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

The popular, steep bush-walk, located in the Hemi Matenga Reserve in Waikanae, rewards your efforts with beautiful views out to Kapiti Island and Reikorangi Valley.

Walking time
2 hr return
Length
1.8km
Uses
Walking/Running
Type
Single track
Walking difficulty
Intermediate: Easier tramping track
Profile

370m climb

370m descent

447m highest point

Dogs
Yes (on lead)

About the trail

Parata Track climbs through a remnant forest of Nikau palms and Kohekohe trees. The mature trees offer cool shade on hot summer days, so it’s a popular trail with runners, walkers, and families alike.

To access the Parata Track, follow the signs from the entrance off Tui Crescent and continue up to a lookout with exceptional views of Kapiti Island and the Reikorangi Valley. You will encounter streams and bridges, and you might hear tūī and calls.

It is a healthy climb up through the original bush, but the track is straightforward. You can turn around at the first viewing area or carry on to a windier and more advanced tramping track. This track leads to a clearing with a picnic table and great views.

This is where the Parata Track ends for a return journey to Tui Crescent. If you wish to continue, the Te Au Track takes you to the exit on Huia Street. This section is recommended for experienced walkers with a good level of fitness and good footwear. The descent is slippery when wet and has patches of long grass. Local trail runners prefer to run the Te Au Track from the entry on Huia Street.

A person reading the Hemi Matenga Scenic reserve sign, with bush in the background.

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

Kohekohe Walk

Hemi Matenga Scenic ReserveKohekohe Walk in Hemi Matenga Memorial Park in Waikanae is an easy short walk through one of the largest remaining kohekohe forests in New Zealand.

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.

Two people walking down wooden steps on the Escarpment Track. The coastal road in the background has many cars on it, and nearby are large rocky outcrops on the shoreline.

Escarpment Track

The Escarpment Track runs from Paekakariki to Pukerua Bay. An intermediate-level walk. One of Wellington's best walking experiences with views to Kapiti Island.

The view of the snow-topped Tararua Range from the Kapakapanui Track.

Kapakapanui Hut Track

The hike to Kapakapanui Hut is a steady and challenging route in the Tararua's. Complete it as a day trip or overnight stay at the hut.

Two people walk amongst native trees down the Wilkinson Track on Kapiti Island. The view shows Kāpiti Coast.

Wilkinson Track

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve trailsWilkinson Track is a well-formed track to Tūteremoana, the highest point on Kapiti Island with stunning views of the coast, South Island, and the Tasman Sea.

The Catchment View Track in Whareroa Farm, a grassy hill that climbs above the farm with views of the Kāpiti Coast.

Catchment View Track

Whareroa Farm Recreation ReserveCatchment View Track is a steep, rough and unmown track. It offers great views of the Kāpiti Coast from the top of Whareroa Farm.

A section of the Te Ara Ramaroa Trail in Whareroa Farm Recreation Reserve. The green grass and flax trees shape the path.

Te Ara Ramaroa Track

Whareroa Farm Recreation ReserveTe Ara Ramaroa is a popular forest trail on the Kāpiti Coast leading to a lookout.

Three people standing on top of Birchville Dam. Green trees and bushes surround them.

Cannon Point Walkway

Cannon Point Walkway is an easy walk to Birchville Dam on a well-formed track in the Akatarawa Forest.

Kāeaea Track Summit view looks out across Wellington Harbour, with Matiu/Somes Island on the right and Mākaro/Ward Island on the left. Behind Mākaro, the Miramar peninsula.

MacKenzie Road Track

East Harbour Regional ParkMacKenzie Road Track has steep steps and a zigzag trail to meet up with Main Ridge Track in East Harbour Regional Park.

Two people walk along Bus Barn Track in East Harbour Regional Park during golden hour.

Bus Barn Track

East Harbour Regional ParkBus Barn Track is an easy trail in Eastbourne through mature beech forest and stunning kahikatea trees. Connect to the popular Butterfly Creek picnic area.