Bus Barn Track
East Harbour Regional ParkAn easy trail through mature beech forest and stunning kahikatea trees.
217m highest point
The Escarpment Track runs from Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay, taking in sweeping views of the spectacular Kāpiti Coastline and Kapiti Island. The trail can be walked in either direction, but most choose to walk from north to south.
Heading south, the trail follows the Kāpiti railway line, then veers uphill and across privately-owned farmland. You’ll climb 220 metres above sea level and navigate steep, narrow pathways on what is one of the highlights of Te Araroa Trail.
Families of all ages enjoy this trail, but it is not recommended for the faint-hearted: you’ll scale around 1,200 steep steps, navigate narrow pathways across ridgelines, and traverse two swing bridges.
Following the signposts to the start of the trail, you can access The Escarpment Track from either Paekākāriki or Pukerua Bay, both an easy one-hour journey from Wellington by train or vehicle. The walking distance from station to station is 10km.
Train timetables are available from Metlink, and tickets can be purchased onboard with cash or Snapper.
Audio: Adventure high above a slice of stunning, windswept coastline, take in spectacular views and experience one of our region’s finest walks, the Escarpment Track.
Visual: The video begins with drone shots high above the Paekākāriki hills, where the Escarpment Track is seen cutting through the bush, and swing bridges hang between ridges.
[Music]
Audio: The Escarpment track runs between Paekākāriki and Pukerua Bay, as the trail meanders up and around the coastline, expect some steep climbs and jaw-dropping views.
Visual: The narrator can be seen walking along the trail, talking toward the camera.
Audio: This 10-kilometre trail can be walked in either direction and will take you about three to four hours. Families and all ages can enjoy this intermediate-level trail, but, it’s not for those with a fear of heights.
[Music]
Visual: The drone flies above a steep set of stairs and overlooks the Kāpiti coastline, Tasman Sea, and Kapiti island in the distance.
Audio: You’ll scale around 1,200 steep steps, navigate narrow pathways, travel across ridgelines, and traverse epic swing bridges. The Escarpment Track is part of Te Araroa, the long pathway, New Zealand’s famous through hike that runs the length of the country.
Visual: The narrator walks through native bush while talking to the camera and gesturing with their hands.
Audio: A combined effort, the escarpment track was finished in 2016, after five years of construction, and continues to be maintained by the dedicated team of volunteers, council involvement, and the community at large. Te Araroa Wellington Trust looks after the recreational aspect of the trail, while nga Uruora champions the environmental side, planting some 70,000 trees and helping to re-establish key native habitats.
[Music]
Visual: As the narrator continues talking to the camera, there are cut shots of Native birds flying through trees, and drone shots of the Kāpiti coast.
Audio: As you journey along this lovingly constructed trail keep your eyes peeled for the wild locals that call this place home to the native birds such as the kōtare, kāruhiruhi, and korimako, and the endangered lizards.
[Music]
Audio: Whatever direction you travel, Pukerua Bay and Paekākāriki are a short train ride apart, and home to all of those well-earned after-walk treats, so, pack the essentials and find your wild on the Escarpment Track.
[Music]
East Harbour Regional ParkAn easy trail through mature beech forest and stunning kahikatea trees.
East Harbour Regional ParkSee native kererū and orchids while enjoying views over Wellington from the hills above Days Bay.
Spend the night at Powell Hut or continue on to the Mount Holdsworth summit on this one or two-day adventure in the Tararua Range.
The multi-day circuit around Mount Holdsworth gives you the opportunity to explore the tops of the Tararua Range. Enjoy 360-degree views of the Wairarapa region and Wellington.
Battle Hill Farm Forest ParkClimb through dense pine plantations and take in views over Pāuatahanui on this intermediate trail suitable for walkers, bikers, and horse riders.
Battle Hill Farm Forest ParkEnjoy a short leisurely bike ride or stroll through farmland, wetlands, and an old airstrip.
Battle Hill Farm Forest ParkClimb to the summit of Battle Hill for great views over the Horokiwi Valley and towards Pāuatahanui Inlet.
Hemi Matenga Scenic ReserveThe popular, steep bush-walk, located in the Hemi Matenga Reserve in Waikanae, rewards your efforts with beautiful views out to Kapiti Island and Reikorangi Valley.
This steady and challenging uphill climb ends at one of the best lookouts in the Tararua Range. It’s a full-day walk or stay overnight in Kapakapanui Hut.
Enjoy a versatile hike through grasslands, bush and tussock to the oldest surviving recreational hut in the Tararua Range.