Walk Details
NZ Walking Routes > Wellington > Upper Hutt > Tane's Track
Tane's Track
- Location
- From Wellington take SH2 and turn right at Te Marua (7.5km north of Upper Hutt). Follow Plateau Road to its end to reach Tunnel Gully where this walk begins.
- Description
Nestled at the foot of Mount Climie (830 m) north of Upper Hutt, Tunnel Gully Recreation Area is popular for picnics, mountain biking and walking through the remnant native bush. There is plenty of parking, and flush toilets are provided.
Named for its link with the historic Rimutaka Railway between Wellington and the Wairarapa, it features the 221m long Mangaroa Tunnel, built between 1875 and 1877. The tunnel’s working life ended in November 1955 when the new Rimutaka Tunnel was opened.The shallow water of Collins Stream at the Tunnel Gully Recreation Area is ideal for paddling and swimming for young children. Stream water should be boiled before drinking.
Start at the lower picnic area and take the left-hand branch of the track through tall rimu, matai, kahikatea and tawa forest. Cross the road which once formed the old railway line, then climb through hard and black beech forest to Collins Stream and a picturesque waterfall. During the descent to the starting point you cross the Mt Climie access road then pass a grove of eucalyptus trees and the old Mangaroa Railway Tunnel. From there it is a short walk through podocarp/tawa bush back to the lower picnic area.
This walk is suitable for mountain buggies although there is one large tree root on the upper section of the track that the buggy will need to be lifted over.
- Duration
- 1.0 hours
- Level
- Medium
- Amenities
-
- Birds
- Carpark
- Historical
- Picnics
- Plant Life
- Swimming
- Toilets
- Source
- www.gw.govt.nz
- Discussion
- Start a discussion on this walk