Wellington Regional Trails

Walking time

1 hr return

Length

2.1km

Uses

Walking/Running

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easiest: Short walk

Profile

203m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

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About the trail

Kaitoke Regional Park, north of Upper Hutt, has many trails among the foothills of the Remutaka Range. The 7km long Swing Bridge Track takes 1.5 hours to complete.

On this walk, mature rimu and rātā trees tower above you, and the Hutt River churns below. A highlight is walking across a swing bridge suspended high above the river. The trail then weaves its way downstream toward the river gorge.

For over 20 years, Kaitoke Regional Park has been a stop-off for Lord of The Rings fans. Keen followers of the famous movies will know this area served as a film location for Rivendell. A replica Elven archway still stands among the bush, making for the perfect photo opportunity.

The trail can be accessed from Kaitoke Regional Park Campground on Waterworks Road.

There are regular bus and train services to Upper Hutt, but the entrance to the park is a 2-hour walk from public transport. Bus and train timetables are available from the Metlink website.

Native bush and trees in the Kaitoke Regional Park.