On the Colonial Knob side the track starts as a pine forest access road along a small ridge starting at the smelly Porirua Tip. When the track runs out of ridge it turns into a route through pine forest down to Ohariu Valley Rd marked with poles which are difficult to see. This track runs from either the Colonial Knob main track via a steep downhill or Chasfudan Place through to Ohariu Valley Rd over the ridge. This is a good fun for bikes.

Time and Difficulty

Allow around an hour one way

Distance and Height

The track is around 3km long and climbs a total of 120m

This is really a network of tracks through a couple of different reserves however they can be linked to form an interesting half hour stroll. The area is significant for its Tawa trees that give the entire area its name however you'll also find good stands of Matai and Beech. The track itself is generally good and well maintained although it does get a little scrappy in some places. Brasenose pl, Achilles cl, Peterhouse st and Larsen cr all provide access to the network

Time and Difficulty

Allow between 15 and 25 minutes one way depending on your level of fitness. Its quicker to loop back on the road

Distance and Height

The track is around 1.3km long

This reserve runs between Woodburn Rd in Grenada North and Bing Lucas Dr. The tracks are generally in good condition although beware the mud just before the lower Woodburn Rd and also the short steep section linking the tracks. The track features good views over Tawa and the Woodburn valley. The track can be accessed from the beginning and end of Woodburn Rd or via an unsigned entrance along Bing Lucas Dr

Time and Difficulty

Allow between 40 and 50 minutes to do all the tracks

Distance and Height

The area has around 2km of tracks so plenty of space to get lost for half an hour

This track links Grenada North with the top end of Horikiwi Rd giving further access into Belmont Regional Park via the Bridle Way track. The track starts easy enough but the second half is overgrown with gorse and can be difficult to follow. The council does go through occasionally and clear the gorse but it grows back quickly. If this track was better looked after it would be a real asset to recreation in this area. Access is via the end of Caribean Dr and Horikiwi Rd (keep an eye out for the post with a small arrow on it).

Time and Difficulty

Allow around 45 minutes one way up the hill and you can easily shave 5 to 10 minutes off if going the other way

Distance and Height

The track is around 2.5km one way and climbs a total of 260m

The lookout gives views from Johnsonville, through Tawa and on to Porirua. The lookout is near a concrete water storage tank and includes seats for those who want to take it easy. The lookout is a great spot for a picnic. The track can be accessed from the end of the culdesac in Kilkelly Close. The track is well signposted.

Time and Difficulty

Allow around 5 minutes to reach the lookout

Distance and Height

The track is around 200m long and climbs a total of 20m

The track is short but well travelled and offers views out over Tawa and Linden. This reserve commemorates Charles Duncan who in 1866 purchased the 120 acres required to create the farm they named Linden Vale. The homestead included extensive gardens, one of which was known as the Tawa Tea Gardens. The track is accessed from Fyfie Avenue

Time and Difficulty

Allow around 10 minutes to complete the loop

Distance and Height

The track is around 500m long

This track starts in Brasenose Pl, climbing past tracks up to the farmland at the top of the spur. From here it becomes a ground trail as opposed to a track but can still be followed if you keep your eyes out. Not for the faint hearted and please respect the farmers private property. The track officially starts from Brasenose Place however a number of short tracks in Tawa also join this track.

Time and Difficulty

Allow around 30-40 minutes to get to the top of the ridge

Distance and Height

The track is around 1.5km long and climbs a total of 180m

Wilf Mexted Reserve is up a small valley on the Grendada side of the motorway and while not big in area it's convenient and well used by the locals. The track is a loop that includes a seat with a nice view out over Tawa. Wilf Mexted was the original owner of the surrounding land who gifted this remaining bush reserve to the city of Tawa in 1939. The loop starts and ends along Woodman Drive

Time and Difficulty

Allow around 15 to complete the loop

Distance and Height

The track is around 600m long for the whole loop and climbs a total of 40m

This walkway provides access to breathtaking 360 degree views from Colonial Knob. The area is well travelled and on a good day you can feel like you're queuing towards the top. This area is also good fun on a bike provided you put the effort in to get it to the top.

Time and Difficulty

Allow between 1.5 and 2 hours to do the main loop. Its about the same if you do the return trip to Broken Hill via the reservoir

Distance and Height

The main loop is 6.7km from Raiha St to Broken Hill but you can extend this using other tracks. The walkway rises between 60m and 460m.

This network of tracks provide access to Porirua Scenic Reserve, a large area of reasonably mature native forest to the side of Colonial Knob. One of the highlights is the birdsong which can be deafening in spring and the excellent quality of the main tracks. This is also a good area for those who enjoy bush bashing but don't try this unless you are handy with a map and compass (or GPS).

Distance and Height

The area has around 10km of tracks which should be plenty for most people