Bikers on the Pakuratahi truss bridge, Rimutaka Rail Trail

All within an hour's drive of Wellington City, the regional parks and forests are unique natural areas, ideal for taking time out yourself or with family and friends.

Walk, run, ride or relax in some of our most spectacular settings. Explore greater Wellington's natural landscapes and cultural heritage. Or maybe join in with a local group on environmental projects.

Access to all our parks is free of charge.

June 2009: To celebrate World Ranger Day 2009, Greater Wellington, Dept of Conservation and Wellington City Council are offering a unique opportunity for secondary school students to experience a day in the life of a park ranger. Find out more by clicking on "World Ranger Day" in the blue box on the right of the screen.

You can download a map of the regional parks via the blue box at the right of the screen.

Several of the parks and forests are accessible via public transport:

• Akatarawa Forest (Cannon Point Walkway)
• Belmont Regional Park
• East Harbour Regional Park
• Hutt River Trail
• Kaitoke Regional Park (Te Marua entrance)
• Pakuratahi Forest (Maymorn entrance to Tunnel Gully)
• Queen Elizabeth Park (Paekakariki entrance)

Use the Metlink Journey Planner to get from your home to the parks via public transport.

Wear shoes or sandals that are suitable for walking on gravel or soft surfaces. Tramping/ hiking boots or strong lace-up walking shoes with grip are needed for walks of more than one hour. 

Always take some warm clothing and a rain jacket.

We also recommend that you take along:

• sufficient food for your party
• drinking water
• sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• insect repellent (especially in summer)

See Metservice for the latest weather forecast.

The parks and forests are open daily from 8am until dusk or times stated at the park entrance.

Some areas in Battle Hill Farm Forest Park and Belmont Regional Park will be closed for lambing from August to November.

Help keep the regional parks and forests clean and tidy.

Rubbish bins are not provided so please take your rubbish home and recycle where possible.