Waterfall walks
Breathe deep and smell fresh forest air as you search out the Hutt Valley’s waterfalls. From a three-minute to a three-hour walk, there’s a waterfall to suit every itinerary
Take a picnic; you won't want to leave
Relax with a picnic on the lawns in front of the duck pond while the kids run around in a contained area surrounded by paths and forest. Little feet exploring a little further can also find a historic water wheel once powering a flour mill and 15 minutes further up the forest valley the highlight of the park is the slim and tall waterfall.
Listen to the burble and try not to fall asleep
Plateau Road, Upper Hutt
Follow Upper Tane's Track through tall rimu, matai, kahikatea and tawa forest, cross the old railway then dig deep for a climb through beech forest until you reconnect with Collins Stream, where you'll be delighted by this peaceful waterfall. Spend some time relaxing and listen to the birds sing, before returning to Tunnel Gully Recreation Area where you can take a dip in the river.
Water supplies never looked so good
70 Oakleigh Street, Maungaraki , Lower Hutt
An even-graded track follows an old steel pipeline from the Cornish Street entrance upstream through mature bush to the Korokoro Dam. This dam was built to supply water for the Petone Borough in 1903.
The trip to Turere waterfall promised much adventure – off-track tramping plus camping in the kiwizone to see kiwis. For people confident with their GPS
Not as dry as the name implies
Hebden Crescent, Kelson, Lower Hutt
Follow the Dry Creek track over grassy areas, ideal for picnics and camping, to native bush up towards a small waterfall and back again. Expect wet feet as you cross the stream several times, en route you may see a smaller waterfall. Great for young family groups, especially in summer. It's a rocky walk so its not suitable for buggies.
A waterfall with a twist - you make it flow
1747 Main Road North, Kaitoke, Upper Hutt
After enjoying lunch at the cafe, grab a day pass to wander around the Aston Norwood gardens - all 14 acres of them! Open year round, these gardens change with the season and in mid-September, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. One feature that you'll always find is the waterfall. Press the button to make it go, it does look best after 20 minutes when the water is at full flow.
There are masses of tame animals roaming Staglands, set in beautiful NZ bush. The whole place looks like a cool film set - with little grottos, lakes, waterfalls and cute farm buildings dotted around