Hi All
The Plan
Cannon Point/Birchville Dam in Upper Hutt is the plan for Sunday 01 June 2025.
It was popular when we did it last April and some were absent on that occasion,
so thinking we should do it again.
The route for the Walkers would be somewhat different to last time.
The route for the Runners would largely be the same.
All would finish at Harcourt Park like last time.
The Cafe
The Cafe we visited last time was “The Fig Tree” on Fergusson Drive.
A booking nearer the time would be advisable, though trying to determine the exact arrival time could be tricky. Perhaps 11:45/Midday and if we arrive early that is a bonus.
There is another Cafe we could go to that wouldn’t require a booking but it is not up to the same standard.
That Cafe is called “Fresh Bun” in Main Street.
A look into the past (14 Apr 2024)
Runners – Cannon Point & Birchville Dam (Approx 14 km), would get dropped off near 57 Riverstone Drive in Riverstone Terraces and finish up at Harcourt Park, Akatarawa Rd.
From Riverstone Terraces Runners would drop down to the Hutt River Trail crossing the new bridge over the Whakatikei River and follow the Trail to Totara Park. Would then follow the Cannon Point Walkway which climbs to the Lookout at 345M before dropping down to the picturesque Birchville Dam. Would then follow the Hutt River Trail crossing the footbridge to finish at Harcourt Park.
https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2925293?units=km
Walkers
The route for the Walkers would be somewhat different to last time.
Birchville Dam via Hutt River Trail (a relatively flat easy walk, just under 8km).
The Bus would drop the Walkers off in Te Marua by the Dairy on the corner of SH2 and Plateau Road
and pick them up at Harcourt Park off Akatarawa Road.
From the Dairy head south on the left-hand side of SH2 turning off to follow the Hutt River Trail.
Crossing the bridge and then about 100m down the road, take the underpass on your right, going under the road to exit onto the right-hand side of SH2.
Follow this path southwards until the turnoff on your right and enter the bush.
Follow the Hutt River Trail to exit onto Akatarawa Road.
Turn right and cross the road bridge and then left into Bridge Road.
Follow Bridge Road to the end until you see the entrance to the Akatarawa Forest and the carpark.
Climb up the driveway and cross the swing bridge and follow the Cannon Point Walkway to the picturesque Birchville Dam.
After photos and refreshments etc. return to the carpark.
After leaving the carpark turn right and head southwards along the Hutt River Trail till you come to the footbridge which crosses the Hutt River.
From there make your way through Harcourt Park to the waiting Bus on Akatarawa Road.
A shorter walking option is available for those that don’t want to go to the Dam (a little over 4km) where upon reaching Akatarawa Road, you turn left and follow the road to Harcourt Park. A visit to the Dam though is recommended.
The slower runners can do the Walkers route and can continue past the Dam as they so desire.
