The Percy Scenic Reserve, features walking tracks, lawns, native bushes, gardens, and a large waterfall.

Ten-hectares of park and gardens offering an easy escape from the city.

Just off State Highway 2 in Maungaraki, Lower Hutt, Percy Scenic Reserve features walking tracks, lawns, native bush, and gardens in a compact location.

The reserve’s plant collection contains species of scientific significance and ties to the earliest settlement of the area. A highlight is the alpine rockery and potted alpine collection, showcasing more than 1,000 varieties.

The well-maintained lawns by the duck pond are popular for picnics and outdoor events.

A 15-minute bush walk to the 20-metre Percy Waterfall, one of the highest in the Wellington Region, is suitable for all ages and fitness abilities. A nearby cave is a well-known habitat for wētā.

Parking is easy, with 45 car parks on-site, and two coach parks off Dowse Drive.

Location details

Jurisdiction Lower Hutt City Council
Permits required Yes, apply for a permit
Location descriptors Parks, forest, monuments, communal spaces, regional parks, multi-purpose spaces, nature reserves, playgrounds, recreational facilities, picnic areas, hiking trails, exercise areas, conservation areas, waterfalls, meadows, wildlife, nature, peaceful, gardens, green spaces.

Looking for more?

Camp Wainuiomata screen location. Has several buildings and is surrounded by forest and bush.

Camp Wainuiomata

203 Coast Road, Wainuiomata, Wellington | 12This campground offers a range of accommodation options in a stunning setting not far from the capital.

The screen location of Mount Victoria Town Belt, with lush green native bush and panoramic views across Wellington.

Mount Victoria Town Belt

Alexandra Road, Mount Victoria, Wellington | 20An extensive green space with panoramic views across Wellington and its harbour.

Ataturk Memorial Park

Ataturk Memorial Park

166 Breaker Bay Road, Breaker Bay, Wellington | 34This park has a moving memorial with excellent views of the harbour and open sea.

The former Mount Victoria Quarry site sits at the base of Wellington’s Town Belt and has views of the city. The Anne Frank memorial of three chairs is placed on the grass.

Mount Victoria Quarry

Ellice Street, Mount Victoria, Wellington | 35An abandoned quarry site perched on Wellington’s Mount Victoria has many advantages as a film location.

The green native bush of Belmont Regional Park, with streams and hills.

Belmont Regional Park

Maungaraki, Lower Hutt | 36A popular and extensive setting for recreation activities and protection of the natural environment.

A well-equipped and popular outdoor space for families in Upper Hutt. On the edge of Te Awa Kairangi, Hutt River, Harcourt Park in Upper Hutt is a 40-minute drive north of Wellington.

Harcourt Park

Akatarawa Road, Birchville, Upper Hutt | 38A well-equipped and popular outdoor space for families in Upper Hutt.

The Wrights Hill Fortress screen location, located in Karori overlooking Wellington from an old gun emplacement. The location includes historic monuments, underground landmarks, and tunnels.

Wrights Hill Fortress — gun emplacement

Wrights Hill Road, Karori, Wellington | 64A mostly underground fortress located near the city.

An expansive, coastal area of park and wilderness just north of the capital. With 180 hectares of open space and pockets of native bush, Whitireia Park is where people in Porirua come to roam on foot, bike, or hoof.

Whitireia Park

Whitireia Road, Tītahi Bay, Porirua | 83An expansive, coastal area of park and wilderness just north of the capital.

A site of significant conservation value, the estuary is easily accessible in Porirua. A 30-minute drive from the capital, the Pāuatahanui Inlet is a large estuary surrounded by a wildlife reserve.

Pāuatahanui Inlet

Pāuatahanui, Porirua | 85A site of significant conservation value, the estuary is easily accessible in Porirua.