Lynda’s guidebook to Kapiti Coast

Walks

Escarpment Walkaway

This is a beautiful walk - you do like to enjoy heights though and some stairs and a swing bridge. - Get the train to Paekakariki from Paraparaumu. At the station walk along the old state highway for about 5 mins and you will see the sign for the track. (You can train back to Paraparaumu from Pukera Bay. On the Te Araroa Trail, you can walk from Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay or vice versa. This is a spectacular 9.1-kilometer one-way trail. It’s rated as difficult. This is undoubtedly an adventurous trail, and it’s not for the faint of heart. If you have a fear of heights, you might want to skip this one. There are two swing bridges and a few narrow, steep sections. The trail takes about three or four hours, depending on how many stops you make to take pictures and rest. The elevation reaches 220 meters and provides breathtaking views. If you start in Pukerua Bay, you will be climbing up steep steps. The view is better, but if you’d prefer to go down the steps, start in Paekākāriki. You can park your car in one location and take the train back. Or, park your car at the end of the trail, and take the train to the beginning of the trail. Paekakariki offers refreshments, so you can either start the trail with a cup of coffee or finish it at the pub with a well-deserved pint. This trail is good for those seeking an adventure. The swing bridges and steep sections provide excitement, but there are mellow portions too. Cows, sheep, and rabbits are often seen in the rolling hills. Bring good walking shoes and a sure step.

59 locals recommend

Escarpment Walkaway

State Highway 1

59 locals recommend

This is a beautiful walk - you do like to enjoy heights though and some stairs and a swing bridge. - Get the train to Paekakariki from Paraparaumu. At the station walk along the old state highway for about 5 mins and you will see the sign for the track. (You can train back to Paraparaumu from Pukera Bay. On the Te Araroa Trail, you can walk from Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay or vice versa. This is a spectacular 9.1-kilometer one-way trail. It’s rated as difficult. This is undoubtedly an adventurous trail, and it’s not for the faint of heart. If you have a fear of heights, you might want to skip this one. There are two swing bridges and a few narrow, steep sections. The trail takes about three or four hours, depending on how many stops you make to take pictures and rest. The elevation reaches 220 meters and provides breathtaking views. If you start in Pukerua Bay, you will be climbing up steep steps. The view is better, but if you’d prefer to go down the steps, start in Paekākāriki. You can park your car in one location and take the train back. Or, park your car at the end of the trail, and take the train to the beginning of the trail. Paekakariki offers refreshments, so you can either start the trail with a cup of coffee or finish it at the pub with a well-deserved pint. This trail is good for those seeking an adventure. The swing bridges and steep sections provide excitement, but there are mellow portions too. Cows, sheep, and rabbits are often seen in the rolling hills. Bring good walking shoes and a sure step.

Otaihanga Domain

River Walk:- If you want a great walk along a river, or cycle track this takes you from the coast at Otahanga all the way up to Waikanae. This 9.5-kilometer trail should take about two and a half hours. This easy trail is suitable for all. The Waikanae River estuary provides a beautiful habitat for birdlife and is a bird lover’s paradise. Mature willows and younger saplings flank the river banks. There are plenty of spots to stop and have a picnic or swim in the river–this is a perfect family outing. The paved trail is accessible and suitable for buggies. There are options to either shorten or lengthen the loop. If you make it to the sea, you can stop for lunch on Tutere Street. There are several access points for this trail. You can park at The Otaihanga Domain on Makora Road in Otaihanga. There are toilets and picnic areas here. You can either start the trail by heading upstream or cross the bridge and start on the north bank.

