Wellington Regional Trails
A hiker climbs a set of stairs surrounded by a dark lush forest.

A challenging and steep climb to Tūteremoana, the highest point on Kapiti Island.

Walking time
2 hr
Length
1.4km
Uses
Walking/Running, Tramping/Hiking
Type
Single track
Walking difficulty
Advanced: Tramping track
Profile

521m climb

410m highest point

Dogs
No

About the trail

The Trig track is a steep walk through dense native bush up to Tūteremoana — the summit of Kapiti Island. This track is more challenging than the Wilkinson Track and it has narrow, uneven sections.  

Climb through a forest of kohekohe, tawa, and kānuka. At the top you will be rewarded with stunning 360-degree views over Kāpiti Coast and the Tasman Sea. This is an uphill-only track, you will need to return on the Wilkinson Track.

This trail is recommended for confident trampers with good, sturdy footwear.

Two hikers enjoy the view from Trig Track on Kapiti Island Nature Reserve.

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.

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 boardwalk through flax on the Rangatira Loop Walk on Kapiti Island.

Rangatira Loop Walk

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve trailsRangatira Loop Walk is a pleasant and easy stroll on a well-formed trail amongst regenerating forest and coastal shrubland with native birdlife.

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.

Three hikers and a dog walking in desnse ferns surrounded by mossy trees and native New Zealand bush.

Holdsworth to Kaitoke Track

A classic three day hike through the Tararua Range, following the Waiohine and Tauwharenīkau rivers for 34 kilometres.

Two riders on motorbikes passing through a stream on the Karapoti Challenge course

Karapoti Classic Course

Home to the Karapoti Classic, a gruelling 50km adventure trail in the Akatarawa Forest. For advanced mountain bikers only.

At the top of Mākara Walkway looking south, you can see the coastline with windmills dotting the hills. The top of the South Island an be seen in the distance.

Mākara Walkway

Mākara Walkway is a challenging trail high above Mākara Beach. The trail starts near Karori and goes past sea cliffs and WW2 gun emplacements.

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.

Four hikers walk up the Kime Hut Walk in the Tararua Forest Park.

Tararua Southern Crossing in Tararua Forest Park

Set aside a few days and travel the snow-capped ridgelines of the Tararua Ranges from Ōtaki to Kaitoke.