Wellington Regional Trails
A child and adult in the bush looking into the trees and pointing.

Head to Waikanae to walk through one of the largest remaining kohekohe forests in New Zealand.

Walking time
30 min
Length
1km
Uses
Walking/Running
Type
Single track
Walking difficulty
Easiest: Short walk
Profile

80m climb

-40m descent

143m highest point

Dogs
Yes (on lead)

About the trail

Kohekohe Walk is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Follow the signposted public path that loops between Tui Crescent and Kakariki Grove through one of the biggest remaining kohekohe forests in the country.

At 30 minutes for a return journey, this walk is short and sweet and is very popular with locals. It’s a peaceful path with abundant birdlife, and in early winter, the kohekohe trees produce small white flowers. The number of mature trees and a profusion of blooms make for a spectacular walk.

Two children at looking at plants on the Kohekohe Walk at Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve in Waikenae.

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A single tree sits in front of a vast view of Waikanae beach.

Parata Track

Hemi Matenga Scenic ReserveParata Track is a popular, steep bush-walk in Waikanae. Reward your exercise with beautiful views out to Kapiti Island and Reikorangi Valley.

Two people sit on a bench in a small clearing at the summit of Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve in the Kāpiti Coast.

Te Au Track

Hemi Matenga Scenic ReserveTe Au Track is an advanced level bush walk in Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve with panoramic views over Waikanae Estuary and Kapiti Island.

A drone shot of three people walking on the Waikanae Estuary Track.

Waikanae Link Track

The Waikanae Link track is an easy walk through the Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve. It is home to over 60 species of native birds and plant life.

The Ōtaki River Trail in the Kāpiti Coast.

Chrystalls Bend Walkway

Chrystalls Bend Walkway is a gentle stroll through native planting alongside the Ōtaki River, with breathtaking scenery of the Tararua mountains.

A wooden stairway path in the forest in Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve.

Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve

A short, easy walk through sheltered nikau palms and kohekohe trees on the Kāpiti Coast, with views of Waikanae and Kapiti island.

A boat landing on one of the rocky beaches of Kapiti Island.

Beach Landing to Shelter

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve trailsBeach Landing to Shelter is a short access route which joins onto the two lower loop tracks at the north end of Kāpiti island.

Three people walk along a nature trail on Kapiti Island.

Boulder Bank Loop Track

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve trailsBoulder Bank Loop Track is a short, scenic coastal stroll around the beautiful, freshwater Ōkupe Lagoon, looking toward the Kāpiti Coast.

Two people on a wooden bridge above a stream.

Te Ara o Tipapa (Wetland Loop)

Queen Elizabeth ParkTe Ara o Tipapa (Wetland Loop) is an easy walk in Queen Elizabeth Park through a remnant forest, wetlands, and sand dunes. It’s near the US Marines Memorial.

The Ti Kouka loop in Whareroa Farm a grassy trail up a small hill with views of the bush.

Ti Kouka Loop

Whareroa Farm Recreation ReserveTi Kouka is a short, easy loop track past Matai Bush to an artistic mini-hut with spectacular views over the Kāpiti Coast.

Three people and a dog on leash, walking on a gravel path, across a small bridge on the Greytown to Woodside Trail.

Greytown to Woodside Trail

Greytown to Woodside is an accessible walking and biking trail between two Wairarapa towns. The trail weaves through oak trees with views of the Tararua's.