8 locals recommend

Otaihanga Domain

Makora Road

8 locals recommend

River Walk:- If you want a great walk along a river, or cycle track this takes you from the coast at Otahanga all the way up to Waikanae. This 9.5-kilometer trail should take about two and a half hours. This easy trail is suitable for all. The Waikanae River estuary provides a beautiful habitat for birdlife and is a bird lover’s paradise. Mature willows and younger saplings flank the river banks. There are plenty of spots to stop and have a picnic or swim in the river–this is a perfect family outing. The paved trail is accessible and suitable for buggies. There are options to either shorten or lengthen the loop. If you make it to the sea, you can stop for lunch on Tutere Street. There are several access points for this trail. You can park at The Otaihanga Domain on Makora Road in Otaihanga. There are toilets and picnic areas here. You can either start the trail by heading upstream or cross the bridge and start on the north bank.

Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve

The Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve is known for its impressive nīkau palms. From the car park, you can take a short 10-minute loop walk through these stately palms. This loop is easy, accessible, and suitable for buggies. A stepped track leads to panoramic views of the Kāpiti Coast and Kāpiti Island. Because of the steps, it’s not suitable for strollers. But, it is a short walk, so most kids will be able to take part. As you walk, you’ll be immersed in a variety of flora. Keep an eye out for the various birds that inhabit this space. There’s a picnic table at the top, an excellent place to take a break and enjoy the view.

7 locals recommend

Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve

7 locals recommend

The Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve is known for its impressive nīkau palms. From the car park, you can take a short 10-minute loop walk through these stately palms. This loop is easy, accessible, and suitable for buggies. A stepped track leads to panoramic views of the Kāpiti Coast and Kāpiti Island. Because of the steps, it’s not suitable for strollers. But, it is a short walk, so most kids will be able to take part. As you walk, you’ll be immersed in a variety of flora. Keep an eye out for the various birds that inhabit this space. There’s a picnic table at the top, an excellent place to take a break and enjoy the view.

Waikanae Beach

This 14-kilometer loop starts at Waikane Beach. Follow the Kāpiti Coastal Cycle Route, join the Kāpiti Cycle Route Expressway south, then follow Te Moana Rd and Rauparaha St back to the Beach. This loop crosses the Waikanae River Loop, so you can extend your route if desired. You can walk or bike this route; if walking, plan on taking about three hours. Recommend the Pizza at Long Beach or Tuk Tuk which has great views and does awesome Thai.

34 locals recommend

Waikanae Beach

34 locals recommend

This 14-kilometer loop starts at Waikane Beach. Follow the Kāpiti Coastal Cycle Route, join the Kāpiti Cycle Route Expressway south, then follow Te Moana Rd and Rauparaha St back to the Beach. This loop crosses the Waikanae River Loop, so you can extend your route if desired. You can walk or bike this route; if walking, plan on taking about three hours. Recommend the Pizza at Long Beach or Tuk Tuk which has great views and does awesome Thai.

Whareroa Farm

This recreation reserve is located near Paekākāriki in a diverse area encompassing working farmland, wetlands, native bush, and retired farmland. Several different walks are available, from an accessible 10-minute walk to a longer 13-kilometer loop. These walks go through shrublands, remnants of a kohekohe forest, and offer the coastline’s views below

10 locals recommend

Whareroa Farm

10 locals recommend

This recreation reserve is located near Paekākāriki in a diverse area encompassing working farmland, wetlands, native bush, and retired farmland. Several different walks are available, from an accessible 10-minute walk to a longer 13-kilometer loop. These walks go through shrublands, remnants of a kohekohe forest, and offer the coastline’s views below

