Discover Trentham: Bush Walks, History and Parks

Trentham brings together bush walks, play areas and historic sites. When choosing a holiday rental, consider which of these experiences would best suit your trip: walking the trails, spending time in a park or exploring the area's history. Options range from landscapes and views to notable buildings and the racecourse.

Bush Walks, Views and River Access

Several bush walks wind through Barton Bushes and Domain Bushes in Trentham Memorial Park. They are mostly flat, although there is a steep section near the tree tunnel. As conditions can change seasonally, check the current track conditions before visiting. The park also has six cricket grounds and a large play area with two large forts and a 4.5-metre mega swing. The trails, sports facilities and play options each offer a different focus.

Several interconnected walking tracks run through Ecclesfield Reserve. There is a lookout point on Te Kouka Knob. This combines walking routes with a specific destination, without a stated walking time or difficulty rating for the tracks. At Moonshine Park, there are several places where you can walk down to Te Awa Kairangi – Hutt River. The park also has a small children's playground. If you would like to include river access or a play area in your trip plans, these offer two different points of interest in Trentham.

History and Notable Places

The former Upper Hutt Blockhouse was built in Trentham in 1860. It is an exceptionally rare surviving example of this type of defensive building in New Zealand. Its historic status and rarity make it a notable point of interest for anyone interested in the area's architectural history.

St John's Trentham has been continuously used for worship since it was built in 1863. The church's lychgate is a war memorial to soldiers who died in the First World War. The site thus brings together the church's continuing use and the lychgate's commemorative function. Trentham Racecourse is also home to the Wellington Racing Club, adding another distinct point of interest to the area.

In the wider destination of Upper Hutt City

The wider destination of Upper Hutt City also offers more options for planning your trip. Harcourt Park is a starting point for the Hutt River Trail. The trail is an easy scenic walking and cycling route with access to the river for swimming, fishing and kayaking. For a more challenging walk, Kaitoke Regional Park has the Ridge Track: it is 7.5 kilometres long, moderately difficult and passes through beech forest, with views of the water storage lakes and the Upper Hutt Valley. Conditions and ratings may change.

In the wider destination of Upper Hutt City, Staglands Wildlife Reserve runs a free feeding tour every day around lunchtime. If you plan to join the tour, check the schedule beforehand, as daily programmes can change. Whirinaki Whare Taonga is a free public art centre with five galleries and a changing exhibition programme. So, in the wider destination, you can choose from changing arts and cultural offerings as well as nature and outdoor activities.

Discover more destinations: Upper Hutt.

Back to the wider travel guide: Upper Hutt City.