Escarpment Track
Walking time
3 - 4 hr
Length
9.1km
Uses
Walking/Running, Tramping/Hiking
Type
Single track
Walking difficulty
Intermediate: Easier tramping track
Profile
217m highest point
Dogs
No
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About the trail
The Escarpment Track runs from Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay, taking in sweeping views of the spectacular Kāpiti Coastline and Kapiti Island. The trail can be walked in either direction, but most choose to walk from north to south.
Heading south, the trail follows the Kāpiti railway line, then veers uphill and across privately-owned farmland. You’ll climb 220 metres above sea level and navigate steep, narrow pathways on what is one of the highlights of Te Araroa Trail.
Families of all ages enjoy this trail, but it is not recommended for the faint-hearted: you’ll scale around 1,200 steep steps, navigate narrow pathways across ridgelines, and traverse two swing bridges.
Following the signposts to the start of the trail, you can access The Escarpment Track from either Paekākāriki or Pukerua Bay, both an easy one-hour journey from Wellington by train or vehicle. The walking distance from station to station is 10km.
Train timetables are available from the Metlink website, and tickets can be purchased onboard with cash or Snapper.