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

Climb this well-formed track to Tūteremoana, the highest point on Kapiti Island. Enjoy stunning views of the Kāpiti Coast, South Island, Mt Taranaki, and Mt Ruapehu.

Walking time
2 hr one way
Length
2.7km
Uses
Walking/Running
Type
Single track
Walking difficulty
Intermediate: Easier tramping track
Profile

519m highest point

Dogs
No
Two people walking amongst native trees along the Wilkinson track on Kapiti Island.

About the trail

The Wilkinson track is a steady, uphill climb suitable for all ages and most fitness levels. Walk to Tūteremoana — the highest point on Kapiti Island at 521m elevation. The trail passes a picnic area and hīhī feeding station about a third of the way up. Stop for a while and let the birds come to you.

After reaching the summit, enjoy the view and a well-earned rest, then return to the shelter on the same track. On a clear day you can see the Kaikoura Ranges, Mt Taranaki, and Mt Ruapehu.

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?

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.