Last Updated: 30th Oct 2024

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

To Rivendell!

Last Updated: 30th Oct 2024

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 22 ?

Gnarl Factor: 35 ?

13.5km

700m

700m

480m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Undulating, some big hills

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Run Makeup

5%
40%
55%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +11.3%

Average Downhill Gradient: -11.3%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

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.

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.

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

Richele McKenzie

Richele McKenzie

has completed To Rivendell! once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

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!

Karen Spencer

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!

Karen Spencer

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.

Joe Benbow

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!

Richele McKenzie

June 3, 2020

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