Enjoy the Hutt River this summer

The Wellington Regional Council is encouraging people to enjoy the popular Hutt River over the summer.

“The Hutt River is a wonderful asset for the Hutt Valley and the wider community. The Regional Council and the Hutt and Upper Hutt City Councils have put a lot of effort into restoring and beautifying the river corridor and it is now a truly glorious sight. It’s an accessible area for people to enjoy walking, bike riding, picnicking and swimming or fishing in the river. However, we want people to use, but not abuse, the area so that it remains a place that everyone can enjoy,” says WRC Landcare Committee Chairman Chris Laidlaw.

The Council wants to make sure that everybody enjoys the river in peace over the holiday season.

“It’s amazing that some people still consider the river and its banks a dumping ground or a place to roar around in their vehicles without thinking about the interests of others. Rubbish belongs at a landfill and if you want to do something like trail bike riding, go to an area that’s more appropriate, like the Akatarawa Forest,” Cr Laidlaw says.

Thane Walls, the new Hutt River ranger, will be keeping a close eye on the river this summer.

The Hutt River Trail runs from the Petone foreshore to Birchville, 24 km away. The trail continues up the river, sometimes on the stopbanks and other times among the trees.

Bridges across the river provide convenient entry and cross-over points. Rotary has installed maps signs along the length of the trail. In recent years, lots of improvements to the trail have been made by the combined Hutt Valley rotary clubs, with support from Upper Hutt and Hutt City Councils and Ross Jackson from the Wellington Regional Council. The Regional Council’s Flood Protection department has been actively involved in its management, including trimming back willows and maintaining tracks.

A walkover of various sections of the trail for Wellington Regional councillors and other invited guests will take place on Saturday, 7 December from 9am – 1pm. Members of the media are welcome to attend. Please phone Angie Gooch or Ross Jackson on 384-5708.

© Scoop Media