Top trails in the Hutt Valley

Kaitoke Regional Park, north of Upper Hutt, has many trails among the foothills of the Remutaka Range. The Swingbridge Track is a 2 kilometre loop walk that takes about 1 hour to complete.

It takes you across a swing bridge suspended high above the Hutt River, then weaves downstream towards the river gorge. On this walk, mature rimu and rātā trees tower above you, and the Hutt River churns below.

For the past 20+ years, Kaitoke Regional Park has been a stopping point for Lord of The Rings fans, as this area served as a film location for Rivendell.

The Remutaka Cycle Trail is one of the 23 Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand, spanning 122 kilometres across four key sections. Running from Petone foreshore to the mouth of the Ōrongorongo River, the trail journeys along river valleys and bush-clad hills, lakeside farmland and rugged coastline.

Whether you’re walking or riding, the trail offers unforgettable day trips and multi-day adventures. Allow 2 to 3 days for the full experience, or choose a shorter ride like the popular Remutaka Rail Trail section.

Te Whiti Riser provides accessible, multi-purpose walks that are popular with walkers, mountain bikers, dog walkers, and families. This wide, smooth trail follows a gentle gradient from Te Whiti Park in Waiwhetu to the ECNZ road at the top of the Hayward Eastern Hills.

The 3.6km track rises to 173m and offers extensive views of the Hutt Valley. The trail links up to other popular spots, including the Waiu Park trail network and East Harbour Regional Park.

Located in Lower Hutt’s East Harbour Regional Park, the Kowhai Street Track is a great option for a short walk. Beginning in Kowhai Street, Eastbourne, the well-maintained track climbs to reveal wonderful views over Wellington Harbour. Roughly 1km along the track, a junction gives the option to take a longer return route via MacKenzie Road Track or a 15-minute descent to Butterfly Creek.

Butterfly Creek Valley is surrounded by silver fern and beech trees that make for a cooling walk after your initial exertion. With so many tracks to choose from and excellent bush cover providing shelter from the wind, the Northern Forest is a fine spot to spend the day.

Hidden away in the Hutt Valley, Tane’s Track is a leisurely 2.3km walking route winding from the Tunnel Gully car park, through native bush to Mount Climie and back.

Begin your walk from the lower picnic area, then take the left-hand branch through rimu, mātai, kahikatea and tawa forest. Cross the road that once formed the Remutaka railway line and climb through black beech forest up to Collins stream and a waterfall. Shortly after starting back towards the car park, you’ll cross the Mount Climie access road and pass a grove of eucalyptus trees. This was once the campsite for workers who built the Mangaroa Railway Tunnel.

This hour-long walk is protected from southerlies and is dog-friendly.

Pencarrow Coast Road is a popular walking and biking trail that starts from Burdan’s Gate just south of Eastbourne. The trail winds its way along the coastline for 7km to Pencarrow Lighthouse and the shores of the Cook Strait.

Here you can choose to head along a side trail and spend some time exploring the lighthouse or continue on for 2km to Lake Kohangatera. You’ll encounter native seabirds and plant life thriving on the exposed coastline, along with indigenous waterfowl, eels and freshwater fish in their natural habitat at Lake Kohangatera and the adjacent Lake Kohangapiripiri.

Located in the Catchpool and Ōrongorongo Valleys, the Ōrongorongo Track provides a popular area for camping, hiking, and walking. At 10km, the moderately challenging route takes an average of 2hr 45 min to complete.

Accessed south of Wainuiomata, the track is about 45 minutes from Wellington. The trail climbs gently through mixed podocarp and broadleaf forest surrounding the Ōrongorongo River. And at the end of the walk, there are swimming holes at Tūrere Stream to cool off.