Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve in Waikanae

Walking time

30min one way

Length

616m

Uses

Walking/Running

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easiest: Easy access short walk

Profile

140m climb

140m descent

151m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

A scenic view of Paraparaumu and Kapiti Island from a grassy hill at Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve.

About the trail

Barry Hadfield Nīkau Reserve is a shaded bush walk through large clusters of nīkau palms along a gravel track. It leads up a steep but short staircase climb — perfect for kids with lots of energy to burn.

Climb to the top and take a seat on the picnic table to admire the views of Kāpiti Coast and Kapiti Island.

The track takes you through 11 hectares of remnant nīkau palms, kohekohe trees and a good population of ewekuri, a regionally endangered species. You will come across pīwakawaka, riroriro , tūī, korimako, and even kererū .

The reserve is across the road from a breeding colony of little shag — an important link in a chain of forest remnants linking the Tararua Range to Kapiti Island.

Suggested routes

Join up to Bright Ridge Skyline track

If you want to do a longer trail, you can link this track with the Bright Ridge Skyline track. As you leave the shelter of the trees at the top of the stairs, Bright Ridge will be on your right. This goes all the way to Nikau Palm Road where the trail restarts across the road, ending at Valley Road. This section is a popular mountain biking route so be aware of other trail users.

A shorter and easier loop option

The reserve’s lower loop is a short and easy walk that’s suitable for wheelchair users. It’s an easy-access way to get immersed in the bush without climbing to the top. The trail has a flat and well-formed surface from the car park through the lush nīkau forest. You’ll come across many native bird species and get the full sub-tropical experience of the nīkau palms which once covered this area.

A bush trail through large clusters of nīkau palms along a gravel track.

Getting there

Public transport is available from Wellington and timetables are available from Metlink. It’s about a 30-minute walk from Paekākāriki Railway Station to the Reserve.

Car parking is available at Nīkau Reserve. From Stage Highway 1, turn off at the signs for Nikau Valley/Lindale. Follow the signs to Nikau Valley to reach the reserve’s car park.

Know before you go

Water and toilets are not available on this trail.

A child and adult in the bush looking into the trees and pointing.

Kohekohe Walk

Hemi Matenga Scenic ReserveHead to Waikanae to walk through one of the largest remaining kohekohe forests in New Zealand.

Waikanae Estuary

Explore the trail through one of New Zealand’s most nationally-significant native habitats, where you can encounter more than 60 species of birds, along with freshwater and marine fish species.