Wellington Regional Trails

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

Walking time

2 hr

Length

5.4km

Uses

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking

Type

Double track

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Mountain Bike Grade

Easiest: Grade 1

Profile

20m climb

-20m descent

17m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

About the trail

Te Ara o Whareroa is an easy 6km trail along Kāpiti Coast’s dunelands, between Raumati and Paekākāriki. It’s a popular shared route, used by locals for recreational walking and biking. Stop for a swim or take in the stunning ocean views along the way. 

Te Ara o Whareroa is mostly flat with a wide, sealed track hugging the edge of the Queen Elizabeth Park and nearby sand dunes.  It is suitable for buggies or wheelchairs and is popular with all ages and fitness levels. For bikers, this is a Grade 1 track – a very enjoyable ride for all the family. It is also perfect for people with low-to-moderate fitness who want to start or get back into biking.

On weekends at Queen Elizabeth Park, you might see trams travelling towards Whareroa Beach, or the Model Aero Club flying their planes nearby. 

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Getting there

Te Ara o Whareroa is part of Queen Elizabeth Park which is a 1 hour drive from Wellington city.

Three people walk along the sealed Te Ara o Whareroa path in Queen Elizabeth Park. Two of the people are being assisted by Guide Dogs.

What to expect

There is no shelter or shade along Te Ara o Whareroa — be prepared for sun and wind on the trail.

Adaptive Mountain Bike Grade

This trail is Adaptive Mountain Biking Grade 1. Find out more on AdaptMTB.

Know before you go

  • The trail is 6km long. It will take an adult with average fitness about 20 to 30 minutes to ride one way (to Raumati South). If you’re with kids or less experienced riders, allow more than one hour for the return trip.
  • You can access the beach from Mackay’s Crossing for a swim.
  • Dogs must be on lead.
  • Get ready using Plan My Walk by the NZ Mountain Safety Council for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list. Get an up-to-date weather report from MetService before setting off.
  • Take warm waterproof clothing, durable footwear, sun protection, food and water.

Looking for more?

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.

Coastal Track

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

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.

An adult and two children walk along a path in a lush valley with mountains in the background.

Ōtaki River Trail

Follow the banks of the Ōtaki River on this popular walking and mountain biking trail, offering views of the coastline, river, and the Tararua Range.

Walking over a bridge on the Waikanae river trail.

Waikanae River Trail

Walk or ride the banks of Waikanae River from State Highway 1 to the sea.

Four mountain bikers at the top of the Red Tape Track on Whareroa Farm, overlooking Kāpiti Coast and Kapiti Island.

Campbell’s Mill Road

Whareroa Farm Recreation ReserveA wide, gentle farm track connecting many Whareroa Farm tracks to the Akatarawa Forest and Mount Wainui.

Three people are standing with their arms raised facing the view of the harbour in the background at Te Whiti Riser, a hiking trail in Lower Hutt Wellington.

Te Whiti Riser

A popular all-weather walking and mountain biking track overlooking Wainuiomata and Lower Hutt.

3 people biking along the Hutt River Trail next to large autumn trees.

Hutt River Trail

Follow the picturesque Hutt River all the way from Petone to Upper Hutt on this easy, well-maintained trail.

2 bikers on the Pencarrow Coast Road at sunset, with the lighthouse in the background.

Pencarrow Coast Road

Travel along a flat winding trail to the historic Pencarrow Lighthouse and the shores of Lake Kohangatera.

Two people walking along the rocky beach at Red Rocks Coastal Walkway in Wellington, New Zealand.

Red Rocks Coastal Walk

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveExperience the wildest part of Wellington’s rugged south coast, where you might encounter a colony of fur seals and catch views of the South Island.

The front handlebars of a mountain bike while riding on a narrow gravel path through native New Zealand bush.

4 Degrees

Belmont Regional ParkThis trail is named after its gentle four degree gradient, making it an easy option for mountain bikers and walkers to access Old Coach Road.

Parent and toddler walk through wooden forest track.

Spicer Link

Only a few minutes from Porirua, an easy, family-friendly trail weaves through the bush, offering glimpses of fairies amongst the trees.

Looking through trees and the view of the ocean and farmland from Forest Loop Walk in Kāpiti Coast.

Forest Loop

Whareroa Farm Recreation ReserveTake a short, gentle wander through remnant kohekohe forest and soak up views over Queen Elizabeth Park and Kapiti Island.

Two people riding bikes on Te Ara Piko Walkway. The trail features stretches of boardwalk and bridges, with amazing views of the harbour.

Te Ara Piko

An easy meandering pathway through a nationally-important estuary outlooking Pauatahanui Inlet.

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.