Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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Waddington Loop of Wander

Lower Hutt, Wellington

Submitted by Katie Smith

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 12 ?

Gnarl Factor: 34 ?

10.0km

290m

290m

240m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Riverside

Run Makeup

25%
40%
35%

Sealed Road

Easy Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +5.6%

Average Downhill Gradient: -5.6%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:30

Slow

1:10

Moderate

00:50

Fast

This loop links the popular Te Whiti Riser with the less-known Waddington Wander track. It could be run in either direction. Park at the Te Whiti Park car park.

Start by running across the playing field to the footbridge at the north end of the park. Turn right onto Riverside Drive. Follow the path by the riverside wherever possible to keep off the road.

When you reach Rossiter Drive turn right and cross the river, then left onto Wyndrum Ave. When you reach a small grass area you'll see another footbridge crossing back over the river - take this back onto Riverside Drive. As this turns away from the river a km or so further on you'll see a footpath straight ahead (staying parallel to the water) - take this and it comes out onto Hamerton Street.

Go right on Waddington Drive then right again down Balgownie Crescent - at the end cut left behind the houses onto the riverside track. This goes through a small stile and you'll see a tiny footbridge across the stream - take this, then the track starts just across the river - you'll see a wooden sign saying Bike&Walking track to Judd & Summit Firebreak - this is the Waddington track.

Take this narrow winding track up through stands of manuka and native bush - there are plenty of switchbacks so it's a nice steady gradient. You'll pass areas where it almost pops onto the firebreak (much steeper) - keep left and stay on the track. Eventually, you pop up onto the summit ECNZ 4WD road. Turn right at the top, admire the view from the picnic bench, then head downhill and immediately onto the Te Whiti track.

This is a much more popular track, again well-graded and much easier underfoot - follow it right back down to Te Whiti Park to the start.

Nice views over the Hutt Valley.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

Lots of parking, though gate locked at night.

3 km

5 minutes

Yes

No

Easy.

Generally good.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Toilets and a water fountain in Te Whiti park, otherwise none available.

The very top is exposed, but only out of the bush for a few metres. Waddington track is quite slippy after lots of rain.

Zany Zeus cafe
Great brownies!

Trail Legend

AF

Aimee Francois

has completed Waddington Loop of Wander 7 times in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

A bit too much road/flat for my liking in the first 4km (and to get 5 stars) but loved the Waddington Winder climb and always love the Te Whiti Riser descent! The Waddington Winder is a relatively new trail and is quite narrow so may get a bit overgrown in the future but was fine in October 2022.

David Hosking

October 24, 2022

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