Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
To Rivendell!
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 22 ?
Gnarl Factor: 35 ?
13.5km
700m
700m
480m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 22 ?
Gnarl Factor: 35 ?
13.5km
700m
700m
480m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, some big hills
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +11.3%
Average Downhill Gradient: -11.3%
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3:30
Slow
2:30
Moderate
1:30
Fast
Well marked and easy to follow the route, there are a few tracks that lead off to the Hutt River Gorge but these are minor. The track can be very boggy when wet.
To start with you head across a grassy section, over a footbridge and zig-zag up about 160m into the regenerating manuka bush. There are sections of board walk here over the worst mud. The track then mellows out a bit but continues to climb another 120m over the next 1.5km before it starts to undulate up to the high point. Just before the descent you'll reach the Tussock Knob lookout with a bench seat. Worth stopping for the views here. The descent is steep (and drops about 290m) and fast all the way down to Rivendell where you turn right at the sealed road if you want to check the place out (100m to the main bridge and car park). Return the same way.
As you get closer to the Rivendell end, you pass from regenerating forest into mature red beech, followed by mature broadleaf-podocarp forest with tall rimu, rata, miro and hinau. Plenty of bird life and views into the Hutt River Gorge. Kaitoke Regional Park is the catchment for the Wellington water supply. The two big twin lakes at the Te Marua end are the water storage lakes for the Wellington region.
Rivendell is the site of filming of Rivendell in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. There are information boards scattered around detailing the filming locations. It's a nice place to spend a bit of time swimming if you need a break.
No public transport. Plenty of safe parking at either end, but use caution and don't leave valuables in sight. Gates open from 6am till dusk.
10 km
12 minutes
Yes
No
Moderate.
Stay on the main ridge following the orange triangles and well trodden path. There are a few tracks heading west/north west and pest control routes. Ignore these.
Patchy.
Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Compass, Map
There is safe drinking water at Rivendell, otherwise best to carry your own.
Can be very boggy after a lot of rain.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and To Rivendell!
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This is a stunning trail with a some hearty climbs and technical sections to keep you busy. Some stunning runnable sections amongst the trees on the ridge line. Really loved it - can see it would be a different story if it was wet though!
May 2, 2021
This is a stunning trail with a some hearty climbs and technical sections to keep you busy. Some stunning runnable sections amongst the trees on the ridge line. Really loved it - can see it would be a different story if it was wet though!
May 2, 2021
I really enjoyed this one. Lots of vert, beautiful forest and great views (recommend the lookout side track at the top). And Rivendell is cool to explore. Options to extend to Swingbridge trail or Norbett Creek.
December 26, 2020
Love the northern section of this trail. Southern section had a bit of clay so was slippery - only fell over a few times!
June 3, 2020
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