Puke Ariki / Haywards Korokoro Traverse

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.

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.