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Korokoro, Lower Hutt
2.6 km
1 hour
100 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a slice of prehistoric New Zealand tucked just behind the suburban bustle of Lower Hutt, Te Ara o Ngā Tūpuna (Korokoro) is a trail that punches well above its weight. Often referred to by locals as the Korokoro Dam Loop Track, this 2.6-kilometre journey is a masterclass in how quickly nature can reclaim a landscape. From the moment you step off the pavement at the Oakleigh Street entrance, the sounds of traffic fade, replaced by the rhythmic "hush" of wind through the canopy and the persistent babble of the Korokoro Stream.
The walk is a loop, which is always a favourite for hikers who prefer seeing new scenery at every turn rather than backtracking. Most people choose to tackle it in a way that allows for a gentle descent into the valley first. As you wind your way down, you are immediately enveloped in a lush, multi-layered forest. The terrain here is a mix of well-established trails and slightly more rugged sections where tree roots form natural stairs. It feels ancient, yet the "regenerating" nature of the bush means you’re seeing a forest in a constant state of vibrant renewal.
As you follow the stream, the air cools significantly. The valley floor is a damp, verdant microclimate where mosses and ferns thrive. The track skirts the water, offering several spots where you can get right down to the edge of the stream—perfect for kids (and dogs!) to have a quick splash. The climb back out is where the "moderate" difficulty rating comes into play. While the total elevation gain is only 100 metres, there are a few short, punchy sections that will definitely get your heart rate up. However, the path is well-maintained enough that anyone with a basic level of fitness will find it a satisfying, brisk challenge rather than an exhausting slog. It’s the kind of walk that leaves you feeling refreshed and invigorated, all within the space of a single hour.
The undisputed crown jewel of this trail is the historic Korokoro Dam. Constructed in 1903, this concrete gravity dam was once a vital artery for Petone’s water supply. Today, it has been transformed into a stunning industrial relic. The way the forest has begun to "swallow" the dam is incredibly photogenic; thick vines and ferns cling to the concrete, creating a scene that feels like something out of an adventure movie.
A car park is available at the Oakleigh Street trailhead in Petone.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
1.9km away
A friendly and warm pub located in the heart of Petone, offering a menu of pub fare, craft beers, and a welcoming atmosphere with space for groups and families.
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Loop
The highlight for most visitors is the 8-metre waterfall that cascades over the face of the dam. Depending on recent rainfall, this can range from a delicate, lacy veil of water to a thundering torrent. There is a viewing area that provides the perfect angle for photos, and the sound of the falling water creates a natural white noise that is incredibly peaceful. It is the ideal spot to pull a thermos out of your bag and enjoy a quiet moment.
Another standout feature is the abundance of nīkau palms. These are New Zealand’s only native palm tree, and in the Korokoro Valley, they grow in impressive groves. Their distinctive green fronds and smooth, bulbous trunks give parts of the walk a distinctly tropical feel, contrasting beautifully with the more rugged beech and broadleaf trees. Look out for the "sentinel" nīkau that stand tall over the stream, providing a dramatic silhouette against the sky.
Finding the trailhead is straightforward, making this an easy "spur of the moment" adventure. The main entrance is located at the top of Oakleigh Street in Petone, Lower Hutt.
The Korokoro Valley is a haven for native birdlife, thanks to extensive conservation efforts within Belmont Regional Park. As you walk, keep your ears open for the complex, melodic song of the tūī. These birds are everywhere here, often seen diving between the flowering trees or puffing out their white throat tufts as they sing.
You are almost guaranteed to be joined by the pīwakawaka (New Zealand fantail). These tiny, energetic birds are famously inquisitive and will often flutter just a few metres ahead of you on the path, using your footsteps to kick up small insects for them to eat. Their chattering "cheep-cheep" is the soundtrack to much of the walk.
Higher up in the canopy, keep an eye out for the kererū (New Zealand wood pigeon). You’ll likely hear them before you see them; their wings make a heavy, rhythmic "whoosh-whoosh" sound as they fly. These large, iridescent green and white birds are often seen perched precariously on thin branches, feasting on berries. If you’re lucky and quiet, you might also hear the high-pitched whistle of the riroriro (grey warbler) or see the tiny tauhou (silvereye) moving in busy flocks through the undergrowth.
The beauty of Te Ara o Ngā Tūpuna is that it is truly a year-round destination, though each season brings a different flavour to the experience:
The name Te Ara o Ngā Tūpuna translates from Māori as "The Path of the Ancestors." This reflects the deep cultural significance of the area. For centuries, these valleys and ridges served as vital transit routes for Māori moving between the Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington Harbour) and the Porirua area. The Korokoro Stream itself was a source of mahinga kai (traditional food gathering), providing freshwater fish and materials from the surrounding forest.
In the colonial era, the area shifted toward industry. The dam you see today is a remnant of a time when the young township of Petone was rapidly expanding and desperate for a reliable water source. It’s part of the wider Belmont Regional Park, the largest park in the Wellington region. This park is a fascinating mix of working farmland, historic military sites (like the WWII bunkers further up the hills), and regenerating forest. Walking this loop is a way to connect with both the natural history of the land and the layers of human history that have shaped the Wellington region.
One of the best things about the Korokoro loop is its proximity to the vibrant cafe culture of Petone. After you’ve worked up an appetite on the climb back to Oakleigh Street, head down the hill to Jackson Street for a well-earned refuel.
Whether you’re a local looking for a midweek escape or a tourist wanting to see the "real" New Zealand bush without driving for hours, Te Ara o Ngā Tūpuna (Korokoro) is a fantastic choice. It’s short, sweet, and packed with enough history and nature to keep you coming back season after season.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
2.2km away
A quirky and welcoming cafe, home to Good Fortune Coffee Co., offering freshly roasted fair trade coffee and a vibrant selection of homemade sweet and savoury cabinet food, with many vegetarian and vegan options.
2.5km away
A retro-themed cafe and restaurant serving classic cafe fare with an expansive deck offering views of the Petone foreshore and Wellington Harbour, perfect for post-hike relaxation.