Kapiti Coast District: Nature Trails and Birdlife

In the Kapiti Coast District, dunes, wetlands and trails with very different characteristics alternate. You can explore birdlife and plant life in an estuarine habitat, walk along wide, paved routes or choose a steep coastal track.

Wetlands and native wildlife

The Waikanae Estuary Trail is a flat, easy walking track through a nationally significant natural habitat. Scenic boardwalks lead through wetlands and sand dunes. More than 60 bird species, as well as freshwater and marine fish species, are found in this habitat. If you enjoy being outdoors and taking in the landscape, you’ll find a direct connection here between the trail and its natural surroundings.

The Ngā Manu Nature Reserve is also in Waikanae. The reserve is located in a large remnant of coastal lowland swamp forest, with ancient wetlands and regenerating forest. The practical nature experiences here focus on New Zealand’s native flora and fauna. Rare brown kiwis can be seen in a nocturnal house. The focus therefore ranges from the habitat as a whole to a special opportunity to see these nocturnal birds.

Trails for different day plans

Te Ara o Whareroa runs between Raumati South and Paekākāriki. The trail is mostly flat, wide and paved, and accessible to prams and wheelchairs. Its surface makes it a clear point of reference if you’re looking for a paved route. As trail conditions can change, it’s a good idea to check the conditions before your visit.

Coast 35 is a 35-kilometre shared off-road trail on the Kāpiti Coast, running from Paekākāriki to Ōtaki. It runs parallel to the Kāpiti Expressway. The surface is a mix of compacted gravel and smooth paths, and is suitable for most bikes, including road bikes. This makes it easy to assess the route based on the surface you want and the type of bike you plan to use.

Queen Elizabeth Park lies between Paekākāriki and Raumati South and covers 650 hectares of sand dunes and wetlands. Its scenic trails offer opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding. Compared with a single estuary trail, the park combines a larger landscape with several of the activities mentioned. This can help with planning if you’d like to consider different ways to spend time outdoors.

The Paekākāriki Escarpment Track offers a different kind of trail: it runs from Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay and offers sweeping views of the Kāpiti Coast and Kapiti Island. Its character includes around 1,200 steep steps, narrow ridge-top paths and two suspension bridges. This makes it very different from the mostly flat or paved trail options. Conditions can vary seasonally, so factor this into your planning.

Nearby, just north of Paekākāriki, is Whareroa Farm Reserve, a large recreational area. The reserve is shaped by seven remaining blocks of native forest and streams that provide habitat for more than 30 bird species. It complements the coastal trails and wetlands with another perspective on native forest and birdlife.

Choose a suitable location as a starting point for your accommodation search

Paekākāriki offers another base if you’re planning to walk the Escarpment Track, which starts there, or explore the trails in Queen Elizabeth Park. Paekākāriki is also one of the two endpoints named for Coast 35. Start by focusing your search on the experiences that matter most to you, then compare the locations that suit them.

Explore more places in the district: Te Horo, Waikanae and Paekākāriki.

Explore more destinations: Gladstone, Upper Hutt City, South Wairarapa District, Lower Hutt City and Masterton District.

Go to the wider travel overview: Wellington.