Walk Details

NZ Walking Routes > Wellington > Upper Hutt > Swingbridge Track - Kaitoke Regional Park

Swingbridge Track - Kaitoke Regional Park

Location

The main entrance is at Kaitoke. Turn left off SH2 at Waterworks Road, 12km north of Upper Hutt. The park entrance is 1km from the highway. The Swing bridge track is signposted at the Pakuratahi Forks parking area.

Alternatively, turn left off SH2 at Twin Lakes Road, Te Marua, 5km north of Upper Hutt.

The park is open daily from 8am till dusk.

Description

Kaitoke Regional Park covers 2860 hectares in the foothills of the Tararua Ranges. Steep, bush-clad hills, the Hutt River gorge and centuries-old rata, rimu and beech forest feature in this magnificent natural setting. Swim in tranquil river pools, or explore beautiful bush clad tracks.

The Swingbridge Track is a moderately graded, 1 hour return loop track starting from the car park at the junction of the Pakuratahi and the Hutt River. The Terrace Walk and the sealed access road are wheelchair accessible but you may need help with the slope to the strainer building.

Beyond here the track is metalled and undulating. People with wheelchairs will need assistance. (The swingbridge is too narrow for wheelchairs).

Starting from the car park, cross the concrete bridge over the Pakuratahi River and follow the sealed road. About 300 metres along the road a short side track, the Terrace Walk, parallels the roadway and gives a closer look at the rimu and kahikatea forest. Continue along the road to the water supply strainer building. Cross the flume bridge over the Hutt River and follow the track upstream through native rainforest – podocarps such as rimu, kahikatea, miro, matai; and broadleaf/hardwoods beech and northern rata. Return to the car park over the swingbridge.

Duration
1.0 hours
Level
Medium
Amenities
  • BBQs
  • Birds
  • Camping
  • Carpark
  • Dogs Allowed
  • Historical
  • Lookouts
  • Picnics
  • Plant Life
  • Swimming
  • Toilets
  • Wheelchair Access
Source
www.gw.govt.nz
Discussion
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