Wellington Regional Trails

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

Walking time

Varies

Length

2.4km

Uses

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking, Horse Riding

Type

Double track

Walking difficulty

Easiest: Easy access short walk

Mountain Bike Grade

Easiest: Grade 1

Profile

3m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

About the trail

Walk, run, ride your bike and even your horse up the Waikanae River Trail and onto the beautiful Waikanae Beach. With stunning views of Kapiti Island behind you, make your way north along the sandy shore.

You can carry on along the beach to Peka Peka and link up with the Sims Road and Te Horo bridleways if you’re on horse back. You can also ride this trail from Sims Road where there is plenty of parking for horse floats and trucks.

Waikanae Beach on a sunny day with bright blue sky and Kapiti Island in the background.
Birds eye view of Waikanae Beach with a pink sunset.

Looking for more?

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.

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.

A drone shot of where the Ōtaki river meets the ocean, at sunset with Kapiti island in the distance.

Ōtaki River Trail

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

Two people are on a bridge on the Waikanae River Trail in Kāpiti Coast, New Zealand.

Waikanae River Trail

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

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

Inland Track

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

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.

Four cyclists stop to rest by a bush in the early morning sunlight on Red Take Track at Whareroa Farm.

Campbell’s Mill Road

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

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.

2 adults and 2 children bike alongside the Hutt River.

Hutt River Trail

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

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.