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Nature

Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River

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Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River

Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River

Te Awa Kairangi is a 56 km river that originates in the Tararua Range and flows through the plains of Kaitoke, Upper Hutt, and Lower Hutt. Travelers visit this area for riverside walking and nature observation along the riverbanks.

Getting There

The river spans a wide area, but the Lower Hutt sections are accessible from Wellington city centre via public bus or car. Depending on the specific entry point, the journey typically takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Time Allocation

Depending on the length of the walk or the specific section being visited, allow 2 to 4 hours to explore the riverside paths.

When to Visit

The area is suitable for visits throughout the year. Daylight hours are best for walking the trails. Like most public nature spaces in the region, it is quieter on weekdays than on weekends.

Nearby Attractions

The river's location allows for easy combination with other local sites. Nearby points of interest include:

  • Waiwhetū Stream: 0.5 km
  • Petone Settlers Museum: 1.7 km
  • Mokopuna Island: 3.5 km
  • Matiu / Somes Island: 4 km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

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Stays near Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

3 nights, 4 days

Wellington 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Wellington grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Waiwhetū Stream

Nature

Waiwhetū Stream

A stream that flows through eastern Hutt Valley and out into Wellington Harbour. Walking along its banks offers a quiet escape amid the city.

0.5 km away
Petone Settlers Museum

Museums & galleries

Petone Settlers Museum

A local history museum in Petone, near Wellington, housed in a building built to mark the centenary of the Wellington province's founding. It opened in 1977 and took on its current form after a 2016 renovation.

1.7 km away
Mokopuna Island

Nature

Mokopuna Island

A small, uninhabited island in Wellington Harbour. It sits just north of the larger Matiu/Somes Island, across a narrow strait.

3.5 km away
Matiu / Somes Island

Nature

Matiu / Somes Island

Matiu/Somes Island lies in the northern part of Wellington Harbour and is the largest of the harbour's three islands, covering about 25 hectares. It sits 3 km south of Petone and the mouth of the Hutt River.

4.0 km away
Matiu / Somes Island Lighthouse

Views & landmarks

Matiu / Somes Island Lighthouse

This lighthouse stands at the tip of Matiu/Somes Island in Wellington Harbour, guiding ships safely along their route. First built in 1866, it's one of New Zealand's oldest harbour lighthouses and offers fine views over the harbour.

4.2 km away
East Harbour Regional Park

Parks & gardens

East Harbour Regional Park

East Harbour Regional Park stretches along Wellington Harbour's eastern coast to Baring Head, bordering the Eastbourne area. It's a great place for a coastal walk surrounded by nature.

6.4 km away