Takapu Ridge track provides a different ascent to the hills dividing Porirua and the Hutt Valley, and an alternative to the popular ascents up Belmont from the Hutt Valley. Leave the car at the gate near the end of Takapu Road just before the substation. Start walking here and, within 500m, you’ll come to the information boards for Belmont Regional Park. Here is where you begin your ascent, up Takapu Ridge. The walk up Takapu Ridge is steady but short, and the terrain is an agreeable farm track. Stop to admire the views of Porirua City behind you. It’s less…