Pākuratahi River Walk, Kaitoke Regional Park

Walking time

40 min return

Length

1.1km

Uses

Walking/Running

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easiest: Short walk

Profile

215m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

A green fern frond sits against a mossy tree.

The lush green native bush inside Kaitoke Regional Park.

People walking along one of the two swing bridges over the river amongst trees in Kaitoke Regional Park.

A family looking at a large tree inside Kaitoke Regional Park.

About the trail

Pākuratahi River Walk provides an easy link between the Kaitoke Regional Park campground and Pākuratahi Forks. You’ll cross the river over a pedestrian bridge and wind your way through stunning mixed podocarp and ancient broadleaf forest.

At the trail's end, Pākuratahi Forks is home to the magical Rivendell film location from the ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Film trilogy, including a replica Elvish Archway. For a longer walk, you can continue onto Swingbridge Track for a loop trail.

The gentle waters of the Pākuratahi River are a hotspot for visitors and are perfect for cooling off after enjoying the trail.

A large minument sits between trees and bush on the Kaitoke regional park trail.

At the trail's end, Pākuratahi Forks is home to the magical Rivendell film location from the ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Film trilogy, including a replica Elvish Archway.

Getting there

You can access the trail from the campground at Kaitoke Regional Park.
If you’re planning to use the Waterworks Road entrance, you’ll need to drive.
There are regular bus and train services to Upper Hutt and Te Marua. Timetables are available on Metlink.

Know before you go

Get ready using Plan My Walk by the NZ Mountain Safety Council for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews, and a packing list.
For more tips and advice before heading out on Wellington’s trails check out our before you go section.

A large suspension bridge over a river surrounded by Native bush and trees in the Kaitoke Regional Park.

Swingbridge Track

Kaitoke Regional ParkCross an exhilarating swing bridge and take in stunning views of the Hutt River gorge.

Tane’s Track

Tunnel GullyAn easy loop that takes in native forests, waterfalls, and historic Remutaka railway sites.

A small wooden bridge over a river on the Gums Loop trail in Wainuiomata Park.

Gums Loop Walk

Take a relaxing walk among the gums and native trees of the Gums Loop Walk. There are swimming holes to enjoy and you can listen for the kārearea/bush falcons as they call overhead.