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

Cross an exhilarating swing bridge and take in stunning views of the Hutt River gorge.

Walking time

1 hr return

Length

2.1km

Uses

Walking/Running

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easiest: Short walk

Profile

203m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)
A long suspension bridge amongst Native bush and trees in the Kaitoke Regional Park.

About the trail

The Swingbridge Track is a family-friendly 2 kilometre loop walk that takes about 1 hour to complete. It takes you across a swing bridge suspended high above the Hutt River, then weaves downstream towards the river gorge. On this walk, mature rimu and rātā trees tower above you, and the Hutt River churns below.

For the past 20-plus years, Kaitoke Regional Park has been a stopping point for Lord of The Rings fans, as the area was a filming location for Rivendell.

Getting there

  • The trail can be accessed from Kaitoke Regional Park Campground on Waterworks Road.
  • There are regular bus and train services to Upper Hutt, but the entrance to the park is a 2-hour walk from public transport. Bus and train timetables are available from the Metlink website.

Know before you go

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list.
  • Toilets and water are available at the Kaitoke Regional Park Campground.
People walking along one of the two swing bridges over the river amongst trees in Kaitoke Regional Park.

Looking for more?

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The Pākuratahi River in Kaitoke Regional Park.

Pākuratahi River Walk

Kaitoke Regional ParkEnjoy this family-friendly trail linking Kaitoke Regional Park to Pākuratahi Forks.

Three people are on a wooden bridge waving on Tane's Track, a walking trail in Upper Hutt, Hutt Valley. They are surrounded by lush greenery.

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.

A birdseye view of Gums Loop hiking train in Wainuiomata Park, New Zeland.

Lower Dam Walk

Pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxing stroll to a historic lower dam and picturesque wetland.

Three people standing on top of Birchville Dam. Green trees and bushes surround them.

Cannon Point Walkway

Zigzag through the hills north of Upper Hutt to the historic Birchville Dam.

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.

Te Whiti Riser

A popular all-weather walking and mountain biking track overlooking Wainuiomata and Lower Hutt.

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.

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

Bus Barn Track

East Harbour Regional ParkAn easy trail through mature beech forest and stunning kahikatea trees.