Walking, running and tramping

Walkers on Kaitoke swingbridge - Jessica Dewsnap

Swingbridge now open

The new accessible Kaitoke suspension bridge opened in late 2021.

Thanks to Kaitoke's role in providing water to Wellington, there are walks for all ages and levels of ability at the park. And you don't have to go far to see some of the most pristine lowland rainforest in the region.

Choose from hiking over the hills on the Ridge Track to wandering to the weir with a baby buggy - or something in between. Most walks can be done in street clothes; just wear comfortable shoes and take a snack and some water:

Short walks

Weir walk

• 15 minutes return
• Easy and wheelchair accessible

Follow the sealed access road to the Kaitoke Weir. This dam-like structure is the collection point for almost half of Wellington’s water.

Terrace Walk

• 30 minutes return
• Easy

A gentle walk along a river terrace through mixed rimu/rata forest.

Rivendell

• 15 minutes return
• Easy

Visit the site where Rivendell, home of the Elves, was filmed for The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Information panels, an elvish archway, and information posts help to recreate the magic from the film.

Loop walk

• 15 minutes return
• Easy

An easy walk over the swing bridge and through the rainforest. Learn about this unique forest with the information panels along the way.

Pakuratahi River Walk

• 40 minutes return
• Easy

This easy track links the campground to Pakuratahi Forks via a pedestrian bridge over the river and through mixed podocarp broadleaf forest.

Swing bridge Track

• 1-hour return
• Easy

Cross the swing bridge and follow the Hutt River downstream on an easy trail through rimu/rata forest. There are great views of the Hutt River gorge. Return via the Flume Bridge and along the road.

Longer walks

Ridge Track

• 3 hours each way
• Tramping track

This 7.5km track runs along the main skyline ridge and links Pakuratahi Forks with the Te Marua entrance. It passes through stands of beech forest and offers superb views of the water storage lakes and Upper Hutt valley. You need to be reasonably fit to do this walk. The track is a tramping track, so wear sturdy shoes or boots, and take warm clothes, a water proof jacket, food and water.

Norbett Creek Loop

• 2.5 hours return
• Route (no formed path)

This steep route follows Norbett Creek before climbing up a beech forest-clad ridge to the Catchment Road. There you will be rewarded with great views of the Hutt Valley south to Wellington Harbour. Follow the road down to the Park Ranger’s office and return to your starting point via the Pakuratahi River Walk.