Kaitoke Regional Park sits 12km north of Upper Hutt in native rainforest along Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River. The park is best known as the filming location for Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), with a replica Elvish Archway marking the site. Beyond the film connection, the park has a good network of tracks suitable for families, including a suspension bridge walk above the river gorge and more challenging ridge routes into the Tararua Range.
Practical Information
| Location | Kaitoke, 12km north of Upper Hutt |
| Main access | Kaitoke Regional Park entrance off Waterworks Road |
| Cost | Free |
| Dogs | On lead |
| Facilities | Toilets, picnic areas, campsite |
| Managed by | Greater Wellington Regional Council |
Key Tracks
Rivendell Walk is a short, easy 0.5km loop that takes around 30 minutes and leads to the filming location for Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings. A replica Elvish Archway marks the site. The walk is accessible for all fitness levels and is the park’s most popular feature.
Swingbridge Track is a 2km family loop (about 1 hour) that crosses a suspension bridge suspended high above the Hutt River, then weaves downstream towards the river gorge through native bush. A wheelchair-accessible suspension bridge was opened in 2021, making this section accessible for a wider range of visitors.
Ridge Track offers a more challenging climb into the foothills of the Tararua Range, with views back over the valley.
About the Park
Kaitoke Regional Park protects a stretch of the Hutt River valley where the river cuts through native rainforest. Rimu, beech, tawa and other native species dominate the forest, creating the kind of ancient, dense bush that made it a natural choice for the Rivendell filming location. The river valley is relatively sheltered and the lower tracks are well-suited to family visits.
What Visitors Say
“The Rivendell walk is short but the setting really is magical — the forest is stunning and the archway is a lovely touch. Worth the drive from Wellington.” — TripAdvisor
“The swing bridge track is perfect for families. Beautiful native bush and the river views from the bridge are lovely.” — AllTrails
Where to Learn More
Greater Wellington Regional Council — Kaitoke Regional Park has the official park page with track information, facilities and access.
WellingtonNZ — Kaitoke Regional Park has a visitor overview of the park and its key tracks.
Wikipedia — Kaitoke Regional Park covers the park’s geography, tracks and the Rivendell film location in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kaitoke Regional Park?
12km north of Upper Hutt, at Kaitoke. The entrance is off Waterworks Road.
Where was Rivendell filmed?
In Kaitoke Regional Park. A short loop walk leads to the site, which has a replica Elvish Archway from the film.
How long is the Rivendell Walk?
About 0.5km, taking 30 minutes. It is easy and suitable for all fitness levels.
What is the Swingbridge Track?
A 2km family loop (about 1 hour) that crosses a suspension bridge high above the Hutt River, then follows the river gorge through native bush.
Is there wheelchair access?
A wheelchair-accessible suspension bridge was opened in 2021, making part of the river track accessible to a wider range of visitors.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on lead.
Is there camping?
Yes, the park has a campsite. Check the Greater Wellington Regional Council website for booking information.
What else is in the park?
Toilets, picnic areas, and more challenging ridge tracks into the Tararua Range foothills for those wanting a longer walk.
The Wellington Walking Tracks hub lists all walking routes across the Wellington region. Belmont Regional Park Tracks offer a range of walks in the hills west of Lower Hutt. The Te Araroa Trail passes through the Wellington region on its 3,000km journey from Cape Reinga to Bluff.
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