For a scenic off-road run with options for various lengths, we love the Hutt River Trail system. This easy multi-use path runs for 29 km along both sides of the length of the Hutt River, from Petone in Lower Hutt, north to Te Marua in Upper Hutt. Some sections paved, others gravel. The trail runs on the east bank for the whole length, and on the west bank between Petone and Belmont Park. There are nine bridges along the trail which offer many opportunities for short loops. Here are a few recommended sections:
Creative Commons: Phillip Capper
Lower Hutt to Avalon Park Bridge Loop. This is a great 8 km loop between Lower Hutt and Avalon Park. Use Harcourt Werry Dr. to connect to the Hutt River Trail and follow the path for about 4 km to the Ewen Bridge. Cross over the river and loop back on the West side of the river. When you reach Kennedy Good Bridge, cross to return to the start. Lower Hutt is site of a Parkrun.
Upper Hutt: 10.5 km out and back from Harcourt Park to Moonshine Park. This section features two sites where The Lord of the Rings was filmed. Beginning in Harcourt Park, you will find the site of Isengard, the ancient Gondorian fortress at the southern end of the Misty Mountains, facing Rohan. As you continue along the river, you will find the site for The Great River Anduin between Moonshine and Totara Park.
For a scenic off-road run with options for various lengths, we love the Hutt River Trail system. This easy multi-use path runs for 29 km along both sides of the length of the Hutt River, from Petone in Lower Hutt, north to Te Marua in Upper Hutt. Some sections paved, others gravel. The trail runs on the east bank for the whole length, and on the west bank between Petone and Belmont Park. There are nine bridges along the trail which offer many opportunities for short loops. Here are a few recommended sections:
Creative Commons: Phillip Capper
Lower Hutt to Avalon Park Bridge Loop. This is a great 8 km loop between Lower Hutt and Avalon Park. Use Harcourt Werry Dr. to connect to the Hutt River Trail and follow the path for about 4 km to the Ewen Bridge. Cross over the river and loop back on the West side of the river. When you reach Kennedy Good Bridge, cross to return to the start. Lower Hutt is site of a Parkrun.
Upper Hutt: 10.5 km out and back from Harcourt Park to Moonshine Park. This section features two sites where The Lord of the Rings was filmed. Beginning in Harcourt Park, you will find the site of Isengard, the ancient Gondorian fortress at the southern end of the Misty Mountains, facing Rohan. As you continue along the river, you will find the site for The Great River Anduin between Moonshine and Totara Park.
Scroll Down For Route Maps
Essentials
Up to 29 km (15.5 miles) one-way on east bank. West bank path is between Petone and Belmont Park
Running around 'The Bays' is the classic Wellington Run. A road with path/sidewalk follows the waterfront around several bays for nearly 30 km. Very scenic, great views! Hop on at any point & choose a section! Markers every 500m.
The section of the Great Harbour Way path along Petone Beach on the northern shore of Wellington Harbour is an easy, flat run with nice views of the beach, water, and mountains. Up to 7.4 km out and back.
Lovely 4 km loop through the free, 62-acre Botanical Garden. Can be combined with Tinakori Hill, which has great views and is more of a hilly trail run. Full loop of Tinakori Hill is ~6 km.
Gorgeous run along the eastern side of Wellington Harbour on a wide gravel path with great views. Up to 13.4 km one-way from Burdens Gate to Baring Point Lighthouse.
Mount Victoria was one of many filming locations for the first movie in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It also has amazing views of Wellington and makes a great place for a hill run! 2 km climb to the top & flatter 4.7 km Walkway loop.
This 2 mile path has an easy gradient and a wide well surfaced path that meanders gently across the face of the Eastern Hills before arriving on the ridge rewarding you with great views of the bay and Wellington.
Just outside the Zealandia fence lies a beautiful 9K pathway! This pathway is known for it’s hills but rewards runners with a serene environment and excellent views!
This 8,600-acre park, located 20 km north of Wellington, is a great spot for a destination run. Terrain includes open farmland, wooded trails, and some rolling hills. There are 11 well-signed trails ("tracks"), with something for all abilities.
Bothamley Park, located in Porirua, is a nice green space for a run. There's a nice network of mainly wooded paths. It's nearly 4 km from end-to-end in this park. Also the site for Parkrun, a free group 5k held every Saturday morning.
Scenic trails along the Waikanae River in Paraparaumu, a town on the Kapiti Coast 55 km north of Wellington. Diverse landscape alluvial plains, coastal dunes, an estuary and and down to the sea. Up to 13.4 km out and back.
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!
Subscribe
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Essentials
Up to 29 km (15.5 miles) one-way on east bank. West bank path is between Petone and Belmont Park
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!