Wellington Regional Trails
Five people standing on the summit of Boulder Hill, Puke Ariki in Belmont Regional Park at sunset.

A rewarding full-day scenic walk or ride that traverses the length of Belmont Regional Park.

Walking time

7 - 8 hr

Length

21.6km

Uses

Walking/Running, Tramping/Hiking, Mountain Biking

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Advanced: Tramping track

Mountain Bike Grade

Expert: Grade 5

Profile

454m highest point

Dogs

No

About the trail

The Puke Ariki (‘The Place of Leaders’) trail offers a unique and varied journey across some of the region’s most beautiful and rugged terrain.

You’ll weave along 4WD tracks and meander along native bush-clad trails, and climb steep hillsides. Starting at the Dry Creek entrance, trail climb climbs to the top of Boulder Hill. From there it follows undulating farmland to the airstrip, Round Knob, Cannons Head, and Belmont Trig. The track then drops down into Korokoro Valley and exits at Cornish Street in Petone.

Sometimes referred to as Haywards Korokoro Traverse, Puke Ariki is suitable for mountain bikers and walkers.

Getting there

  • This trail can be completed in either direction by starting at the Dry Creek entrance to Belmont Regional Park or Cornish Street in Petone.
  • There are regular bus and train services to Porirua, Lower Hutt and the surrounding areas. Timetables are available from the Metlink.
The view from the summit of Belmont Trig Track, a biking and walking trail in Lower Hutt.

Know before you go 

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk by the NZ Mountain Safety Council for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list.
  • Dogs are not permitted.
  • This trail is unsuitable for mountain buggies.

For more tips and advice before heading out on Wellington’s trails check out our before you go section.

Looking for more?

The summit of Belmont Trig Track, a biking and walking trail in Lower Hutt.

Belmont Trig Track

Belmont Regional ParkGet a taste of back country life on this half-day scenic walk or ride through mature native forest.

The top of the 4 degrees Track in Belmont Regional Park. A small signpost shows direction, with gravel paths cutting through farmland and hills in the background.

4 Degrees

Belmont Regional ParkThis trail is named after its gentle four degree gradient, making it an easy option for mountain bikers and walkers to access Old Coach Road.

Three people standing on top of Birchville Dam. Green trees and bushes surround them.

Cannon Point Walkway

Zigzag through the hills north of Upper Hutt to the historic Birchville Dam.

Three people are standing with their arms raised facing the view of the harbour in the background at Te Whiti Riser, a hiking trail in Lower Hutt Wellington.

Te Whiti Riser

A popular all-weather walking and mountain biking track overlooking Wainuiomata and Lower Hutt.

Two people walk along Bus Barn Track in East Harbour Regional Park during golden hour.

Bus Barn Track

East Harbour Regional ParkAn easy trail through mature beech forest and stunning kahikatea trees.

The people walk along a wide gravel path passing the entrance sign to East Harbour Regional Park.

Kererū Track

East Harbour Regional ParkSee native kererū and orchids while enjoying views over Wellington from the hills above Days Bay.

2 adults and 2 children bike alongside the Hutt River.

Hutt River Trail

Follow the picturesque Hutt River all the way from Petone to Upper Hutt on this easy, well-maintained trail.

Cyclists are riding along a coastal road at the Pencarrow Coast in Eastbourne, New Zealand.

Pencarrow Coast Road

Travel along a flat winding trail to the historic Pencarrow Lighthouse and the shores of Lake Kohangatera.

A mountain biker sits at the end of a hill ridge on the Puketiro Loop track looking out towards the Pāuatahanui Inlet.

Puketiro Loop

Battle Hill Farm Forest ParkClimb through dense pine plantations and take in views over Pāuatahanui on this intermediate trail suitable for walkers, bikers, and horse riders.

A small stream cuts through green grass and trees on the Restoration trail at Battle Hill Farm.

Restoration Trail

Battle Hill Farm Forest ParkEnjoy a short leisurely bike ride or stroll through farmland, wetlands, and an old airstrip.