. murals walking tour. outdoor flow, or like your kai with a view over the Head to the local library Fish ‘n’ chips at the beach, waters, then look no further than these eateries. and enjoy A-Long Hot an evening swim and Summer Story Festival. watch the sun set. Whitby Co-op D4 Mana, Supply Room Stop and smell the old fashioned Walk or bike Porirua’s epic trails Kitchen & Bar and The Sandbar roses at Pāuatahanui Cemetery. and find your favourite view. This family-friendly restaurant on With west-facing decks and the banks of the Whitby Lakes is patios for maximum sea views Visit the Po at Pukerua Bay, then Grab your friends for a game perfect for a burger and fries and and afternoon sun, you may even hunt for paua shells at low-tide. of beach cricket or volleyball. sitting in the outside patio area catch a show of kite-boarders while Paddle on Pāuatahanui Inlet Try your detective skills at with a glass of wine or craft beer. sipping on a refreshing beverage. or Porirua Harbour. the Police Museum. 69A Discovery Drive, 105-109 Mana Esplanade Whitby Follow the Plimmerton Take the kids camping at Heritage Trail. Battle Hill and feed the eels. Plimmerton Fish Supply Café Kaizen Grab your iconic summer meal of fish Sit outdoors and enjoy the Give the kids some thrills on the Pick blueberries at an orchard and chips from one of New Zealand’s tranquility of the Japanese long slide at Mungavin Park. along Paekakariki Hill Road. top-rated fish & chippies then stroll garden while enjoying abundant Explore Mana Island Beer tasting at Tinker Tailor. down to the beach at Plimmerton cabinet food or yummy meals and spot the takahe. or Karehana Bay. Happy days! from Kaizen’s extensive menu. 2 Beach Rd, Pātaka, 17 Parumoana St, Go-karting at Porirua Adrenalin Forest rope challenges. Plimmerton Te Manawa Indoor Raceway. Backyard Café Get Fixed Bicycle Café Take the kids rock climbing Check out an exhibition at Awesome Bounce. at Pātaka. Lush green plants, freshly baked Perfectly positioned to take in the food and some of the best coffee views at Harbour’s Edge, you can relax Cool off with an iced coffee or Visit a playground that you in Porirua awaits you in the on a bean bag with a gelato or sip on gelato at one of our city cafés. haven’t been to before. peaceful courtyard of Palmers a coffee while watching the kids play. Garden Centre in Plimmerton. 16 Parumoana St, Surfing at Titahi Bay Beach. Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf. 99-109 St Andrews Rd, Te Manawa Plimmerton
10 Discover Porirua Summer in Te Manawa Te Manawa, our city centre, has plenty for everyone. Tamariki love the outdoor playground in Hartham Place and there’s a wide variety of food options to suit all tastes. Enjoy music on the Cobham Court stage on Wednesdays 12-1pm during December.
