Walking trails
Pakuratahi entrance
Baby buggy at Kaitoke - Jessica Dewsnap
Pakuratahi River Walk
- 30 minutes return
This easy track links the campground to Pakuratahi Forks via a pedestrian bridge over the river and mixed podocarp-broadleaf forest. There is one steep section but it is suitable for mountain buggies.
Loop Walk
- 15 minutes return
An easy walk over the swing bridge and through the Kaitoke rainforest. Check your tree and plant knowledge using the signs.
Swing Bridge Track
- 1 hour return
Cross the swing bridge and follow the Hutt River downstream on an easy trail through rimu and rata forest. You will get great views of the Hutt River gorge. Return via the Flume Bridge and along the road.
Weir Walk
- 15 minutes return
Follow the sealed Hutt River access road to the Kaitoke Weir. This dam-like structure is the collection point for over half of Wellington's water. Suitable for wheelchairs.
Terrace Walk
- 30 minutes return
A gentle walk along a river terrace through mixed podocarp-broadleaf forest. Suitable for wheelchairs.
- 3 hours each way
The 9km track runs along the main skyline ridge and links Pakuratahi Forks with Te Marua. 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. Wear sturdy shoes or boots and take warm, waterproof clothing.
Te Marua entrance
To enter the Ridge Track from Te Marua entrance, follow the signs past the pumping station to the car park.
Te Marua is open for casual walking, except around the water treatment facilities. There are no marked tracks but the terrain is easy and rolling over grassy terraces dotted with forest remnants and new plantings.
Te Marua is a very popular dog walking area, where dogs can run off the lead. Keep your dog under control and remove droppings.
A significant stand of totara, matai and maire trees known as Te Marua Bush lies at the park entrance.