Otaki Forks

There are four walks in this area. If you are looking for a long hike, take the day trip to Table Top. It should take about five to six hours. You’ll walk over a footbridge and climb through amahi and beech forest. After all that work, you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping view of peaks of the Main Range and the gorges of the Ōtaki River. If you are looking for a shorter hike or have young kids, there are three trails at Ōtaki Forks that are short, easy, and family-friendly. The Arcus loop crosses a footbridge which adds to the fun. On this loop, you can see the river terraces where the Arcus family farmed in the 1930s. This walk provides excellent views of the river below. The Fenceline Loop goes through regenerating forests and provides exceptional views of the valley below. The Waiotauru Walk takes you to the relics of Seed and O’Brien’s Sawmill. Battle Hill Puketiro Loop is a 7.5-kilometer hike that takes about four hours. There are toilet facilities at the car park, but none on the route, so plan accordingly. The weather at the peak can be dramatic, so you might want to pack a jumper. The park was the site of a battle between Maori and colonial forces. It took the colonial forces three days to walk just six kilometers in the dense forest here! Start at the Dell car park and take the loop clockwise. Along the trail, you’ll cross paddocks, a stream, pine forests, and rolling hills. Boardwalks take you over the swampy gully wetland. The peak reaches 433 meters and provides gorgeous views of the Pāuatahanui inlet. You can even see the South Island. Ball Hill Farm Forest Park also offers several shorter walks for those looking for just a taste of this area.

16 locals recommend

Otaki Forks

Otaki Gorge Road

16 locals recommend

There are four walks in this area. If you are looking for a long hike, take the day trip to Table Top. It should take about five to six hours. You’ll walk over a footbridge and climb through amahi and beech forest. After all that work, you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping view of peaks of the Main Range and the gorges of the Ōtaki River. If you are looking for a shorter hike or have young kids, there are three trails at Ōtaki Forks that are short, easy, and family-friendly. The Arcus loop crosses a footbridge which adds to the fun. On this loop, you can see the river terraces where the Arcus family farmed in the 1930s. This walk provides excellent views of the river below. The Fenceline Loop goes through regenerating forests and provides exceptional views of the valley below. The Waiotauru Walk takes you to the relics of Seed and O’Brien’s Sawmill. Battle Hill Puketiro Loop is a 7.5-kilometer hike that takes about four hours. There are toilet facilities at the car park, but none on the route, so plan accordingly. The weather at the peak can be dramatic, so you might want to pack a jumper. The park was the site of a battle between Maori and colonial forces. It took the colonial forces three days to walk just six kilometers in the dense forest here! Start at the Dell car park and take the loop clockwise. Along the trail, you’ll cross paddocks, a stream, pine forests, and rolling hills. Boardwalks take you over the swampy gully wetland. The peak reaches 433 meters and provides gorgeous views of the Pāuatahanui inlet. You can even see the South Island. Ball Hill Farm Forest Park also offers several shorter walks for those looking for just a taste of this area.

Kapakapanui Track

One of my favourite walks - but it is challenging and you have to do river crossings, so expect to get wet feet. 12KM, 6-8 HOURS | SUITABLE FOR: WALKING This is a challenging but enjoyable track on the edge of the Tararua Ranges. Great for keen trampers looking for a full-day walk or those who choose to stay overnight in the Kapakapanui Hut. It begins with multiple stream crossings so be prepared to get your feet wet right at the start. This river is not able to be crossed after heavy rain so plan your trip well. Pro tip: you could even pack some tramping sandals to change into, and then tie them to your pack to dry for the return trip later on. After about one kilometre from the start of the track you will reach the loop turnoff. Here, you can choose to go left (clockwise) to reach the Hut that opens out to a flat meadow good for a picnic lunch, and then continues on to reach the summit where you will get extensive views of the Southern Crossing and the Kāpiti Coast. You can then continue back in a clockwise direction to the carpark. This route is steeper and so it may be more enjoyable to walk in an anti-clockwise direction where you will reach the summit first and then the Hut shortly afterwards. The track is steep and challenging in places, requires some scrambling up roots, but is well-marked. A highlight between the hut and the summit is the Goblin forest - an enchanting section of the track with stunted, moss covered trees that aren’t to be missed.

