Wellington Regional Trails
3 people walking along a boardwalk looking at the native trees on the Kowhai Street Track to Butterfly Creek.

A zigzag trail with options for exploring more of the East Harbour Regional Park, including the popular Butterfly Creek picnic area and views over Wellington Harbour.

Walking time

30 min

Length

1km

Uses

Walking/Running

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Profile

140m climb

0m descent

150m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

About the trail

Located in Lower Hutt’s East Harbour Regional Park, the Kowhai Street Track is a great option for a short walk. Beginning in Kowhai Street, Eastbourne, the well-maintained track climbs to reveal wonderful views over Wellington Harbour. Roughly 1km along the track, a junction gives the option to take a longer return route via MacKenzie Road Track or a 15-minute descent to Butterfly Creek.

Butterfly Creek Valley is surrounded by silver fern and beech trees that make for a cooling walk after your initial exertion. You’ll also come across a picnic area with tables and a toilet. Depending on the track you take, walks last between 30 minutes and 2 hours return.

five people sat on a bench at Butterfly creek enjoying a picnic amongst the shady trees.

The picnic area at Butterfly Creek is the perfect spot for a relaxing break during your walk.

Getting there

The trail starts at the end of Kowhai Street, Eastbourne. There are regular bus and ferry services to Eastbourne and the surrounding areas. Timetables are available from Metlink and East by West Ferries.

Know before you go

Get ready using Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, and trip reviews. For weather forecasts, check the MetService website.

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Cheviot Road Track

East Harbour Regional ParkA steep one-hour walk through native bush, with views over the Hutt Valley and Wellington harbour.

Howard Road Track

East Harbour Regional ParkClimb to the top of Mount Lowry and enjoy stop-offs at two lookouts along the way.

MacKenzie Road Track

East Harbour Regional ParkNavigate steep steps and a zigzag trail to meet up with Main Ridge Track.

A person leaps across a stream while another follows, on the East harbour Regional park Kowhai Street track.

Kererū Track

East Harbour Regional ParkSee native kererū and orchids while enjoying views over Wellington from the hills above Days Bay.

Two people walk along Bus Barn Track in East Harbour Regional Park during golden hour.

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A person in a white teeshirt and a black and brown dog are standing on a hillside overlooking a coastal town, the harbour and a distant mountain range.

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2 adults and 2 children bike alongside the Hutt River.

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Three people stand and wave from the middle of a small arched bridge over the Ōrongorongo River.

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The top of the 4 degrees Track in Belmont Regional Park. A small signpost shows direction, with gravel paths cutting through farmland and hills in the background.

4 Degrees

Belmont Regional ParkThis trail is named after its gentle four degree gradient, making it an easy option for mountain bikers and walkers to access Old Coach Road.