Rata Street Loop

The Rata Street Loop start and finish are approximately 200m from each other on Rata Street, Naenae.  Half way around the loop there is an option to head up to the main track for a longer walk and better views as far as the South Island. 

It's recommended to start on the lower of the two Rata Street entrances with the small bridge across the stream as it is easier to walk up this section, rather than down.

The house immediately to the left of this lower entrance was temporarily the Reserve Bank when the vault was built into the hillside during WWII with the threat of a Japanese invasion. In 1972 the house was sold when Reserve Bank documents were able to be housed in the new building on The Terrace, Wellington.  The vault is still in the house.

From the start the track follows the stream up hill and crosses the stream several times with strategically placed rocks providing dry footing.

After about 20 minutes of up hill, the track turns sharply to the right for a treverse across the gully.  At several places there are views across the valley to the Western Hills.

A further ten minute walk will bring you to a small wooden bridge.  Across the bridge a track heads sharply up hill and will take you to the main ridge track for views as far as the South Island.  The Rata Street Loop is the right hand track and descends through bush, past a water tank to the upper access point on Rata Street.

Allow about 45-60 minutes to complete the loop track. 

For maps and further information, talk to the team at an i-SITE Visitor Centre.

If you like this walk you could try the Hutt City Tracks & Trails. Read the descriptions and view the brochure.