The Hutt River Trail runs 29 kilometres from Hikoikoi Reserve at Petone to Te Marua in Upper Hutt, following the Hutt River through the heart of the Hutt Valley. The trail is largely flat, follows mixed surfaces of shared paths, riverside tracks and quiet roads, and is one of the most popular family cycling routes in the Wellington region. It’s also the first section of the longer Remutaka Cycle Trail for riders heading to the Wairarapa.
Practical Information
| Distance | 29 km one way |
|---|---|
| Start | Hikoikoi Reserve, Petone, Lower Hutt |
| End | Te Marua, Upper Hutt |
| Grade | Easy to moderate — generally flat with a gentle gradient |
| Surface | Mixed: sealed paths, gravel, riverside tracks |
| Duration | 2–4 hours one way by bike; full day on foot |
| Cost | Free |
| Current status | Detour in place on western side (Oct 2025–May 2026) — check before visiting |
About the Trail
The Hutt River Trail follows the Hutt River — Te Awa Kairangi — from its tidal mouth at Petone all the way to the inland suburb of Te Marua. The trail runs through a string of parks and reserves along both banks, passing sports grounds, wetlands, mature riverside plantings and the backs of Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt suburbs.
The trail is largely flat, making it accessible for families with younger children, beginners, and anyone wanting a relaxed ride without significant climbing. For more experienced riders, it serves as a warm-up leg for the Remutaka Cycle Trail, which continues from Te Marua up the Remutaka Incline to the Wairarapa.
Along the Route
From Hikoikoi Reserve in Petone, the trail heads north through Ewen Bridge and the Hutt City parks network. Along the way riders pass Naenae, Taita and Silverstream before reaching the open river flats approaching Upper Hutt. The trail crosses the river several times via footbridges, and the surface transitions between sealed shared paths, compacted gravel and short sections of quiet road depending on which stretch you’re on.
A detour was in place on the western bank from October 2025 through May 2026 due to riverside works — check the Hutt City Council or Greater Wellington websites for current conditions before heading out.
What Visitors Say
“A fantastic family ride — we did it in sections over a couple of weekends. Kids managed the whole thing without too much complaint, which says a lot.” — Hutt River Trail, Google Reviews
Where to Learn More
Remutaka Cycle Trail — official site includes the Hutt River Trail as the first section of the Great Ride and has current maps and trail conditions.
Greater Wellington Regional Parks manages several of the park sections along the trail and publishes track condition updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Hutt River Trail take by bike?
Most cyclists cover the full 29 km in 2–4 hours depending on pace and stops. Families with young children often split it into sections.
Is the trail suitable for young children?
Yes — the trail is largely flat and mostly away from traffic, making it one of the better family cycling options in the Wellington region.
What surface is the trail?
A mix of sealed shared paths, compacted gravel riverside tracks and short road sections. The surface quality varies — some sections are rougher than others.
Is there a detour currently in place?
A detour on the western side of the river was in place from October 2025 through May 2026. Check Hutt City Council or the Remutaka Cycle Trail website for current conditions.
Can I do just part of the trail?
Yes — the trail has multiple access points through Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt parks. Many people ride between two points and return the same way, or use public transport for a one-way trip.
Does it connect to the Remutaka Cycle Trail?
Yes — the Hutt River Trail forms Section 1 of the Remutaka Cycle Trail. From Te Marua, riders can continue on to the Remutaka Incline and the Wairarapa coast.
The Hutt River Trail is part of the cycling tracks in Wellington. It connects directly to the Remutaka Cycle Trail at Te Marua. For riding closer to the city, the Wellington Waterfront Shared Path runs along the harbour from Petone.