Wellington Regional Trails
A boardwalk through flax on the Rangatira Loop Walk on Kapiti Island.

A pleasant, easy stroll on a well-formed trail through regenerating forest and coastal shrubland. Find abundant native birdlife, including the critically endangered takahē.

Walking time
1 hr 30 min
Length
1.9km
Uses
Walking/Running
Type
Single track
Walking difficulty
Easy: Walking track
Profile

91m highest point

Dogs
No

About the trail

The Rangatira Loop Walk starts at the Rangatira shelter on Kapiti Island. It weaves its way around the Rangatira wetland on a boardwalk, and then back via the coastal section.

Kapiti Island has rich Māori and colonial heritage. There are information boards on the trail explaining the history. See whaling trypots and the historic whare — the oldest nature conservation building in New Zealand. 

The low elevation of this trail makes it suitable for all fitness levels. It is ideal for those that don't want a big walk or for families who want to stick together. 

Getting there

  • You can only visit Kapiti Island through Kapiti Island Nature Tours. Boat trips and tours leave from Kāpiti Boating Club at Paraparaumu Beach. This is a popular destination so book in advance.
  • It's a 45 minute drive or train journey from Wellington to Paraparaumu. There are regular train services to Paraparaumu on the Kapiti Line. Check Metlink for timetables.
Three people crouch down to meet a takahē on Kapiti Island.

Keep an eye out for critically endangered takahē - these flightless swamphens are indigenous to New Zealand.

Know before you go 

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews, and a packing list.
  • A shelter, toilets and picnic tables are available on Kapiti Island
  • Ensure that your belongings are placed out of reach of weka and kākā — they are very inquisitive and are experts at getting into bags.
  • Take warm waterproof clothing, durable footwear, sunscreen, food, and water.
  • Be ready to leave the island at the departure time announced by your boat skipper.
  • Everything on the island is protected, and nothing may be removed. This includes plant material, insects, lizards, birds, feathers and shells.
  • Do not feed birds and other wildlife.
  • Remove all your rubbish from the island. Carry out what you carry in.
  • Keep to the marked tracks.
  • Biosecurity rules require food to be carried in sealed containers, rubbish taken out with you and all your gear checked prior to departure.

Looking for more?

At start of items
A hiker climbs a set of stairs surrounded by a dark lush forest.

Trig Track

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve trailsTrig track is a challenging and steep climb to Tūteremoana, the highest point on Kāpiti Island. Find an abundance of native birds.

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.

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.

A family on the Okupe Valley Loop Track on Kapiti Island. They are standing at a viewpoint where they can see the Kāpiti Coast.

Okupe Valley Loop Track

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve trailsBeginning in the Okupe Valley, journey up the ridgeback to cliff tops overlooking the Cook Strait, south island, and Kāpiti Coast.

Four people ride bicycles on a path in Queen Elizabeth Regional Park in the Paraparaumu, New Zealand surrounded by nature.

Coast 35

Coast35 is a new trail connecting Paekākāriki and Ōtaki. The wide, off-road sealed pathway is suitable for walking, running, cycling, and horse riding.

A drone shot of where the Ōtaki river meets the ocean, at sunset with Kapiti island in the distance.

Ōtaki River Trail

Follow the banks of the Ōtaki River on this popular walking and biking trail, with views of the coastline, river, and the Tararua Range.

A wide shot of three cyclists on a winding path in a grassy valley in Queen Elizabeth Park.

Te Ara o Whareroa

Queen Elizabeth ParkTe Ara o Whareroa is a popular trail between Raumati and Paekākāriki in Queen Elizabeth Park. Walk or cycle the wide, flat trail along Kāpiti Coast's dunelands.

Three people cross a shallow river on horesback.

Waikanae River Trail

Walk, ride, or horse ride along the Waikanae River bank and estuary on this family-friendly trail. Find willow trees, native plants, and swimming holes.

Two people walking up a grassy hill on the Link Track in Whareroa Farm.

Link Track

Whareroa Farm Recreation ReserveLink Track is the main uphill trail for walkers and mountain bikers at Whareroa Farm. It connects to many other tracks in the park.