Hutt River Trail, Hutt Valley

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

About the trail

Hutt River Trail is a flat, well-maintained trail that runs the length of Te Awa Kairangi, 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.

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

Western side of the Hutt River Trail.

Getting there

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.
There are regular bus and train services to Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt. Timetables are available from Metlink.
Parking is available at various entries to the trail, including the nearby railway stations and recreational areas.

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.

A person in a white teeshirt and a black and brown dog are standing on a hillside overlooking a coastal town, the harbour and a distant mountain range.

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.

A drone shot of where the Ōtaki river meets the ocean, at sunset with Kapiti island in the distance.

Ōtaki River Trail

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

Cyclists are riding along a coastal road at the Pencarrow Coast in Eastbourne, New Zealand.

Pencarrow Coast Road

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

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.