Wellington Regional Trails

Want to hit the trails but the weather has other plans? Here are some of the region’s best walks that protect you from the elements, as well as offering spectacular views and scenery.

3 people walking along a boardwalk looking at the native trees on the Kowhai Street Track to Butterfly Creek.
Person sitting on seat, looking up at the trees in Fensham Reserve
Four people walking on Tane's Track, in an open bush area with sun coming through the trees
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.
A bush trail through large clusters of nīkau palms along a gravel track.
An adult walks with a child riding a tricycle along a nature trail.
3 people walking along a boardwalk looking at the native trees on the Kowhai Street Track to Butterfly Creek.

Kowhai Street Track

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. The well-maintained track climbs to reveal wonderful views over Wellington Harbour. Roughly 1km along the trail, 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 many trails to choose from and excellent bush cover providing shelter from the wind, the Northern Forest is a fine spot to spend the day.

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Person sitting on seat, looking up at the trees in Fensham Reserve

Fensham Reserve

Containing a stunning remnant kahikatea swamp forest, Fensham Reserve is one of the best places for a bush walk near Carterton. The 48-hectare native bush reserve is only a few minutes’ drive from Carterton and offers all-weather, well-maintained trails that are great for families and joggers.

The trails take you through a variety of terrain, including wetland boardwalks and native bush. Some of the podocarp trees you’ll encounter are believed to be between 400 and 700 years old. Head up to the top of a hill for views of rolling farmland, and make sure to pack a picnic for one of the resting spots along the way.

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Four people walking on Tane's Track, in an open bush area with sun coming through the trees

Tane’s Track

Tunnel Gully

Sheltered away in the Hutt Valley, Tane’s Track is a leisurely one hour walk, winding from the Tunnel Gully car park through native bush to Mount Climie and back.

Begin 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 picturesque waterfall. Shortly after starting back towards the car park, you’ll cross the Mount Climie access road and a grove of eucalyptus trees. This was once the campsite for the workers who built the Mangaroa Railway Tunnel.

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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

An all-weather track following a gentle gradient from Te Whiti Park in Lower Hutt to the top of the Eastern Hutt Hills. This wide, well-formed trail is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It’s a popular multi-purpose recreational track for walking and biking.

The trail is sheltered from the wind and links up to other popular spots, including the extensive Waiu Park trail network and East Harbour Regional Park. A great place to spend a weekend exploring, with delicious treats to be found in nearby Petone, Hutt City or Wainuiomata.

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A bush trail through large clusters of nīkau palms along a gravel track.

Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve

Barry Hadfield Nīkau Reserve is a sheltered bush walk, taking you through 11 hectares of remnant nīkau palms, kohekohe trees and a good population of ewekuri, a regionally endangered species.

Follow the lookout sign up a steep but short staircase. Keep an ear out for pīwakawaka, riroriro, tūī, korimako, and even kererū.  At the top, you'll be rewarded with amazing views of Kāpiti Coast and Kapiti Island.

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An adult walks with a child riding a tricycle along a nature trail.

Spicer Link

Ngā Ara o Rangituhi

Spicer Link is one of the most popular trails within Ngā Ara o Rangituhi. This flat, easy trail is ideal if you’re out for a leisurely family walk or learning the basics of mountain biking. 

The trail weaves through the Porirua bush, leading walkers on a 45-minute journey.   

Spicer Link is a shared, two-way trail and serves as a catchment for some of the downhill mountain biking trails in Ngā Ara o Rangituhi. Bikers are expected to give way to walkers.

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Three people walking at the summit of Mount Victoria with a view of Wellington city in the background.

Top five trails in the Wellington region

The best of the best, the crème de la crème, the pick of the litter — you get the drift — these are the best trails in the Wellington region.

Person walking across a bridge through bush on the Ōrongorongo Track and Valley, Remutaka Forest Park, Wainuiomata.

Top trails in the Hutt Valley

With over 3,000 hectares of parks and reserves, the Hutt Valley has rich offerings for the adventure seeker. Try out one of these top trails in Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt.

Two people sit in the grass with their bicycles lying nearby at Mount Victoria lookout in Wellington, New Zealand with a view of the city centre, the bay and rolling hills in the distance.

Trail and a treat: Outdoor combos in Wellington

The city’s hills, beaches, and trails offer much opportunity to experience nature. Fuel your adventure with a stop-off at one of the excellent eateries offers nearby.

Two people walkikng on a suspension bridge on the Escarpment Track over looking Kapiti Island

Day trips from Wellington city

There are loads of epic day trips around the Wellington region. Here are our top picks for adventuring out on a trail.

Two people walking along a swing bridge between two hillsides on the Escarpment track above the Kāpiti Coast.

Top trails on the Kāpiti Coast

Want to escape the city and experience some of the best trails the Wellington region has to offer? Look no further than the Kāpiti Coast.

Two people are sitting on the ground with crossed legs, chatting and sharing tea. They are beside a small hut with a sign that reads "Summit height above sea level 1141 feet" on the Remutaka Cycle Trail.

Before you go

Thousands of people use Wellington’s regional trails, so we all need to do our part to keep our trails safe and protect our environment.