Kayaks on Pakuratahi river

Only 45 minutes north of Wellington City, the spectacular Kaitoke Regional Park covers 2860 hectares in the foothills of the Tararua Ranges. Steep, bush-clad hills, the Hutt River gorge and centuries-old rata, rimu and beech forest feature in this magnificent natural setting.

Swim in tranquil river pools, or explore beautiful bush clad tracks, some suitable for wheelchairs. Walk the Ridge Track for wonderful views of the Upper Hutt valley, or visit the magical spot used as a set for Rivendell in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Nearly half of Wellington's water is drawn from the Hutt River within Kaitoke Regional Park.

Refer to the blue box on the right of the screen for maps of the park and the surrounding area.

Private vehicle

The main entrance is at Kaitoke. Turn left off SH2 at Waterworks Road, 12km north of Upper Hutt. The park entrance is 1km from the highway.

Alternatively, turn left off SH2 at Twin Lakes Road, Te Marua, 5km north of Upper Hutt.

Public transport

Take a No 112 bus from Upper Hutt Station to the Te Marua Store. From there it is a 3km walk via the Twin Lakes Road entrance to the Pumping Station.

The park is open daily from 8am till dusk.

Campers' vehicles may not be moved around the park between sunset and sunrise.