Wellington Regional Trails
A hiker climbs a set of stairs surrounded by a dark lush forest.

Walking time

2 hr

Length

1.4km

Uses

Walking/Running, Tramping/Hiking

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Advanced: Tramping track

Profile

521m climb

410m highest point

Dogs

No

About the trail

The Trig track is a steep walk through dense native bush up to Tūteremoana — the summit of Kapiti Island. This track is more challenging than the Wilkinson Track and it has narrow, uneven sections.  

Climb through a forest of kohekohe, tawa, and kānuka. At the top you will be rewarded with stunning 360-degree views over Kāpiti Coast and the Tasman Sea. This is an uphill-only track, you will need to return on the Wilkinson Track.

This trail is recommended for confident trampers with good, sturdy footwear.

Two hikers enjoy the view from Trig Track on Kapiti Island Nature Reserve.

Getting there

  • You can only visit Kapiti Island through Kapiti Island Nature Tours. Boat trips and tours leave from Kāpiti Boating Club at Paraparaumu Beach. This is a popular destination so book in advance.
  • It's a 45 minute drive or train journey from Wellington to Paraparaumu. There are regular train services to Paraparaumu on the Kapiti Line - check Metlink for timetables.

Know before you go

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews, and a packing list.
  • A shelter, toilets and picnic tables are available on Kapiti Island
  • Ensure that your belongings are placed out of reach of weka and kākā — they are very inquisitive and are experts at getting into bags.
  • Take warm waterproof clothing, durable footwear, sunscreen, food, and water.
  • Be ready to leave the island at the departure time announced by your boat skipper.
  • Everything on the island is protected, and nothing may be removed. This includes plant material, insects, lizards, birds, feathers and shells.
  • Do not feed birds and other wildlife.
  • Remove all your rubbish from the island. Carry out what you carry in.
  • Keep to the marked tracks.
  • Biosecurity rules require food to be carried in sealed containers, rubbish taken out with you and all your gear checked prior to departure.