2015 & Jan & October 2016
Location: 5 Dowse Drive, Maungaraki, Lower Hutt (just off SH2 at the Maungaraki/Dowse Drive exit, take the first left as you drive up Dowse Drive).
Percy Reserve is a beautiful sheltered park at the bottom of Maungaraki. There are covered tables near the entrance and a large lawn below the duck pond which is perfect for picnics (we've even seen a few people getting married on this lawn). There is a Weta Cave - a big highlight for the kids, only the bravest make it to the very back (remember torches if you can). You can also find an old Waterwheel at the bottom of the park past the toilets.
The Waterfall Track runs up beside a small stream to a beautiful waterfall - depending on recent rainfall this can be impressive or a little more "low key". To find the walk head to the far end of the duck pond and follow the wide track which runs next to the stream. You will then arrive at the bottom of a grassy hill.
Walk along the track up the side of the hill, at the top head right which will take you down towards the old water reservoir. The Waterfall Track winds it's way from here up alongside the stream. It's a lovely bushwalk with native trees, bridges and a few stairs. There's a nice place to stop by the waterfall and kids could paddle their feet if they're good at navigating river rocks.
This walk is easy enough for the little ones but a real bushwalk (not buggy friendly). We've walked it with 2 year old's and 75 year old's! It probably takes around 15 min walking up and 30 min round trip. We usually take an hour as we stop for a while at the waterfall.
Age of Kids: Miss 2 and Master 4 (+ every other age)
Walking Time: 30 min
Difficulty: Easy
Buggy Friendly: No
Wet Feet: It can get muddy after rain
Amenities: Yes there are toilets in the main picnic area
Dogs: No
Cellphone Reception: Yes
Kids Rating (0-10)
Overall Fun Factor: 8
Legendary Factor: 2
Would we do it again?: 8
Exhaustion Factor: 2
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