The Ridge Track

The Ridge Track is a moderately demanding 10 km walk through mature beech forest and regenerating native bush. The track links the two entrances of Kaitoke Regional Park and gives a panoramic view of the Hutt Valley from the ridge top lookout.

Allow three hours to walk one way from Kaitoke to Te Marua. Remember to arrange for return transport.

About the walk

Hiking the Ridge Track

From the Pakuratahi Forks car park at Kaitoke cross the vehicle bridge and walk 100 metres along the sealed road. The Ridge Track begins on the left in podocarp-broadleaved forest, then branches to the right off the Pakuratahi River Walk. Scattered, tall rimu and rata trees emerge over a canopy of kamahi, hinau and miro. You will also see mahoe, pigeonwood, five-finger, horopito, pate and many ferns. The first kilometre of track is the steepest and most difficult.

As you move up the track you pass through an area of red beech forest on a steep, east facing slope. This has few understorey species but there is much moss and kidney fern on the forest floor.

The remainder of the track follows along the undulating ridge top before descending to Te Marua. This area was once logged and is now regenerating in native bush. Parts of the track can be muddy after wet weather.

From the ridge you can enjoy wide ranging views of rugged hill country and the steep Hutt River Gorge.

The dominant plant along the ridge is manuka. The large amounts of kamahi coming up through the manuka will form the future canopy along with totara, rimu, hard beech and rewarewa. The plants are smaller along the ridge because of exposure to wind and cool temperatures.

About half way along the ridge a side track (5 minutes) leads to a lookout for splendid views of the upper Hutt Valley.