An easy day’s walking after the rigours of Tararua tramping! The trail is virtually level walking for the whole 21kms, taking in some of the Kapiti District’s icons – the Waikanae River, an 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.
| 1 |
Waikanae River |
4.5 km |
1¼ hrs |
| 2 |
Otaihanga, Estuary & Scientific Reserve |
2.5 km |
½ hr |
| 3 |
Paraparaumu Nth Beach to Raumati South |
8.5 km |
3 hrs |
| 4 |
Queen Elizabeth Park, Coastal Track |
3.5 km |
1½ hr |
| 5 |
Paekakariki |
2 km |
½ hr
|
Track Notes:
Section 1 Waikanae River
From SH1 Waikanae Bridge take track down river on the true right bank (north)
Follow main track downstream for 4.5km.
Cross Otaihanga foot bridge (NB the second bridge).
Section 2: Otaihanga, Estuary & Scientific Reserve
Exit bridge into Otaihanga Domain.
Immediately turn sharp right on river side of toilets.
Follow the true left bank (south side).
Take foot path on Makora Rd (NB signs for Kapit Coast Cycle Way).
Continue along cycle way following Te Araroa signs on bollards
Veer right at built up area - cul de sac.
Right at Petrel Close.
Walk along grass verge until just before houses, turn right onto marked track around head of small lake.
Exit track in new subdivision development.
Cross the road immediately onto grass and look for metal gate in fence with sign beyond.
Follow Waikanae Estuary track and exit on to Manly Street.
Turn right and follow grass verge for 5 minutes.
Veer right to enter Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve.
Follow boardwalks over swamp, sand dunes and on to beach.
Section 3: Paraparaumu Beach to Raumati South
At beach turn left (south) by yellow Marine Reserve triangles.
Weather and tide permitting keep on beach heading south for 8kms.
Walking along the beach is safe and accessible right to Queen Elizabeth Park except in extreme high tides; in which case use local roads running parallel with beach. All streams are bridged.
Section 4: Queen Elizabeth Park
Follow undulating Coastal Track for about 1.5km to picnic and toilet area.
Turn left (inland) onto sealed Whareroa Road for 100m.
Turn right at next road intersection and follow along another 100m before rejoining the unsealed coastal track to the end of the park.
Section 5: Paekakariki
Continue along The Parade for 2km the turn left into Beach Road, Paekakariki's main street.
The Te Araroa route continues right up Ames Street, to the Paekakariki Domain, through to Fishermans Table Restaurant and south along the footpath beside State Highway 1 to Pukerua Bay. |
