One of the most scenic day walks in greater Wellington. On a clear day you can see most of the region and further afield from the 468m summit of Rangituhi / Colonial Knob.

I started the 8.5km loop from Spicer Botanical Park car park, starting through pleasant picnic areas.

The hike climbs up through some of the last remaining native forest in the Tawa-Porirua basin, beautiful classic New Zealand bush.

It isn’t far to the reservoirs built to supply water to Porirua Hospital.

The well graded and stepped path continue up through the bush with only the occasional glimpse beyond.

The bush abruptly ends and the epic views start in all directions.

And only improve heading up the grassy slopes.

In the distance is the snow capped peak of Mt Fyffe on the South Island.

There are also wonderful views (with a telephoto lens) of the Marlborough Sounds at the top of the South Island and Kapiti Island.

To the north is the beautiful Porirua harbour, and lush green rolling hills toward the coast to the west.

Most of the walk back down is along gravel road, not my favourite walking surface, but at least I could enjoy the views without needing to watch my step.

Final few before finishing the loop.