Wellington Regional Trails

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

Walking time

45 min

Length

1.1km

Uses

Walking/Running

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Profile

60m climb

-60m descent

63m highest point

Dogs

No
Looking through trees and the view of the ocean and farmland from Forest Loop Walk in Kāpiti Coast.

About the trail

Take in highlights of the lower Whareroa Farm, an ancient kohekohe forest and views over Queen Elizabeth Park and the coastline beyond.

Starting from the Whareroa Farm car park, the track winds up to the lookout. You’ll then head down through the native forest to a farm access road. This will take you past the working farm with sheep grazing, and an orchard. US Marines lived and trained in this area during WWII.

From May to June you’ll find the kohekohe trees bloom delicate sprays of white orchid-like flowers that attract tūī and pīwakawaka. There are also wētā hotels and spider houses to explore.

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Getting there

The trail starts at the main entrance to Whareroa Farm, Paekākāriki, about 35 minutes north of Wellington. You can also catch the train to Paekākāriki Station.

Begin your ride or walk a short distance south of Queen Elizabeth Park. Follow the signs to the coastal lookout, which links into the Forest Loop Track.

Know before you go

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews, and a packing list.
  • Take your own snacks or picnic — there are many lovely places to stop on the way.
  • There are toilets at the painted caravan, approximately halfway through the walk.
  • The first half of this trail is walking only, but the return is a farm track shared with walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders.
  • No dogs allowed.

Looking for more?

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

Red Tape Track

Whareroa Farm Recreation ReserveIntermediate riders will enjoy this spectacular downhill mountain bike trail in Whareroa Farm, with fantastic views down the valley and out to 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 ride on horseback on a dirt road.

East Ridge Track

Whareroa Farm Recreation ReserveA steep climb to the top of Whareroa Farm with rewarding views over the Kāpiti Coast.

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.

Two adults walking along Te Ara o Whareroa, a sealed pathway through Queen Elizabeth Park, one is pushing a small child in a push chair, and another small child scooters ahead of the group.

Te Ara o Whareroa

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

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.

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.

Castlepoint, Wairarapa. Two people are walking up the steps in front of the Castlepoint Lighthouse.

Castlepoint Lighthouse Walk

In a region full of wonderful vistas, this short trail along a wild, rugged coastline leads to one of the most recognisable landmarks in New Zealand.

The native bush surrounding the path in the Donnelly FLat loop walk.

Donnelly Flat Loop Walk

An easy walk for the whole family among mature podocarp and broadleaf native trees in the Tararua Range.

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 walking along a track looking at the native trees on the Kowhai Street Track to Butterfly Creek.

Kowhai Street Track

East Harbour Regional ParkA zigzag trail with options for exploring more of the East Harbour Regional Park, including the popular Butterfly Creek picnic area and views over Wellington Harbour.

Person walking through trees on the Gentle annie trail.

Gentle Annie Track

Climb up to Mountain House Shelter along one of the most popular half-day trails in Tararua Forest Park.

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.

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.