Pakuratahi River at Kaitoke Campground

Only 45 minutes north of Wellington City, the spectacular Kaitoke Regional Park covers 2860 hectares in the Tararua Ranges foothills. Steep, bush-clad hills, the Hutt River gorge and centuries-old rata, rimu and beech forest feature in this magnificent natural setting.

Swim in tranquil river pools or explore forest tracks, some suitable for wheelchairs. Dare the swing bridge, or walk the Ridge Track for wonderful views of the Upper Hutt valley, visit the magical spot used as a set for Rivendell in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Campers can pick a spot near the Pakuratahi River, offering quality facilities with drinking water, toilets, power outlets and electric bbq’s. Campfires are permitted at Kaitoke, but only on the riverbed and away from tent sites.

This site is monitored as a part of Greater Wellington Regional Council's Recreational Water Quality Programme, which is specifically designed to inform the public about the suitability of various sites across the region for swimming and other recreational activities.