Wellington Regional Trails
Trees and pathway on Gums Loop Walk.

Take a relaxing walk among the gums and native trees of the Gums Loop Walk. There are swimming holes to enjoy and you can listen for the kārearea/bush falcons as they call overhead.

Walking time
1 hr
Length
2.8km
Uses
Walking/Running, Mountain Biking, Wheelchair/Pram
Type
Single and double track
Walking difficulty
Easiest: Short walk
Mountain Bike Grade
Easiest: Grade 1
Profile

122m highest point

Dogs
Yes (on lead)

About the trail

Gums Loop Walk is in the Wainuiomata Recreation Regional Park. It sits at the base of one of the largest and most pristine lowland forests in the lower North Island.

This trail leads you on a gentle stroll through the park in the lower valley. You can complete it in either direction from the main car park.

The trail crosses the Wainuiomata River via a swing bridge. From there it will take you to the historic Mackay Cottage site, where there are options to walk further along for more challenging loops.

The sign for Historic Lower Dam pointing towards a bridge on the Gums loop.
A small wooden bridge over a river on the Gums Loop trail in Wainuiomata Park.
A birdseye view of Gums Loop hiking train in Wainuiomata Park, New Zeland.

Getting there

What to expect

Gums Loop Walk passes through established gum trees and native forests. It has picnic areas and many access points to swimming holes along the Wainuiomata River.

An aerial view of Gums Loop in Wainuiomata Park in Lower Hutt, Hutt Valley. It is a green forest, some grassy fields, a walking path with a small bridge over the Wainuiomata River.

Know before you go

  • Dogs should be on lead at all times within the park. Kiwi are present in the area.
  • The swing bridge is only recommended for narrower prams.

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

Looking for more?

At start of items
A birdseye view of Gums Loop hiking train in Wainuiomata Park, New Zeland.

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