Te Au Track, Hemi Matenga Reserve

Walking time

3-4 hr return

Length

2.8km

Uses

Walking/Running

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Advanced: Tramping track

Profile

523m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

Two people sitting on a bench looking out at Kapiti Island over the native bush on the Te Au Track, in Hemi Matenga Reserve.

About the trail

This beautiful bush walk offers panoramic views of Kapiti Island and the coastline to the south. Starting from 133 Huia Street, a narrow right-of-way leads between two private properties to the Te Au Track.

This grassy trail ascends through dense native bush to Hemi Matenga Reserve. Follow the orange markers directing walkers up a steep, rough track. This terrain is uneven but much easier to climb up than down.

The trail continues its climb to a height of 521 metres. At this point, the track is more varied, with fallen trees and roots to navigate through. After an hour, a lookout point offers excellent views of the South Island and Kapiti Island, with a wooden bench providing a great lunch spot.

The track then heads back into the bush and along the ridge, passing two other lookouts. The first offers views over the Reikorangi Valley, and the other to Waikanae and Kapiti Island. At the second of these lookouts, the track joins the popular Parata Track leading back down to Waikanae and the Tui Crescent entrance/exit point.

Getting there

The main entrance to Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve is at Tui Crescent. There is an on-road parking area by the track up to a reservoir. You can also start the Te Au track from Huia Street (easier on the knees, as it is a steep and grassy climb up to the highest point).

By train

Exit the train at Waikanae Station, walk south to Elizabeth Street, then head east towards the inland hills. Turn left onto Winara Ave, then right into Tui Crescent.

By car

Take the old State Highway 1 into Waikanae, turn east over the railway line and onto Elizabeth Street. Then left into Winara Ave, and then right into Tui Crescent. If you are starting the walk at the Huia Street entrance, you may want to park your car halfway between the Tui Crescent and Huia St entrances so you do not have such a long walk back at the end.

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.

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.