Wellington Regional Trails

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
3 people biking along the Hutt River Trail next to large autumn trees.

Western side of the Hutt River Trail.

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.

2 adults and 2 children bike alongside the Hutt River.

Southern end of the Hutt River Trail near Alicetown and the Ava Railway bridge.

  • The Hutt River Trail starts at Hikoikoi Reserve on Marine Parade in Petone and ends at Te Marua in Upper Hutt.
  • You can also access the trail from one of the many bridges along the route:
    • Hutt Estuary bridge
    • Ava Railway bridge
    • Ewen bridge
    • Melling bridge
    • Kennedy-Good bridge
    • Silverstream bridge
    • Moonshine bridge
    • Totara Park bridge
    • Harcourt Park bridge
    • Birchville bridge.
  • Parking is available at various entries to the trail, including the nearby railway stations and recreational areas.
  • There are regular bus and train services to Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt. Timetables are available from Metlink.

Looking for more?

Looking out over the Petone wharf towards Wellington.

Hutt River Trail section

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

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

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.

An adult and two children walk along a path in a lush valley with mountains in the background.

Ōtaki River Trail

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

2 bikers on the Pencarrow Coast Road at sunset, with the lighthouse in the background.

Pencarrow Coast Road

Travel along a flat winding trail to the historic Pencarrow Lighthouse and the shores of Lake Kohangatera.

The front handlebars of a mountain bike while riding on a narrow gravel path through native New Zealand bush.

4 Degrees

Belmont Regional ParkThis trail is named after its gentle four degree gradient, making it an easy option for mountain bikers and walkers to access Old Coach Road.

Walking over a bridge on the Waikanae river trail.

Waikanae River Trail

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

Four mountain bikers at the top of the Red Tape Track on Whareroa Farm, overlooking Kāpiti Coast and Kapiti Island.

Campbell’s Mill Road

Whareroa Farm Recreation ReserveA wide, gentle farm track connecting many Whareroa Farm tracks to the Akatarawa Forest and Mount Wainui.

a birds-eye view of four people walking across a swing bridge surrounded by lush green forest on the Cannon Point Walkway in Upper Hutt, New Zealand.

Cannon Point Walkway

Zigzag through the hills north of Upper Hutt to the historic Birchville Dam.

3 people walking along a track looking at the native trees on the Kowhai Street Track to Butterfly Creek.

Kowhai Street Track

East Harbour Regional ParkA zigzag trail with options for exploring more of the East Harbour Regional Park, including the popular Butterfly Creek picnic area and views over Wellington Harbour.

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

Ōrongorongo Track

This popular route leads you to wander through native forests surrounding the Ōrongorongo River, complete with swimming holes to cool off in summer.

Two people walking along the rocky beach at Red Rocks Coastal Walkway in Wellington, New Zealand.

Red Rocks Coastal Walk

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveExperience the wildest part of Wellington’s rugged south coast, where you might encounter a colony of fur seals and catch views of the South Island.

The summit of Belmont Trig Track, a biking and walking trail in Lower Hutt.

Belmont Trig Track

Belmont Regional ParkGet a taste of back country life on this half-day scenic walk or ride through mature native forest.

4 people walking along the track to the summit of Belmont Trig Track in Lower Hutt.

Puke Ariki / Haywards Korokoro Traverse

Belmont Regional ParkA rewarding half-day scenic walk or ride that traverses the length of Belmont Regional Park.

Parent and toddler walk through wooden forest track.

Spicer Link

Only a few minutes from Porirua, an easy, family-friendly trail weaves through the bush, offering glimpses of fairies amongst the trees.