Saturday, 17 April 2021
Location: Google Maps does not seem to like this exact location. Essentially you drive to the very end of Normandale Road, Normandale, Lower Hutt. There is a big Belmont Regional Park map at the entrance to Old Coach Road.
The first part of the walk is along Old Coach Road, this is an old forestry access road with sweeping views out towards Wellington. It's an easy flat walk, we think attempting this with a buggy maybe a bit trying though. There are stiles as you're crossing farms and dogs aren't allowed on the farmland. Because you start up so high you get the benefit of the beautiful views without having to climb a huge hill.
The views from the Airstrip are beautiful reaching out to Porirua, Lower Hutt and Wellington. The Airstrip is a long strip of grass at a peculiar angle. It might still be used because there is a hanger next to it which looks like it's been maintained.
From here we retraced our steps back down Hill Road, past the turnoff we came down and also past the Kilmister Track entrance (if you've read our Boulder Hill adventure you'll know why we all rolled our eyes). We took a track on the right called Bull Run which takes you back up to Old Coach Road. We don't remember seeing any signs but we're pretty sure it's a mountain biking only track. It was extremely slippery (and wet).
We were lucky to only come across one bike. We made the kids walk between us and practiced our "dive" into the bushes when the leading adult yelled out. Great fun but not sure we'll do it again - more due to the risk of being hit by a mountain bike.
When we got to the top of the hill we had a nice meander back down Old Coach Road to the car.
A super fun walk :) - but won't be doing Bull Run again (unless we're on mountain bikes).
Age of Kids: Miss 6 & Master 8
Walking Time: 3 hours
Length: Old Coach road is around 4km so while we didn't measure the distance we think it was around 10-12km
Difficulty: Moderate
Wet Feet : No
Amenities: A toilet on Hill Road
Dogs: No (you cross farmland)
Cellphone Reception: Yes
Be Aware: Don't walk up Bull Run :)