Things to Do in Porirua

• New Zealand Police Museum
  Located on Papakowhai Road, the museum provides a journey through the country's policing history, with murder weapons and exhibits relating to the Mount Erebus tragedy and other famous disasters.
• Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve
  A Wetland Reserve with boardwalks and hides to highlight the birdlife. Facilities include an information Centre Cottage, electric barbecue, picnic tables and a plant nursery.
• Porirua Museum of Arts and Culture
  Displays of local history with exhibitions from national and international artists.
• Porirua Trust Aquatic Centre
  A wave machine and pools for all ages. Walk around Aotea Lagoon or take the easy way round on the model train (weekends only).
• Markets
  The city's lively markets include the Dawn Market at Cobham Court, while the Second Chance Fair begins at 9am in the hospital carpark with more great bargains.
• Colonial Knob Hilltop Reserve
  Panoramic views over the Porirua Basin, Cook Strait, Mana Island and the South Island. The 90-minute walk to the summit starts from Elsdon Reserve and climbs to 486m above sea level.
• Battle Hill
  The site of the 1846 battle between Governor Grey's British troops and Te Rauparaha's nephew, Te Rangihaeata. The reserve can be reached from Paekakiriki Road, and offers horse riding, mountain-bike riding and hiking. For campsites, contact the park ranger.
• Plimmerton Beach
  A popular swimming beach and a great place to watch the windsurfers tacking the waves.
• Walks
  For those who enjoy walking, there are more than 30 different walkways and historic trails in the region. Visitors can pick up a walkways brochure from the Porirua Information Centre.