Wellington Railway Station

Your total mileage will vary depending on how near you are to Wellington Railway Station. I was about a mile. Kaitoke Park opens at 8:00a so the earliest train you could take to get there in time is the 6:46a. I took the 8:05a and to give yourself ample time and catch the last bus back you probably don’t want to catch one later than 9a. Because I wasn’t sure when I’d finish the journey (and ticket prices vary during peak hours) I just the one-way ticket to Upper Hutt and bought my return when I made it back there later.

Snacks & Cash
Inside the station is a New World market which is decent in size (including a wine section). You’ll be able to get apples, trail mix, fruity-enzyme-y drinks and such before your train arrives. Make sure to have some cash for bus fare (you don’t need exact fare, they do give change).

Upper HuTt Railway Station

This is a tiny station and at the end of the line so it’ll be easy to remember to get off. The buses line up along the front of the station; take bus 112. It may be worth telling the driver your stop, Plateau Road near Te Marua Store, so that they can help you get off at the right spot (there are multiple stops along Plateau Road so make sure to get off at the corner by the store (store is handy if you realize you’ve forgotten something)).

SH2 Highway to Twin Lakes Road

After you exit the bus you’ll be at the intersection of a major highway, the SH2. Looking down it to your right (away from where you’ve just come on the bus) you’ll see a fork in the road with signs not far ahead. The left fork is the way to Twin Lakes Road and Kaitoke Park. This is quite a fast highway (80 km/hr) so you’ll have to skillfully make a dash across and walk along the shoulder of the road (near a golf course).There is just a small section of road without a shoulder. It’s right when the road forks to the left, be careful!

Follow Twin Lakes Road and pass a reservoir to your right and perhaps cattle on your left. There will also be brightly colored parrots and a neat looking black bird. This stretch feels quite remote but continue to follow the signs for Ridge Track. There are restrooms located in a concrete building that looks like part of the set from Lost. Just beyond this you’ll continue left at the next fork where the sign points to Ridge Track. At the end of the road there is a small clearing, signage and the trailhead!

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