Tunnel Gully

Discover great tracks through native forest, with the added bonus of an old railway tunnel and a waterfall. This popular recreation area has historical links to the famous Rimutaka Railway.

With ample parking and modern facilities, Tunnel Gully provides a convenient stopping point for forest walks, mountain biking, wading in a mountain stream or simply lying about in the arms of nature. The main walking track takes about one hour. It leads you through tall native trees, such as kahikatea, matai, rimu and tawa, then crosses the route of the old railway line before rising through beech forest to a delightful stream and waterfall. The journey back down through eucalyptus trees passes the old Mangaroa Railway Tunnel.

There are three other tracks which are shared with mountain bikers. These range from two to twelve kilometres in length and are graded from easy to moderate/hard. These tracks pass through native forest as they follow the old railway line, which includes a disused railway tunnel. A six kilometre climb to the ridge line of Mount Climie is rewarded with great views of the Hutt Valley, Wellington and the Wairarapa. Tunnel Gully is located just north of Upper Hutt and is accessible by train and bus from Wellington.