Porirua Night Market Harbour’s Edge Pop Up Enjoy delicious kai from the You can pull up a bean bag and Wellington Food Truck Collective relax or hire a bike from Get Fixed and live entertainment in Bicycle Café, shop for Pacifica inspired Cobham Court, 5-9pm on the last homeware at Blue Bell Club, or Thursday of every month (except enjoy delicious food at Grilla BBQ. for December, its on the 19th). End of Norrie Street, Cobham Court Harbour’s Edge
The Post Hotel Laughalots Perfect for a city centre More than a playland, this is Porirua’s ‘staycation’ with 10% discounts new social hub with loads of amazing for Porirua residents who book indoor amusement activities for directly at theposthotel.nz. kids, a café, party areas and even 3 Serlby Place a commercial kitchen for hire. Lydney Place South Local Authority A place to enjoy great coffee, food Revl and smoothies. Offering single Experience Porirua’s new premium origin and filter coffee, the baristas group training studio and full access know that sometimes a mocha with gym. With athletic-play style workouts extra choc is really all you want – and top quality new equipment, you’ll there’s no coffee judgement here! be smashing goals and feeling great. Laughalots mural, 1 Walton Leigh Ave 16 Parumoana Street Lydney Place South
Summer 2019-20 13 Let your Adventure awaits at the Arena mind explore Te Rauparaha Arena hosts dozens of awesome events and also has a fantastic gym, stadium and pool. at Pātaka Come and make a splash at If you want to gain water confidence or Photo: Shannon Novak’s “Nexus” installation in Pātaka’s atrium Arena Aquatics where everything learn to swim, then Dash Swim School is included with entry! There’s lane can help. More than 20,000 people swimming, aqua jogging, spa, have learnt to be safe and strong sauna and a steam room for the swimmers with Dash. It’s not just for the 20/20: Exhibitions at adults. The wave pool, hydro kids – anyone can learn lifesaving skills Words of Wisdom Toi Gallery slide, lazy river, inflatables and or improve their technique with Dash. toddler’s pool will keep the Arena Activities offers a wide range A major survey of Titahi Bay old boy • James Harcourt, Nikau Palm Masks, kids entertained for hours. of fun for all ages. There is Kindy Gym Wayne Youle, one of our country’s 15 Dec – 26 Jan In need of a workout outside the for the tamariki as well as trips and leading contemporary artists. • Kerry Jane Scott, Local Painter, pool? Join Arena Fitness to enjoy adventures for our older friends who He played for Norths Rugby and 31 Jan – 8 Mar Porirua’s only Les Mills group fitness are still young at heart. Go to their competed in events across New • Clive Kelly, Local Painter, 13 Mar – 19 Apr classes, and membership includes website terauparaha-arena.co.nz Zealand and Australia as a Titahi Bay free access to all the pool facilities. for a full programme of what’s on. lifeguard. This exhibition looks at 20 years of professional art practice since his very first art exhibition at Pātaka. With this exhibition Pātaka is also celebrating its 21st birthday! Summer reading Exhibitions at There’s no better way to relax than by Bottle Creek grabbing a book – or ten! Get your book • Festival of Wood, The Wellington fix with our libraries this summer. Guild of Woodworkers, 1 Nov – 1 Dec Our main City Centre Library has a will open its doors again soon. • A Toi Poutama, Whitireia Graduate wide selection of books to satisfy Can’t find a book at one of our local show, 6 Dec – 19 Jan the interests of readers from all libraries? Don’t despair, Porirua is • Creative Fibre Wellington, Bring your tamariki to Pātaka for ages and is open every day, except part of the SMART library group, ‘Four Seasons’, 24 Jan – 1 Mar interactive activities, learning public holidays. Pukerua Bay, which gives you access to libraries • Tokelau: Energy of a Nation, experiences and workshops. Cannons Creek and Whitby also across Greater Wellington. Ask one 6 Mar – 12 Apr Check Pātaka’s Facebook page have smaller community libraries of our friendly librarians about this • Grant Sheehan: ‘Does Ava Dream?’, for dates and details. and the library in Titahi Bay service, it’s free and easy to use. 17 Apr – 17 May
14 Discover Porirua Summer 2019-20 15 Summer events calendar
We have plenty of night markets, concerts, sports events, expos and open air festivals to keep you entertained through the long warm days of summer. For more events in Porirua visit: poriruacity.govt.nz/events
Tuia Mātauranga rePurposed Christmas 16 Roadshow 23 Market NOV NOV 10am – 5pm | Te Rauparaha Park 10am – 2pm | Mungavin Hall
Come experience this free Christmas shopping with touring interactive truck, a difference. All stalls have full of stories and resources products to help reduce about Pacific and Māori waste, or are made from migration and wayfinding. reused or recycled treasures.
