Because my #journeyto30 includes trying to be more fit and healthy (as well as hiking the Tongariro Crossing and Running in the Waitomo Marathon), I did some walking/jogging with a friend today at Belmont National Park.

There are a couple of walks that you can do within the park… each varying in difficulty level and in the amount of time needed to do them.

Our favorite one is the Korokoro Dam Loop — an easy grade walk that only takes an hour. It’s perfect for those days where you’re wanting some activity or exercise outdoors but not really looking for something strenuous.

Calm, quiet, peaceful and away from the crowds… it’s also good for the days you want to unplug from the hustle and bustle of everyday life (or social media as there’s no cellular service within the park).

HOW TO GET THERE: ( Information taken from the Greater Wellington Regional Council Website)

Via State Highway 2:

• Cornish St – a 10-minute walk south-west from the Petone Railway Station via the pedestrian overbridge and Pito-One Road. Or take the Korokoro exit from SH2 and follow Pito-One Road to the park entrance.
• Oakleigh St via Dowse Drive or take a No. 150 bus from Petone Railway Station or Lower Hutt
• Stratton St via Dowse Drive. The park entrance is at the end of Stratton St
• Hill Rd via Grounsell Crescent or take a No. 145 bus from Melling Railway Station (peak hours Mon-Fri)
• Kaitangata Crescent, Kelson or take a No 150 bus from Lower Hutt or Waterloo Interchange to the top of Major Drive
• Dry Creek via Hebden Crescent, near the SH2 and SH 58 (Haywards Hill) intersection. The park entrance is a 10 minute walk from Manor Park Station

Via State Highway 1:

• Cannons Creek via Mungavin Ave and the Cannons Creek Lakes Reserve. Enter from the Cannons Creek Shopping Centre car park. Take a No.61 bus (Mon-Sun), 63 bus (Mon-Sat) or 64 bus (Mon-Fri) from Porirua Railway Station to Cannons Creek
• Takapu Road, Grenada North. Trains from Wellington stop at Takapu Road station

For all other information, visit the Greater Wellington Regional site for Belmont Regional Park here: http://www.gw.govt.nz/belmont/.

For a list of all the other walks you can do within the park, click here: Belmont Walking Tracks List.