Last updated June 2026
The Hutt River Trail is a 29 km shared path that follows Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River from Hikoikoi Reserve in Petone to Te Marua in Upper Hutt. The trail offers an easy, mostly flat route through parks and reserves on both banks of the river, making it popular with families, beginners and commuters. It forms the first section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail and provides access to swimming, fishing and kayaking spots along the way. Surfaces include sealed paths, gravel and short quiet-road sections, with multiple entry points via bridges and parks.
Practical Information
| Distance | 29 km one way |
| Start | Hikoikoi Reserve, Petone, Lower Hutt |
| End | Te Marua, Upper Hutt |
| Grade | Easy — largely flat with gentle gradient |
| Surface | Mixed: sealed shared paths, compacted gravel, short quiet road sections |
| Duration | 2–4 hours one way by bike; longer on foot |
| Cost | Free |
| Current status | Check Greater Wellington website for any temporary detours or closures before visiting |
| Dogs | Allowed (on lead in Lower Hutt sections; off lead permitted in Upper Hutt under control) |
About the Hutt River Trail
The Hutt River Trail runs alongside Te Awa Kairangi from its tidal mouth at Petone through the Hutt Valley to the Te Marua area of Kaitoke Regional Park. It passes sports grounds, wetlands, mature plantings and suburban edges while linking a series of parks and reserves on both riverbanks. The trail is managed primarily by Greater Wellington with input from Hutt City Council and Upper Hutt City Council.
Its flat profile and multiple access points make it suitable for all ages and abilities. Cyclists and walkers can complete short loops between bridges or tackle longer sections, with public transport options at several stations for one-way trips. The route also serves as the initial leg of the Remutaka Cycle Trail, connecting onward to the Remutaka Incline and the Wairarapa.
Historical context includes Māori occupation since at least 1200 AD, when Ngāi Tara valued the river as a transport and food source. European settlement followed, with the trail itself developed in the 1990s by Rotary clubs and Greater Wellington to recognise earlier foot tracks and Rotary’s contribution to the valley.
Walking and Cycling
The trail supports both walking and cycling on shared paths. Sealed sections suit families with buggies or young riders, while gravel stretches appeal to those seeking a more natural surface. Short loops between bridges such as Ewen, Melling, Kennedy Good, Silverstream and Moonshine allow flexible outings. Mountain biking is permitted on all sections, and helmets are recommended.
Swimming, Fishing and Kayaking
Several swimming holes along the river provide spots for cooling off in warmer months, though users should watch for submerged obstacles and check for toxic algae warnings. The Hutt River is a recognised trout fishery, with popular angling areas between Silverstream and Moonshine Bridge and Melling to Kennedy Good Bridge; a Fish & Game licence is required. Kayaking and rafting are possible south of Birchville, with access points at bridges such as Birchville and Totara Park; the weir at Silverstream and willows require caution in higher flows.
What Visitors Often Say
Families appreciate the flat, traffic-free route and the ability to break the trail into manageable sections over multiple visits. Many note the pleasant riverside scenery and convenient access points that make it easy to start and finish at different parks.
Regular users value the trail for both commuting and recreation, highlighting the mix of sealed and gravel surfaces and the connections to other regional paths. Some mention enjoying the wildlife and picnic spots along the way.
Where to Learn More
Greater Wellington Hutt River Trail page: official details on route, conditions, activities and current notices.
Remutaka Cycle Trail official site: maps and information treating the Hutt River Trail as the first section of the Great Ride.
Hutt City Council trails page: local information on surfaces, bridges and access in the Lower Hutt section.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the full trail take by bike?
Most cyclists complete the 29 km in 2–4 hours depending on pace and stops. Families often split the route into shorter sections over multiple outings.
Is the trail suitable for children and beginners?
Yes. The largely flat profile and separation from busy roads make it one of the more accessible family cycling options in the Wellington region.
What surfaces can I expect?
The trail mixes sealed shared paths, compacted gravel riverside tracks and occasional short sections of quiet road. Quality varies between sections.
Are there current detours or closures?
Temporary detours have affected the western bank in the past due to works. Always check the Greater Wellington website for the latest conditions before setting out.
Can dogs use the trail?
Dogs are permitted. They must be on a lead in Lower Hutt sections and may be off lead in Upper Hutt provided they remain under control. Owners must remove droppings.
Does the trail connect to other routes?
Yes. It links directly to the Remutaka Cycle Trail at Te Marua and forms part of the wider Hutt Valley cycle network with multiple bridge crossings and park access points.
Is public transport available for one-way trips?
Yes. Several Hutt Valley railway stations lie close to the trail, and bicycles can be carried on trains free of charge on a first-come basis.
Are there facilities along the way?
Toilets, picnic tables and playgrounds are located at several parks including Hikoikoi, Sladden, Avalon, Trentham Memorial and Harcourt Park.
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 Hutt Valley Cycle Network offers additional urban routes.
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