News

Ōtari is open, with a few exceptions

There’s been a massive clean up since February’s storm. Staff have been out to monitor all the tracks, many windfalls have been cleared and Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush is essentially open. However the Fernery and parts of Te Ara Tūpopo, the Red Track, will remain closed, awaiting expert arborist attention. Tawa trees in the Fernery are particularly vulnerable, and the movement of one has damaged the walkway. Please observe the barriers while staff work to make Ōtari fully safe, in what has been the biggest storm impact since the June 2013 event.

Posted: 4 March 2026

Overflow issue is being addressed!

Kākā, Tony Stoddard, wildbirds.nzWhat’s going on at Ōtari, you ask? It’s great news, is what. Work has started on a project to upgrade the wastewater pipe by the Northern Carpark. This is sorely needed. Currently a section of the pipe under Churchill Drive, at the intersection with Blackbridge Road, is too narrow to handle heavy flows. For some years wastewater has overflowed into the stormwater system during heavy rain, affecting the Kaiwharawhara Stream and Otari-Wilton’s Bush. Wellington Water contractors are on site this week undertaking geotechnical investigations to prepare for construction of the new pipe. Ōtari Manager, Tim Park, is delighted that work is underway to resolve this longstanding issue and asks that people give the contractors space to complete their work. Crews, with noisy drilling and excavation equipment, will be working at sites around Churchill Drive and the Northern Carpark. While the car park remains open, traffic management will be in place to keep contracting crews and road users safe.

Following the investigative work during March, Wellington Water hope to embark on construction work later this year. This will have a greater impact on the Northern Carpark. We will keep everyone updated as this happens.

Posted: 4 March 2026

Walks and Talks

There’s a new look to our annual Guided Walks and Seminar Series this year. Instead of cramming these events into March and April, we’re extending the programme throughout 2026 as we celebrate our centenary.

Evening seminars are held at Tāne Whakapiripiri, the visitor centre, from 7.30 to 8.30, followed by a Trust-hosted supper. Entry is by gold coin, be early - these talks are popular!

Guided walks also start from Tāne Whakapiripiri at 2pm, and generally last for about 90 minutes. There’s free entry for members, otherwise entry is $10. Tours are limited to 20, so whether you are a member or not, please book with Evenfinda.co.nz. Walks are generally gentle, following Ōtari’s paths and trails at a leisurely pace.

We have an array of New Zealand’s leading botanists, conservation scientists, bird nerds and historians keen to share their knowledge.

For the full programme, check our Centenary Events page here: https://www.owbt.nz/visiting/centenary-events/

Posted: 16 February 2026