LAST Porirua Night Market Wellington Pet & Animal Christmas in the City Pukerua Bay’s Christmas THURS 5 – 9pm | Cobham Court 12 – 4pm | Cobham Court | Free EVERY 16 Expo 7 14 on the Field NOV DEC DEC MONTH, 10am – 4pm | Te Rauparaha 4 – 8pm | School Field, Rawhiti Road EXCEPT Enjoy delicious kai from Get your skates on for 19 DEC the Wellington Food - Looking for the best snowy Christmas fun for A fabulous, free evening of Truck Collective and products, services and the whole whānau! There family fun, with kids’ rides, live entertainment in 17 entertainment for your fur will be an ice rink, food tasty food and carols. NOV Te Manawa - the heart babies? This event will have trucks, music, children’s Bring along a can of food of Porirua City. plenty to satisfy even the activities, market stalls, to donate to the ‘Cans for fussiest pet lover satisfied. Santa Claus and more. Christmas’ collection.
16 Discover Porirua Summer 2019-20 17 Eat, Drink & Be Crafty 17 Summer 25 10am – 4pm | Battle Hill Farm JAN Concert JAN Forest Park | Gold coin donation - Enjoy the very best of Series locally-made crafts, 20 6 – 8pm | Aotea Lagoon | Free artisan food, live music and JAN entertainment for the whole Pack your picnic and enjoy family in this lovely rural the long summer evenings with setting. Proceeds support live music during Wellington Wellington Free Ambulance Anniversary weekend. and local Porirua charities. Friday: The Hustle Saturday: Mojo Sunday: Shenanigans Children’s Day 01 Te Rauparaha Park | Free Monday: Shaun Preston MAR Children’s Day is all about putting tamariki first, and what better way to celebrate than with a great day filled with fun and activities at New Zealand Festival of Te Rauparaha Park. 22 the Arts – Te Ata FEB Te Rauparaha Arena, Pātaka | - Free / Ticketed Te Ata, a festival within the 06 Waitangi 29 Festival, brings together FEB FEB artists from Aotearoa Day and around the world to 11am – 3pm | Te Rauparaha Park, exchange with young New Pātaka, Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour | Free Zealanders who wish to take a bold, brave and Nau mai, haere mai, active role in shaping the ki Porirua. Gather your culture of the place where whānau and join us as they live. Two weeks of we celebrate Aotearoa’s ground-breaking creative national day. There will development will culminate be live music, tasty kai in a week of public and lots of fun activities performances in Porirua on Te Rauparaha Park, City. Proudly partnered by in the Arena and at Wellington Airport, visit Pātaka. You can also festival.nz/teata for have a go at paddling a more information. waka in our harbour.
18 Discover Porirua Summer 2019-20 19 Plimmerton Fun Run 01 7:30 – 11am | Plimmerton School | Discover Porirua Map MAR Registrations required
Come along for a run, Eat & drink Activities walk, or stroll through Get Fixed Bicycle Café Splash Pad beautiful Plimmerton and 16 Parumoana St, Elsdon Aotea Lagoon Pukerua Bay. Enter at Peppermill Café & Bar Indoor Raceway plimmertonfunrun.com 4 Norrie St 3 Raiha St, Elsdon Tuk Tuk Thai Kitchen Awesome Bounce 15 Hartham Place North 8c Mohuia Cres The Co-Op Kitchen & Bar NZ Police Museum 69A Discovery Dr Royal New Zealand Police College Titahi Bay Beach Festival ANZ Premiership Netball Plimmerton Fish Supply Adrenalin Forest 07 1 – 7pm | Titahi Bay Beach | Free 05 Games 2 Beach Rd, Plimmerton Okowai Rd MAR APR Te Rauparaha Arena | Backyard Café Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf Head to the beach for Ticketed through Ticketek 99-109 St Andrews Rd, Plimmerton 2 Wi Neera Dr, Elsdon Titahi Bay’s annual festival & After maintaining the Supply Room & D4 Mana The Post Hotel and enjoy a