Kapakapanui Track

395 Ngatiawa Road

One of my favourite walks - but it is challenging and you have to do river crossings, so expect to get wet feet. 12KM, 6-8 HOURS | SUITABLE FOR: WALKING This is a challenging but enjoyable track on the edge of the Tararua Ranges. Great for keen trampers looking for a full-day walk or those who choose to stay overnight in the Kapakapanui Hut. It begins with multiple stream crossings so be prepared to get your feet wet right at the start. This river is not able to be crossed after heavy rain so plan your trip well. Pro tip: you could even pack some tramping sandals to change into, and then tie them to your pack to dry for the return trip later on. After about one kilometre from the start of the track you will reach the loop turnoff. Here, you can choose to go left (clockwise) to reach the Hut that opens out to a flat meadow good for a picnic lunch, and then continues on to reach the summit where you will get extensive views of the Southern Crossing and the Kāpiti Coast. You can then continue back in a clockwise direction to the carpark. This route is steeper and so it may be more enjoyable to walk in an anti-clockwise direction where you will reach the summit first and then the Hut shortly afterwards. The track is steep and challenging in places, requires some scrambling up roots, but is well-marked. A highlight between the hut and the summit is the Goblin forest - an enchanting section of the track with stunted, moss covered trees that aren’t to be missed.

Walkway

5KM, 3-4 HOURS | SUITABLE FOR: WALKING Semi - Steep Climb - Through Bush. Begin on Huia Street and climb up the grassy trail and walk through dense native bush into the Hemi Matenga reserve. You will follow a steep, rough and bumpy track with plenty of roots so watch your step and it may be tricky if the ground is wet. Follow the orange track markers that are frequently placed along the trail. Eventually you will reach the Parata track lookout (summit) and you can then continue on this track to finish in Waikanae on Tui Cresent and walk the 2km back to your car at Huia Street. The Waikanae train station and bus stop are within 1km from the Tui Cres end of the trail. There are public toilets in Waikanae town centre at the train station and plenty of lovely cafes to get food and a coffee from, such as Relish Café on Elizabeth Street.

Walkway

5KM, 3-4 HOURS | SUITABLE FOR: WALKING Semi - Steep Climb - Through Bush. Begin on Huia Street and climb up the grassy trail and walk through dense native bush into the Hemi Matenga reserve. You will follow a steep, rough and bumpy track with plenty of roots so watch your step and it may be tricky if the ground is wet. Follow the orange track markers that are frequently placed along the trail. Eventually you will reach the Parata track lookout (summit) and you can then continue on this track to finish in Waikanae on Tui Cresent and walk the 2km back to your car at Huia Street. The Waikanae train station and bus stop are within 1km from the Tui Cres end of the trail. There are public toilets in Waikanae town centre at the train station and plenty of lovely cafes to get food and a coffee from, such as Relish Café on Elizabeth Street.

Matai Huka Ltd

One of my favourite walks - It is mostly uphill though - not too challenging tho..but great views and not well known, so its quiet. Mataihuka Walkway (Raumati Escarpment) 33 Waterfall Rd, Paraparaumu View map 2km | Suitable for: walking only. Bikes and horses are prohibited. Enjoy extensive coastal reviews and regenerating native bush on this short, and steep in places, walk. Access the Mataihuka Walkway via the Raumati Escarpment Reserve - 0.5km up Waterfall Road off SH1. From the car park on Waterfall Road, follow the track 15mins up to the June Rowland lookout. Continue along the ridgeline to the stone cairn. Return along the same route.

Matai Huka Ltd

264 Valley Road

One of my favourite walks - It is mostly uphill though - not too challenging tho..but great views and not well known, so its quiet. Mataihuka Walkway (Raumati Escarpment) 33 Waterfall Rd, Paraparaumu View map 2km | Suitable for: walking only. Bikes and horses are prohibited. Enjoy extensive coastal reviews and regenerating native bush on this short, and steep in places, walk. Access the Mataihuka Walkway via the Raumati Escarpment Reserve - 0.5km up Waterfall Road off SH1. From the car park on Waterfall Road, follow the track 15mins up to the June Rowland lookout. Continue along the ridgeline to the stone cairn. Return along the same route.