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Kōrero: Wellington places

Ōtari–Wilton's Bush

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Ōtari–Wilton's Bush

Ōtari–Wilton’s Bush is a 100-hectare reserve that contains Wellington city’s largest area of original native forest – set aside by the early farmer Job Wilton. It has ancient rimu – including an 800-year old tree – mataī, tawa and rewarewa. Birdlife includes kererū (New Zealand pigeons), tūī, fantails and grey warblers. The south branch of the Kaiwharawhara Stream runs through the reserve and supports eel, banded kōkupu, and (exotic) trout. The Ōtari–Wilton's Bush Trust has begun restoring the stream to encourage more native fish.

The reserve includes a 5-hectare native botanic garden, the only one in the country dedicated to growing New Zealand's unique plants.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

Private collection

by Chris Maclean

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

Ngā whakaahua me ngā rauemi katoa o tēnei kōrero

Me pēnei te tohu i te whārang

Chris Maclean, Wellington places – Northern suburbs, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/mi/photograph/13437/otari-wiltons-bush (accessed 24 June 2026).

He kōrero nā Chris Maclean, i tāngia i te 3 March 2009, updated 1 March 2016.