Safetrack is a new project intended to provide track advice and updates for individuals, families and groups (walking, trekking, biking and general fun.)
Lower Hutt – Wainuiomata – Kaponga St Track
This track is noted in 3 Sections and one emergency shortcut.
The track is checked from the start, to the first bridge (see below) usually weekly by operator KS. It is cleared of any debris and overhang. The track can be split into three sections with each section noted for its features and usability.
Seection 1: 24 Kaponga Street end, to the first bridge (Bridge #1 on above map)
Suitable for families. The track is well used every day and is an easy graded walk for all fitness levels.
Total gradient: Under 30 metres over total 300 M each way.
Family safe: Yes. Normal footware. Boots not required. Great little adventure for families and dog walkers.
Bikes: Yes. Mountain bikes not required.
Dogs: Yes. Dogs on leads welcome. Please tidy any little messes (to save KS from doing it for you.)
Nearest first aider: Kevin at 18 Kaponga Street.
Fun fact: At night, you can see glow worms around the first bridge. A great half hour activity..
Section 2: First bridge (Glow worm bridge) to second bridge (Bridge #2 on above map.)
From the first bridge (just before) take the track to the right (so turn right just before the bridge.) This track leads to the second recently built bridge #2 and is suitable for general walking and biking.
Total gradient: 94 metres over total distance of 900 M each way (from Bridge #2.)
Family safe: Yes. Normal footware. Boots not required.
Bikes: Yes. Mountain bikes not required.
Dogs: Yes. Dogs on leads welcome. Please tidy any little messes (to save KS from doing it for you.)
Maintained: This is checked usually fortnightly and cleared of overgrowth and debris.
Nearest first aider: Kevin at 18 Kaponga Street.
Huts: There are two abandoned huts in the area. These are checked usually monthly for issue but should not be used or approached as they are run down. Both can be spotted along the tracks as a fun activity along with gremlins.
Fun fact: The area changes from ponga grooves to native ferns to Makara. It offers surprising areas that are total nature views (no housing or after a while even human sound.) There are a few ‘secrets’ in these areas. Like a very energising clearing which feels supernatural and a persons secret in-nature gym setup. We know nothing of this.
Please watch out for historical little people.
Section 3: Bridge #2 to Parkway firebreaks.
From the second bridge take the track onwards (there are no connecting tracks along this section so you can not get lost here.) This track leads to the Parkway Rise firebreak area. Once at the end of the track it is advised to turn round and come back the way you came. That is because there are several cuttings which lead to water reservoir, clay hilllside firebreaks and so on. The journey to the end of the track is family safe. The Firebreak is for experienced tramping and emergency services.
Total gradient: Estimated 125 metres over total distance of additional 1.2 Km each way from Bridge #2.
Family safe: Yes to the end of track. Normal footware. Boots not required.
Bikes: Yes. Mountain bikes not required but may be advisable in poor weather.
Dogs: Yes. Dogs on leads welcome. Please tidy any little messes (to save KS from doing it for you.)
Maintained: This is checked usually monthly and cleared of overgrowth and debris.
Nearest first aider: Kevin at 18 Kaponga Street.
Fun fact: This is an adventure for those who want to go a little further. Stories will follow.
Emergency Route – Kaponga Street Track.
Please note the blue track marked on the above map.
This side route ends beside 18 Kaponga Street, Wainuiomata. In an emergency (e.g. blockage, accident or other incident) you can walk down here (carefully.) At the end, turn right to take the short walk beside the garage and out the driveway. It is a shortcut for emergencies only (not suitable for bikes.)
Gravel steps are being installed. Please be mindful of peoples privacy.
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We welcome other contributions of track information and details similar (or improved) on above so we can develop a useful system. We operate an open policy as far as related content. Feel free to chip in. The SafeTrack records can be changed to suit volumes and even to other interests.
