For Sunday 11 Oct 2026
I am postponing the planned Ngaio/Khandallah trip to next year due to a new track in the area not yet being completed.
We are going to revisit one of our trips back in 2024. While the Runners will do a very similar trail again, the Walkers trail will be somewhat different and a little longer (just over 7km).
Here are the suggested routes and maps for the Runners and Walkers for our Bus Trip to Aotea on October 11. Many will recall we were out this way a couple of years ago. The routes are scenic and on well-formed tracks. Should be enjoyable for all.
There are toilets at Ascot Park and at Aotea Lagoon.
Bus Drop-off – Whitford Brown Avenue in Aotea just past the Woolworths Supermarket (Bus Stop #2702)
Bus Pick-up – Aotea Lagoon, near the Police College (Bus Stop #2596)
We would then head into Porirua to the Peppermill Café in Norrie Street before returning to the city.
Runners
Dales Reserve, Bothamley Park, Cannons Creek Lakes, Thompson Gully, Aotea,
Papakowhai Walkways finishing at Aotea Lagoon (Approx. 14 km)
Runners will get dropped off on Whitford Brown Ave just past the Supermarket.
Cross the road and head down the alleyway to Able Glen, through the Dales Reserve, through Bothamley Park
and exit onto Warspite Ave.
Take the Waihora Loop track which is steady uphill to the ridge above and Mara Roa Track to the Cannons Creek Lakes.
Go down Mungavin Ave and through the Thompson Gully Reserve and re-enter Bothamley Park and take the trail up to Aotea.
Through Aotea and beside the Supermarket take the trail down to Eskdale Rd in Papakowhai, turning left into Glengavel Grove and
follow the Papakowhai Walkways through to the Papakowhai Reserve and onto Papakowhai Rd.
Head south along Papakowhai Rd until you come to Aotea Lagoon. Take the northern entrance to
the Lagoon and run around the lagoon enjoying the picturesque venue and exit at the main gate on
Papakowhai Rd where the Bus will be waiting.
Walkers
Dales Reserve (including Fairy Walk), Bothamley Park Pathway, Conclusion Walkway,
Papakowhai finishing at Aotea Lagoon (Approx. 7.4 km)
The Fairy Walk in Dales Reserve is an extensive display of themed rocks which is highly
recommended.
Walkers will also get dropped off on Whitford Brown Ave just past the Supermarket.
Cross the roadand head down the alleyway to Able Glen, through the Dales Reserve and down into Bothamley
Park. Stay on the main track (ignoring the minor tracks on your right) and then at the firstintersection turn left and then a little time later, veer left again. Head northwards along this track which will exit onto Warspite Ave.
Cross the road and rejoin the Bothamley Pathway and then turn left at the Ascot Park sign. Exit onto
Conclusion St. and head up the road and then take the pathway on your right between #44 & #46.
Take the first trail on your left (this is the Conclusion Walkway) and follow this which is moderately
uphill at the beginning before levelling off. Follow this for approx. 2 km (ignoring any turnoffs on
your left) which will take in great views of the neighbouring suburbs, Pauatahanui and out to Mana
Island. Just before the end when the Supermarket comes into view, take the track on your right
down to Eskdale Rd in Papakowhai.
Go down Eskdale Rd, turning left into Halladale Rd, left into Tweed Rd and then left into Papakowhai
Rd until you come to Aotea Lagoon where the Bus will be waiting. If time allows, you can enter the
Lagoon and walk around enjoying the picturesque venue at your leisure.
For those Walkers wanting a shorter, easier route, there many options available. One option can
include the Dales Reserve/Bothamley Pathway only and then once reaching Warspite Ave, turn left
and return along Warspite Ave for about 1 km to the Supermarket and then head down Eskdale Rd
in Papakowhai. This would be about 5km in total.
Slower Running Group
Can follow the full Walkers route and perhaps upon reaching the Aotea Lagoon, continue on through
to Gear Homestead and run the loop there before returning to the Aotea Lagoon. To get to Gear
Homestead, cross Whitford Brown Ave, turn right into Okowai Rd and the Gear Homestead is
nearby. Alternatively, the Aotea Lagoon can be enjoyed.
Bus Stops for Bus Trips
https://wrw.org.nz/bus-trips/bus-stops-for-wrw-bus-trips/
Thanks
Mark
Bus Seat Registration
Bus Seats Reserved
Name | Seats | Pickup |
Maryse Arnell | 1 | Ngauranga Gorge, Hutt Rd 8:20 |
Roland Idaczyk | 1 | Ngauranga Gorge, Hutt Rd 8:20 |
Sybil Gregson | 1 | ASB Stadium 8am |
Sheryl Vibert | 1 | ASB Stadium 8am |
Tasi Takuira-Mita | 1 | ASB Stadium 8am |
Liya Liyanage | 2 | Ngauranga Gorge, Hutt Rd 8:20 |
Bice Awan | 1 | Ngauranga Gorge, Hutt Rd 8:20 |
Bill Frecklington | 1 | Wgtn Railway Station 8:10 |
Toni Finkle | 1 | Ngauranga Gorge, Hutt Rd 8:20 |
Nigel Raymond | 1 | Ngauranga Gorge, Hutt Rd 8:20 |
Mark Growcott | 1 | Ngauranga Gorge, Hutt Rd 8:20 |
Graham Hill | 1 | ASB Stadium 8am |
Total seats reserved 13
