Colonial Knob Scenic Reserve
Introduction
Colonial Knob Scenic Reserve and the adjacent Porirua Scenic Reserve protect the most significant area of native forest left in the Tawa-Porirua Basin.
The landscape is steep and undulating, rising to Colonial Knob, 468 metres above sea level. Colonial Knob is one of several visible remnants of a peneplain - an eroded land mass that existed 30 - 40 million years ago. Earthquakes have since raised the peneplain, and it has eroded to form these hills.
Features
Reservoir in Colonial Knob
Scenic Reserve
In the late 19th century two reservoirs were built in Colonial Knob Scenic Reserve to supply Porirua Hospital, but became redundant when the hospital was connected to the Porirua City water supply.
The view from the summit of Colonial Knob extends from the Kaikoura Range in the south to Mt Taranaki in the north-west. The islands of Mana and Kapiti are clearly seen offshore, and the drowned river valleys that make up Porirua Harbour are a prominent feature of the landscape. This is the only drowned river valley system in the Wellington region.
Location
The reserve is located on the hills west of Tawa and Linden.
Getting there
Access is via Broken Hill Road, off Raiha Street, which connects Kenepuru Drive and Prosser Street in Elsdon, Porirua. Colonial Knob Walking Track passes through the reserve, connecting the Broken Hill entrance with the Raiha Street entrance to Porirua Scenic Reserve.
Activities
Historic sites
Specialist activities
Historic sites
Short walks lead through native bush to old reservoirs.
Specialist activities: Photography
There are stunning photo opportunities from the summit of Colonial Knob, with views extending to Mt Taranaki in the north to the Kaikoura Range in the south.
Plan and prepare
The Colonial Knob walking track is steep in places but can be completed by people of most ages and fitness levels. The top section is exposed to strong winds-carry warm clothing; take food and drink.
Toilets by Elsdon Youth Camp are available for public use.
Please remember
Colonial Knob Walking Track passes through private farmland in places. Please keep to the marked route across farmland.
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