Fodor's Expert Review Kaitoke Regional Park

From Upper Hutt, continuing north on State Highway 2 takes you to the Wairarapa region. But if you have time to spare, stop into Kaitoke Regional Park. Just beyond Upper Hutt, it's a great camping and picnic spot with pleasant walks by the river. Lord of the Rings lovers can check out the corner of the forest that stood in for Rivendell, the great homeland of the elves. Trails, varying from 15-minute ambling loops to 3-hour hiking routes, all follow sections of the crystal-clear river, flanked by towering trees and native birdsong.