Join us for a guided walk over Mātai Moana / Watts Peninsula (North end of Miramar Peninsula). This guided walk will celebrate the Government announcement (September 2025), that the 72 hectare area is now a Public Reserve and DOC land.
The area's attractions include:
1. strong historical, cultural and military values, (several kainga and pā, and military history from 1880s), and has hosted several prisons, including a prison garden
2. some superb 360 degree views of Wellington Harbour
3. no major animal pest species and while much of the land is grass or in pines, there are several sizable and growing areas of regenerating native bush.
Moderate fitness will be needed. Our walk is expected to take a little over 2.5 hours. It will traverse a mixture of sealed roads and walking tracks with some uneven ground and two quite steep sections, from sea level to 163m above sea level. One section has a gradient of 30 degrees for a short section. There are some stiles to climb over.
Meet opposite the steps up to Massey Memorial at 130 Massey Road, Point Halwsell, Mapuia, Wellington, 6022. This is about 450m south of Point Halswell, and 500m north of the northern end of Shelly Bay. Location of the meeting point: approx 41°17'15" S, 174°49'26.5" E. A Forest & Bird Flag will be on display. See map for meeting spot and car parking suggestions. Please arrive in time to confirm your attendance and receive a quick pre-walk briefing.
Arrive by 12.50 p.m. on Sunday 22 February 2026. Please register on EventFinda in advance - limited to 40 walkers. All aged 10 or more, are welcome - you do not have to be a Forest & Bird member. All children must be accompanied by an adult who takes responsibility for them. Please bring your own sunhat, sunblock, snacks, any personal medications plus water bottle and wear good walking shoes/boots. There is no public transport to the meeting point.
If weather is wet/unsuitable, a decision to postpone will be made by 11:00 a.m. on Sunday 22 February 2026, and a group email will be issued to all those who have registered. Contact Ken New on ken.new@branch.forestandbird.org.nz for any enquiries.
Please register on eventfinda using the following link: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/forest-bird-walk-new-reserve/wellington