Water Restriction Level 2
Find out where the best rivers are in Hutt City for swimming and fishing.
Akatarawa River
The Akatarawa River at Hutt Confluence is located in the lower reaches of the Akatarawa River just before it joins with the Hutt River. The Akatarawa River is a popular for swimming because of the deep pools found there.
The Akatarawa Stream provides excellent sight fishing in a remote, almost backcountry setting that is surprisingly close to the city of Wellington.
Location
It is a short river, flowing south for 20 kilometres through small rocky gorges and the Akatarawa Valley before joining the Hutt River at Birchville, a suburb in the northern end of Upper Hutt.
How to get here
By car.
For more information
Wainuiomata River
The Wainuiomata River supports a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, kayaking, and horse riding. It is also supports healthy populations of dwarf galaxias, a nationally threatened species of fish found in the upper reaches of the river.
Location
The stream can be accessed from Richard Prouse Park off Hine Rd.
How to get here
Take bus 170 to Hine Rd.
For more information
Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River
The Hutt River is one of the largest in the Wellington Region. With headwaters in the Rimutaka Range, the river flows through the Hutt Valley past Upper Hutt and Hutt cities before discharging into Wellington Harbour at Petone.
The Hutt River is very popular for swimming, trout fishing and other recreational activities. It is easily accessible from the Hutt River trail which provides a scenic walk and cycle path. Dogs are permitted.
Location
Taita Rock is considered the best swimming hole along the Hutt River.
Other good swimming holes:
- just north of Fraser Park off Taita Drive
- south of the Silverstream Bridges near the old willow nursery (this site is susceptible to toxic algae during summer - see information below)
- where the Hutt and Whakatikei rivers meet
- where the Hutt and Akatarawa Rivers meet.
How to get here
By car.