Wednesday 26th January 2022
Location: Top of Summit Road, Lower Hutt (the firebreak is on the left, just before the cul-de-sac at the top of Summit Road. You need to climb through a metal gate to access the track).
We've completed this walk a number of times, mainly because it's great for the dogs but also because it's a short sharp leg burner. If you don't have a lot of time but want to get your heart rate up then this is the walk for you!
It's a wide clay track that takes you straight up the ridgeline to the top of the Hutt Valley's eastern hills where it meets the ECNZ Track (note: the top of this firebreak is also the top of the Te Whiti Riser Track).
The view from the top stretches from Wellington Harbour to Wainuiomata and across the Hutt Valley. If you time it right you can enjoy a sunrise over Wainuiomata or a sunset over Lower Hutt's western hills.
Make sure you have good footwear, ideally not jandals as it can get really slippery especially if there's been a bit of rain.
There are alternative routes that take you around the steepest sections so if you see the track split, as long as you're still following the firebreak you'll end up converging further up. Often our kids take the steep route and we the leisurely :)
There are also a few mountain bike trails that lead off the main track - you can easily spot these as they're not the firebreak. Bikes go racing down them so we'd definitely not recommend exploring those tracks on foot.
A brilliant short sharp walk - enjoy the views!
We've also continued on north to the Mask, we think it's about another 1.5km up. When we were up there last the view was a bit disappointing as it was overgrown with gorse.
Age of Kids: 7yr and 9yr
Walking Time: 1 hour (we usually take around 25min up and 15-20min down, depending on how slippery it is)
Difficulty: Moderate (just because it's so steep)
Wet Feet: Sometimes you can get very muddy shoes
Amenities: There is a seat at the top
Dogs: Yes
Cellphone Reception: Yes