Wellington Regional Trails

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

A zig-zag boardwalk through the trees of Tane’s Track, Tunnel Gulley.
3 people gaze into the trees while one points up, on the Ōtari-Wilton's Bush walk.
Group of friends taking a break from walking and laying out a small picnic in the middle of a forest at Butterfly Creek.
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 zig-zag boardwalk through the trees of Tane’s Track, Tunnel Gulley.

Tane’s Track

Hidden away in the Hutt Valley, Tane’s Track is a leisurely, one-hour 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 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.

Tane’s Track is 2.3km long, dog-friendly, and well-protected from the southerly.

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3 people gaze into the trees while one points up, on the Ōtari-Wilton's Bush walk.

Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush

New Zealand’s only botanic garden dedicated solely to native plants encompasses 100 hectares of native forest. There are a wide variety of walks ranging in length from 10 minutes to 2.5hrs in length.

Descending to the Troupe Picnic Area, the Circular Trail is one of the gentler tracks available. There are barbeque facilities and a stream nearby, so it’s popular with families. The Blue Trail is a more challenging alternative, with some steeper terrain, but it’s well worth the effort to see an 800-year-old rimu tree.

Ōtari-Wilton’s bush is sheltered, even in high winds. Just a 15-minute drive from the central city, it may become your next go-to on a breezy day.

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Group of friends taking a break from walking and laying out a small picnic in the middle of a forest at Butterfly Creek.

Kowhai Street Track

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.

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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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