Tane's Track

Loop

Highlights & Must-See Features

One of the most compelling reasons to visit Tane's Track is its blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue.

The absolute crown jewel of the walk is the waterfall at Collins Stream. After a short, gentle climb through a beautiful stand of black beech forest, the track brings you to a viewpoint of the falls. It’s not a thundering Niagara-style drop, but rather a graceful, tiered tumble of water over moss-covered rocks. It’s incredibly photogenic and serves as the perfect halfway point to stop, take a breath, and listen to the water.

For the history buffs, the track is a literal walk through time. You’ll notice that the path intersects with the old Remutaka railway line. It’s humbling to think that this quiet, green sanctuary was once a site of massive industrial toil.

Keep an eye out for the eucalyptus grove. These aren't native, of course, but they serve as a living marker of the past. This grove marks the site of an old campsite used by the workers who laboured to build the nearby Mangaroa Railway Tunnel back in 1877. Walking through these tall, fragrant gums provides a stark, interesting contrast to the dense native bush surrounding them.

Getting There

Getting to the trailhead is a breeze. From Upper Hutt, head north on State Highway 2 toward Te Marua. Turn right onto Plateau Road and follow it all the way to the end, where you’ll enter the Tunnel Gully Recreation Area.

• Primary Parking: The main Tunnel Gully car park is spacious and well-maintained. There is a large shelter here with detailed maps of the various trails in the area, including Tane's Track.
• Alternative Parking: If the main lot is full (which can happen on sunny weekend afternoons), there is an alternative parking area a bit further along Remutaka Rail Trail Road.
• Note on Accessibility: While there is plenty of space, please note that there are currently no designated mobility parking spots. The track itself, while "easy," does involve some roots and steps in the upper section, so it isn't suitable for standard wheelchairs or strollers.

Wildlife Spotting

The birdlife on Tane's Track is prolific, thanks to the mature forest providing a rich food source year-round. Because the track is so sheltered, the birds tend to hang out in the lower canopy, making them easier to spot.

• Pīwakawaka (Fantail): These friendly little guys are almost guaranteed to join you. They love to follow hikers, flitting around to catch the tiny insects stirred up by your footsteps.
• Tūī: You’ll hear them before you see them. Listen for their distinctive metallic clucks and melodic whistles high in the tawa trees.
• Kererū (NZ Wood Pigeon): Look for the heavy, white-chested birds sitting on low branches. If you hear a loud, rhythmic whoosh-whoosh of wings, that’s a Kererū taking flight nearby.
• Riroriro (Grey Warbler): Their long, trilling song is the quintessential sound of the New Zealand bush. They are tiny and camouflaged, so you’ll need a keen eye to spot them.
• Ruru (Morepork): If you happen to be finishing your walk as dusk falls, keep your ears open for the haunting "more-pork" call of our native owl.

Tip: Bring a pair of binoculars if you have them, and try to walk quietly. The birds here are quite used to people, but they’ll stay closer to the track if you keep the noise levels down.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Spring: The bush is at its most vibrant, and the bird songs are at their loudest as the forest wakes up.
• Summer: The thick canopy provides a wonderful natural air-conditioning, making it the perfect escape from the midday heat.
• Autumn: The air is crisp, and the forest floor often features interesting fungi in shades of red and purple.
• Winter: Because the track is so well-sheltered from the notorious Wellington winds, it’s a great option for a winter leg-stretch when the ridgelines are too exposed.

• Footwear: While you could get away with sneakers on a dry day, I recommend sturdy walking shoes or light boots, especially if it has rained recently, as the upper section can get a bit muddy.
• Water: There are no water fountains on the trail, so bring a bottle.
• Layers: Even in summer, the forest interior can be significantly cooler than the car park. Bring a light fleece or jacket.
• Timing: I recommend starting your walk in the early morning. The light filtering through the trees is magical at that hour, and you’re more likely to have the waterfall to yourself.

Local & Regional Context

The name "Tane's Track" is a nod to Tāne Mahuta, the Māori god of the forests and birds. In Māori mythology, Tāne is the one who separated his parents, Rangi (Sky Father) and Papa (Earth Mother), to bring light and life into the world. Walking through these ancient trees, it’s easy to feel the spiritual significance of that connection.

The area is also a vital link in the Wellington region's colonial history. The Remutaka Railway was an engineering marvel of the late 19th century, designed to tackle the incredibly steep incline of the Remutaka Hill. While the trains are long gone, the tunnels and embankments remain, and Tane's Track allows you to see how the forest has slowly reclaimed this industrial landscape.

After the Walk

Once you’ve finished the loop and worked up a bit of an appetite, you don’t have to go far for a treat. Just 5km down the road (about a 10-minute drive) is Aston Norwood.

This is a fantastic spot for hikers to refuel. It’s a well-regarded cafe set within 14 acres of beautiful Japanese-inspired gardens. They offer everything from a quick coffee and cake to full lunches. It’s the perfect place to sit back, look at your photos from the waterfall, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere before heading back to the hustle and bustle of daily life. The garden setting makes it a great "extension" of your nature day out.

Tane's Track is more than just a walk; it’s a compact adventure that showcases the very best of the Hutt Valley's natural heritage. Whether you’re five years old or seventy-five, there’s something here to make you fall in love with the New Zealand bush all over again.