Kohekohe Walk in Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve

Walking time

30 min

Length

1km

Uses

Walking/Running

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easiest: Short walk

Profile

80m climb

-40m descent

143m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

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

About the trail

Kohekohe Walk is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Follow the signposted public path that loops between Tui Crescent and Kakariki Grove through one of the biggest remaining kohekohe forests in the country.

At 30 minutes for a return journey, this walk is short and sweet and is very popular with locals. It’s a peaceful path with abundant birdlife, and in early winter, the kohekohe trees produce small white flowers. The number of mature trees and a profusion of blooms make for a spectacular walk.

Two children at looking at plants on the Kohekohe Walk at Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve in Waikenae.

Getting there

The trail starts in Hemi Matenga Memorial Park in Waikanae, at Tui Crescent or Kakariki Grove. On-street parking is available on Tui Crescent, near the water reservoir.

There are regular train services from Wellington to Waikanae. Timetables are available from the Metlink website.

A single tree sits in front of a vast view of Waikanae beach.

Parata Track

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.

Two people sit on a bench in a small clearing at the summit of Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve in the Kāpiti Coast.

Te Au Track

Hemi Matenga Scenic ReserveLocated in Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve, the Te Au track climbs to 521m and offers panoramic views of the Waikanae Estuary and Kapiti Island.

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.