great day out 105 Mana Esplanade 3 Serlby Pl with live entertainment, 03 majority of last year’s MAY champion squad, the 2020 Café Kaizen Laughalots Playland delicious kai and activities 17 Parumoana St Lydney Place South ANZ Premiership season for the whole family. Local Authority Revl promises to be an exciting Shop 1/1 Walton Leigh Ave 16 Parumoana St one. Support our local team Harbour’s Edge Pop Up – Te Wānanga o Raukawa Places End of Norrie St Central Pulse - as they Pukerua Bay Beach Pātaka strive to go back to back! Pukerua Beach Rd, Pukerua Bay 17 Parumoana St Karehana Bay Beach Te Rauparaha Arena Moana Rd, Karehana Bay 17 Parumoana St Ngāti Toa Domain Reading Cinemas Pascoe Ave, Mana North City Shopping Centre, 2 Titahi Bay Rd Porirua Grand Traverse Titahi Bay Beach 7am | Race HQ, Whitireia Polytech, 05 Beach Rd, Titahi Bay Paths & trails APR Wineera Drive | Registrations required Aotea Lagoon Whitireia Park Papakōwhai Road, Papakōwhai Whitireia Rd, Titahi Bay The ultimate multisport Cobham Court Ara Harakeke event across Porirua’s Te Manawa – Our City Centre Pukerua Bay Shops/Station Rd spectacular coastal Pāuatahanui Burial Ground Harbourside/Streamside Paths landscapes and rugged hills. 2 Paekakariki Hill Rd, Pāuatahanui Wi Neera Dr/Station Rd Something for everyone Te Ara Piko Libraries Pāuatahanui with running, walking, Cannons Creek Library Bothamley Pathway biking and paddling options 18 Warspite Ave Bothamley Park for all ages and abilities. City Centre Library Southern Clifftop Walk Enter at pgt.org.nz 17 Parumoana St Titahi Bay Beach Pukerua Bay Library Rangituhi/Colonial Knob 6A Wairaka Rd Porirua Scenic Reserve Whitby Library Te Araroa: Escarpment Track 69 Discovery Dr Pukerua Bay Station/Beach Road, Paekakariki
20 Discover Porirua Summer 2019-20 21 Pukerua Bay Harbour’s Edge Porirua City Beach Te Manawa – Pop Up Pukerua Bay Get Fixed WI NEERA DR Blue Bell Club Bicycle Café Pukerua Bay Library Our city centre GRILLA BBQ Places Ara Harakeke Walkway Te Araroa: Escarpment Track Mega Revl Libraries Centre
Paths & trails City Centre Library
Activities Café Kaizen Eat & drink PARUMOANA ST Pātaka
NORRIE ST Porirua Skate Park TITAHI BAY RD
Peppermill Café & Bar JELLICOE ST Te Rauparaha Arena Plimmerton
Karehana Bay Beach
Plimmerton LYTTELTON AVE Fish Supply Backyard PARUMOANA ST Café Oscars Camborne Espresso Bar Filo Supply Room & D4 Mana Te Ara Piko HAGLEY ST Camborne F45 Onehunga Walkway The Post Whitireia Bay Hotel Park Pāuatahanui Harbourside/ Ngāti Toa Streamside Paths Domain Arepa Gamers Titahi Bay Cobham Court
Titahi Bay HERIOT DR La Cabrita The Little Southern Beach Paremata Pāuatahanui Goat Clifftop Burial Ground Toilets The Quarterdeck Lookout Endeavour Whitby Park Laughalots Whitireia Tuk Tuk Thai Park Papakōwhai The Co-Op Kitchen Takapūwāhia Kitchen & Bar Whitby Aotea NZ Police Library LYTTELTON AVE Museum Lagoon Reading Ascot Park Cinemas
Adrenalin Forest RD STATION Harbourside/ Streamside Paths Elsdon Pirate’s Cove Aotea Adventure Golf Waitangirua North City Shopping Centre Awesome Bothamley Bounce Park Indoor Bothamley Raceway Pathway Te Ara Porirua Utiwai Cannons Creek Station Local Cannons Creek Authority Te Manawa Library Kenepuru Rānui
Rangituhi/ Colonial Knob TITAHI BAY RD We love Porirua City and we think you will too. Nau mai, haere mai! It’s summer in Porirua – come over and play! From beautiful beaches and a myriad of trails to fun festivals and yummy kai, we have you and the whole whānau covered.
Discover Porirua and enjoy the best fun under the sun this summer. poriruacity.govt.nz/discoverporirua
On the cover: Escarpment Track Photo: Jay French
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