A spectacular short hike in Lower Hutt, Wellington, that I really should have done sooner. Te Whiti Riser is a moderate walk that offers incredible views of the Hutt Valley and out to the harbour toward central Wellington.

I started by the beautiful Waiwhetu Marae, built in 1960.

I crossed over to Te Whiti Park, passing by the Waiwhetu Medical Centre, and could see the hill in front to climb!

The track didn’t take long before offering expansive views.

I took a shorter, but steeper route, up a fire break. The clay surface would have been very slippery in the wet but was manageable on a sunny autumn day, and the views continued to improve as I climbed higher.

There was a small pond and great views approaching the ridgeline.

Along which runs basically a dirt road, which makes for easier if somewhat dull walking, but at least I could enjoy the panoramic views without having to watch my step.

In the distance across the harbour I could see central Wellington.

There were big views of Naenae and Wainuiomata below.

I headed along the ridgeline, past another small pond, in some welcome shade, to reach a Transmission Tower.

This was at one of the highest points on the ridge, and offered more great views in all directions.

More good views on the return, reaching a bench is which is the more common end of the 8.6km return walk from Te Whiti Park.

There were great views of Wainuiomata and Matiu / Somes Island in the distance.

I headed down the main Te Whiti Riser track, which is dual use bikes and walkers. It was certainly shadier, more varied, and with a gentler gradient than the fire breaks I’d come up.

Final couple of photos of Te Whiti Park on my return after a wonderful few hours enjoying “Wellington on a good day”!