Wellington Regional Trails
Two people hold hands and walk on a path in the Queen Elizabeth Park Regional Park located on the Kāpiti Coast in New Zealand. The ocean and Kapiti Island are visible in the background.

A large regional park covering 650 hectares of sand dunes and wetlands. There are plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling, and horse-riding.

About the park

Queen Elizabeth Park has the largest area of naturally occurring sand dunes on the Kāpiti Coast. There are several trail options across different landscapes, and most are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. It suits people of all ages and abilities.

The main park entrance is at Mackays Crossing but there are multiple access points along the way.

Suggested routes

The most popular trails in the park are Te Ara o Whareroa and the Coastal Track.

Te Ara o Whareroa is an easy 6km sealed path running north to south through the park. It’s a popular way to travel between Paekākāriki and Raumati South by bike or on foot. The trail connects with the Kāpiti Expressway shared path via Poplar Avenue and to Whareroa Farm via the Mackays Crossing underpass.

As its name suggests, the Coastal Track follows contours of the coast. It’s an easy ride for walkers and bikers and boasts beautiful coastal views.

Two children and an adult cycling along a long, flat, gravel path in Queen Elizabeth Park with hills in the background..
An old schol red and yellow tram beside a path in Queen Elizabeth Park, Kāpiti Coast.
Two people walking down a path in the dunes toward the beach in Queen Elizabeth Park, Kāpiti Coast.
Three cyclists ride on a paved path in a lush green valley.

Explore the trails

A wide shot of three cyclists on a winding path in a grassy valley in Queen Elizabeth Park.

Te Ara o Whareroa

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking5.4km

Walk or cycle this wide, mostly flat trail along Kāpiti Coast’s dunelands, from Raumati to Paekākāriki.

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The beach at Queen Elizabeth Regional Park in the Kāpiti Coast with a view of Kapiti Island.

Coastal Track

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking3.7km

This seaside trail winds through sand dunes offering coastal views, bird watching and countless places to rest, play, picnic, or swim.

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A landscape image of native New Zealand bush, a beach, rolling green hills and a bright blue sky.

Inland Track

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking, Horse Riding1.7km

If you love sea views and don’t mind some inclines, head along the winding ridge of the Inland Track.

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

Te Ara o Tipapa (Wetland Loop)

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking2km

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

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