Description

This is an established trail within the Belmont Regional Park. It is fully detailed on easily available maps and is well signposted at most of the main points and intersections. This trail does intersect with other trails within the park and it would be fairly easy to find yourself heading towards another destination if you're not careful. Once you hit the turn off down to Hill Road, you will need to keep an eye out for the track markers. These are the white poles about a metre high with a bright orange disc or triangle on the top. Some of these get knocked over or lose their discs, so try and scan ahead for these to save you time and energy. This trail does take you all the way to Boulder hill and then down to the Dry Creek Quarry entrance, but I chose to head down to the Hill Road entrance. In hindsight, I should've carried on up to Boulder Hill. I've done this trail in reverse as well so starting at the dry Creek entrance is an option too. It's a mean climb up to the top of Boulder Hill but it's worth it. Check out the maps of this area first, as well as the weather conditions. It can get cold and windy very quickly up here so be prepared.
The 'downhill' to the Hill road entrance is pretty rough and takes you through farmland that at the time of writing is being developed and fenced. It is still open to the public though, as long as you stick to the actual tracks. Once you get close to Hill Road, you will pass a small equestrian area which is part of the Belmont Pony Club. So don't be surprised to see a horse or two. Once on to Hill Road, it's a relaxing but fairly steep downhill along the paths to bring you level with the Hutt motorway. Follow the walking path south until you get to the Normandale overbridge. There is a small track about 100 metres before this on the right of the path which takes you to a parking area beside the overbridge. From here, you can either return to your vehicle up the hill in Maungaraki, or cross the bridge over to Lower Hutt. Of course, this last part of the trail can be modified to take you over onto the Hutt River trail, where you can go north or south and extend you run further.

Features of interest

The first part of the trail, once you enter the bush at the Oakleigh Street entrance, is a nice downhill then uphill through native bush that mostly follows a stream and is frequented by Tuis and other birds. You will more than likely encounter other walkers and runners on this part of the trail as it is very popular.
The Belmont Trig is the destination for most walking groups and a great photo opportunity. After this, you will probably be on your own as you follow the ridge north. This takes you through historic World War 2 ammunition bunkers that are placed all over a section of farmland. Lots of sheep around here too, as well as noisy pairs of ducks that like to remind you very loudly that you are not welcome. I encounted a few small hawks or kestrels flying around too. You may see a cow or two, but the sheep will move out of your way.

Make Up of Run

Moderate Single Track: 40%

Easy Single Track: 30%

Farm Road / 4WD Track: 15%

Gravel Road: 5%

Sealed Road: 10%

Route Data