Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

I've done it Done

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Rata Ridge

Lower Hutt, Wellington

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

I've done it Done

Save Trail Save

Suggest edit Edit

Open

Grunt Factor: 14

Gnarl Factor: 52

6.6km

Length of run

520m

Total Ascent

520m

Total Descent

370m

Highest point

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Run Makeup

30%

15%

50%

Sealed Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +14.8%

Average Downhill Gradient: -13.7%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

1:30

Slow

1:10

Moderate

0:45

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

From the entrance to the park, head up the steep old ridgeline firebreak. It can be slippery so take care. At about 1k, ignore the Zigzag track off to the right. Once you hit the bush, you'll soon get to the stile and turnoff to Fern Gully track. Take this runnable gravel trail down to where it pops out at Gardiner Grove, then turn left, right, and left again on Lees Grove and you'll see the Lees Grove track heading back in to the bush.

Get ready for a steep but beautiful 200m climb back up to the Rata Ridge track. Once you reach the top, turn right, and follow it up about 500m to the trig (blink and you might miss it), then on to the lookout where there is a bench if you need a breather for refuelling. From there, it's about 3k downhill along Rata Ridge track all the way back to the start.

Transport and parking:

Stanley Street has on-street parking with no restrictions. Buses stop on Main Road

Distance from Lower Hutt:

17 km

Driving time from Lower Hutt:

20 minutes

Dog friendly:

Yes

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Easy.

Cellphone Coverage:

Generally good.

Suggested Gear List:

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.

Availability of Water:

A couple of creeks on the way up but none on the return

Seasonality Issues:

The first/last part can be very slippery after rain

Hazards:

The track is used by mountain bikers, so avoid using headphones

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Trail Reviews

Richele McKenzie

Really enjoyed this track thanks Joe! Loved the tough uphill then Rata Ridge was a pleasant downhill jog. Slippery in parts but that’s to be expected in this area.

Richele McKenzie

January 31, 2021