Wellington Regional Trails

Head to Waikanae to walk through one of the largest remaining kohekohe forests in New Zealand.

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.

Looking for more?

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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.

A drone shot of Waikanae Estuary Track.

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.

The Ōtaki River Trail in the Kāpiti Coast.

Chrystalls Bend Walkway

A gentle stroll through native bush to Chrystalls Lagoon, with breathtaking views of the Tararua Range.

Waikanae Beach on a sunny day with bright blue sky and Kapiti Island in the background.

Waikanae Beach

Listen to the waves lapping as you wander along the sandy shores of Waikanae Beach.

A wooden stairway path in the forest in Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve.

Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve

Enjoy a shaded bush walk through nīkau palms, with a stair climb for stunning views of Kapiti Island.

A sign post that reads 'Te Aro o Topapa Wetland Loop' in Queen Elizabeth Park.

Te Ara o Tipapa (Wetland Loop)

Queen Elizabeth ParkAn easy walk through a remnant forest, home to giant native kahikatea trees, restored wetlands, forests, and sand dunes.

The Ti Kouka loop in Whareroa Farm a grassy trail up a small hill with views of the bush.

Ti Kouka Loop

Whareroa Farm Recreation ReserveA short, easy loop past Matai Bush to an artistic mini-hut with spectacular views over the Kāpiti Coast.

A dirt path cuts through green grass and hay paddocks on the Greytown to Woodside trail.

Greytown to Woodside Trail

The original Greytown to Woodside railway line provides a beautiful and family-friendly walking path.

Four people ride bicycles on a path in Queen Elizabeth Regional Park in the Paraparaumu, New Zealand surrounded by nature.

Coast 35

Coast 35 connects Paekākāriki and Ōtaki through an off-road shared trail that runs parallel with the Kāpiti Expressway.