An easy day’s walking after the rigours of Tararua tramping! The trail is virtually level walking for the whole 22kms, taking in some of the Kapiti District’s icons – the Waikanae River, estuary and scientific reserve, Kapiti Island in full view from the beach, Queen Elizabeth Park, and the distinctive cafes and local art outlets in Paraparaumu, Raumati and Paekakariki.

From SHI at the Waikanae Bridge take the track on the true right bank (north side) to the Otaihanga footbridge. Extensive native plant restoration is underway on this section and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the river

Accommodation: Five minutes before the bridge is the entrance to El Rancho Holiday Park, which has accommodation and camping sites.

Section 2: Otaihanga, Lagoons, Estuary & Scientific Reserve - 2.5km - ½ hr
Cross the footbridge to Otaihanga Domain and continue along the bank of the river on the south side for five minutes. Join the footpath of Makora Rd, passing the Boating Club and half a dozen houses before turning west to follow the Coastal Cycle Route to Kotuku Lakes subdivision. Here you can follow the curved Kotuku Drive footpath to Ngarara Lake or weave through walkways across a small lake, up to the Sand Hill Lookout and through the grassed reserve to Ngarara Lake. Cross at the southern head of the lake to Takahe Drive and the track to the estuary. Don’t be tempted to try a short cut to the beach through the estuary as its impassable at high tide and has dangerous quick sand areas at low tide. After 10 minutes, the track reaches Manly Street. Turn right and follow the grassed verge beside the estuary for half a kilometre, taking the boardwalk track to Paraparaumu North Beach. You’ll see the large yellow triangles marking the Marine Reserve.

Section 3: Paraparaumu Beach to Raumati South - 8.5kms - 3 hrs
Turn left (south) and head along the beach to Paekakariki (see photo above left), pausing at the various villages along the way as you wish. The timing allows for a lunch break, coffee and an ice cream. Here you get your first full views of Kapiti Island (see photo above right), a nature reserve steeped in Maori history. Walking along the beach is safe and accessible right to Queen Elizabeth Park except in extreme high tides. All streams are bridged.

Section 4: Queen Elizabeth Park - 3.5kms - 1½ hrs
The route now follows QE Park’s undulating coastal track (see photo right). You get superb views of the foothills as well as Kapiti Island and the coast. At the halfway point, where the trams and Whareroa Rd come down to the picnic areas from MacKays Crossing, follow the sealed road inland for 100 metres. Turn right (south), still on sealed road, for another 100 metres or so before rejoining the unsealed track.

Accommodation: At the south end of QE Park is Paekakariki Holiday Park, which has cabins and tent sites.

Section 5: Paekakariki - 3kms - 1 hr
On leaving QE Park continue south along The Parade or the sea wall for 2kms, then turn left in to the village on Beach Road.
You’ll see the railway station just past the cafes and shops, but if you have the time its worth completing the last kilometre of the full walk. To complete this final section, turn south up Ames Street to the Reserve, and the short bush track that exits at a safe parking area off SH1 by the Fishermans Table Restaurant.
 

Access: The track starts and finishes on SHI so care needs to be taken if being dropped off by car, but there are suitable parking areas at both ends. Waikanae and Paekakariki Railway Stations are both close to the route although trains to Waikanae are very infrequent. Bus transport to Waikanae is available from Paraparaumu.
Accommodation: Motel and Bed and Breakfast facilities are available throughout the district. Holiday Parks on Waikanae River and in Paekakariki.
Mobile phones: Good coverage in all sections.

From SH1 Waikanae Bridge take track down river on true right bank (north).

Left at first fork following Te Araroa signs.

Follow main path down stream.

Left on merging sealed path continuing down river.

Passover style noting "Private Property".

Cross end vehicle access road and on down river.

Cross Otaihanga foot bridge (NB the 2nd  bridge)

Exit bridge in Otaihanga Domain.

Sharp right past toilets along river.

Follow true left bank (south side).

Take foot path on Makora Rd (NB signs for Kapiti Coast Cycle Way)

Continue along cycle way following Te Araraoa signs on bollards.

Veer right at built up area-cul de sac.

Right at Petrel Close.

Walk along grass verge.

Note Next section has bypass owing to new development.

BYPASS

Follow Makora Road to Manly Street

Right into Manly Street and follow Te Araraoa signs along grass verge.

Enter Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve  just behind houses

This Section is not currently accessible.

Veer right on walking/cycle route through to built up area.Keep on right hand side of footpath, then beside Ngarara Lake to its southern end.Turn right through to Takahe Drive, cross this and on to Estuary Track. Exit track right, on to Manly Street.Follow Grass verge 5 mins.

To Continue:

Veer right to enter Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve.

Follow boardwalks over swamp, sand dunes and on to beach.

At beach turn left by yellow Marine triangles.Weather & tide permitting keep on beach heading south for 8kms (or use the road).

Opptional exit at Paraparaumu township (1/2hr)

Or Raumati Village (another 1/2hr) veering left off beach at swimming pool cafe. Cross foot bridge and exit left then right to shops

Or continue along beach to end of retainer wall.

Pathway leads from retainer wall left into Queen Elizabeth Park.

Follow undulating "Coastal "Track 3.5kms marked with aqua bollards and Te Araroa signs.

Near end of park veer right on white foot bridge towards beach and follow path along to The Parade.

Follow The Parade for approx 2 kms until road veers left and becomes Beach Road to Paekakariki Village and Station.

Or continue: Right into Ames Street continuing south.

Enter Ames Street Reserve through to sand dune track to Fisherman's Table Restaurant.

 From there walk south along SH1 footpath on seaside to Pukerua Bay.