Wellington Regional Trails
Two adults and two children riding bicycles on a gravel path surrounded by dense green trees and grass.

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

Walking time
Varies
Length
53.9km
Uses
Walking/Running, Mountain Biking, Horse Riding
Type
Single and double track
Walking difficulty
Easy: Walking track
Mountain Bike Grade
Easy: Grade 2
Profile

99m highest point

Dogs
Yes

About the trail

Hutt River Trail is a flat, well-maintained trail that runs the length of  from Petone all the way to Te Marua in Upper Hutt.

It is popular with local cyclists, walkers, and runners, as well as dog walkers and families seeking a day-long adventure. Horses are permitted too.

The 29 kilometre trail runs the entire length of the Eastern Hutt Riverbank and most of the Western Hutt Riverbank. It follows a mixture of sealed and gravel terrain and can be completed in stages, or in short loops between railway bridges. It is also the first section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail.

Along the way, you’ll pass through lush parks, golf courses, and historic sites. There are many opportunities to stop for a picnic, a quick rest, or to play at a nearby playground.

You’ll even discover two sites featured in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Harcourt Park was the set location for Isengard, the ancient Gondorian fortress at the southern end of the Misty Mountains facing Rohan. The section of the river between Moonshine and Totara Park was the set location for The Great River Anduin.

Looking for more?

At start of items
An adult and child cycle along the Hutt River Trail.

Hutt River Trail section

Remutaka Cycle Trail Great RideTake a gentle ride along Te Awa Kairangi with swimming and picnic stops on the way.

A person in a white teeshirt and a black and brown dog are standing on a hillside overlooking a coastal town, the harbour and a distant mountain range.

Te Whiti Riser

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

Four people ride bicycles on a path in Queen Elizabeth Regional Park in the Paraparaumu, New Zealand surrounded by nature.

Coast 35

Coast 35 connects Paekākāriki and Ōtaki through an off-road shared trail that runs parallel with the Kāpiti Expressway.

A drone shot of where the Ōtaki river meets the ocean, at sunset with Kapiti island in the distance.

Ōtaki River Trail

Follow the banks of the Ōtaki River on this popular walking and biking trail, with views of the coastline, river, and the Tararua Range.

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

Pencarrow Coast Road

East Harbour Regional ParkTravel along a flat winding trail to the historic Pencarrow Lighthouse and the shores of Lake Kohangatera.

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 ParkNamed after its gentle gradient, 4 degrees is an easy option for mountain bikers and walkers to access Old Coach Road.

The Connect Four trail in Belmont Regional Park. The trail is grassy and surrounded by gorse bush.

Connect Four

Belmont Regional ParkA short two-way mountain bike track that links two popular riding routes in Belmont Regional Park.

Three people cross a shallow river on horesback.

Waikanae River Trail

Walk or ride the banks of Waikanae River from State Highway 1 to the sea.

A child and an adult bike along a wooden boardwalk amongst bush in the Wainuiomata bike park.

Wetland Loop

Waiu ParkAn easy circuit around the Waiu Park wetlands.

A section of the Farm Race Track in Whereroa Farm. The trail is on a large gravel road through the centre of the farm.

Farm Race Track

Whareroa Farm Recreation ReserveMake a beeline for the heart of the Whareroa Farm trail network.