Discover Trentham: bush walks and history

Trentham brings together bush walks, park facilities and historic sites, each offering a different focus. In Trentham Memorial Park, several tracks pass through Barton Bushes and Domain Bushes; Ecclesfield Reserve has interconnected walking tracks and a lookout. The former Upper Hutt Blockhouse, St John’s Trentham and the racecourse add history and sport to the mix. This makes it easy to explore Trentham through both nature and its cultural and recreational attractions.

Bush walks and lookouts

Most of the bush tracks in Trentham Memorial Park are flat. However, there is a steep section near the tree tunnel, so the route is not flat throughout. Seasonal conditions can vary; factor this into your plans and check conditions before visiting. At Ecclesfield Reserve, several walking tracks connect, and there is a lookout on Te Kouka Knob. The changing elevation in Memorial Park is a specific point to note; at Ecclesfield Reserve, the track network and lookout are the main considerations when choosing where to go.

Parks for play and sport

Trentham Memorial Park is also a great place for sport and play: it has six cricket pitches and a large play area with two large forts and a 4.5-metre-high Mega Swing. Play facilities may change with future upgrades. If these particular features are important to your visit, check what is currently available. Moonshine Park has a small children’s playground. From there, you can reach the Te Awa Kairangi – Hutt River on foot at several points. The parks therefore offer different options: a large play area with the features noted above, or a smaller playground with several river access points within walking distance.

History and notable places

The former Upper Hutt Blockhouse was built in Trentham in 1860 and is a very rare surviving example of this type of defensive building in New Zealand. 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 killed in the First World War. The two sites represent different aspects of history: the Blockhouse is a rare example of defensive architecture, while St John’s represents a continuous tradition of worship and remembrance of the fallen. Trentham Racecourse is home to the Wellington Racing Club and adds a sporting dimension to the local attractions.

More nature experiences in Upper Hutt City

Upper Hutt City offers other distinct experiences to consider when planning your trip. Harcourt Park is an access point to the Hutt River Trail, an easy scenic walking and cycling trail with access to the river for swimming, fishing and kayaking. This differs from the bush walks in Trentham: the Hutt River Trail combines the trail experience with activities on the river.

In Kaitoke Regional Park, the Ridge Track runs for 7.5 kilometres through beech forest. The track is moderately difficult and offers views of the water supply lakes and the Upper Hutt Valley. Conditions and difficulty levels can change; check them before setting out. The two trails differ in their use and level of challenge: the Hutt River Trail is an easy scenic walking and cycling trail, while the Ridge Track is a 7.5-kilometre moderate hike.

If you are planning to visit other places in Upper Hutt City, include them in your considerations too. Then compare the location of a specific accommodation with the places you actually want to visit.

Discover more destinations: Upper Hutt

Go to the main travel overview: Upper Hutt City.