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

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

Walking time
4 hr
Length
3.4km
Uses
Walking/Running, Mountain Biking, Horse Riding
Type
Double track
Walking difficulty
Easy: Walking track
Mountain Bike Grade
Easy: Grade 2
Profile

17m highest point

Dogs
Yes

About the trail

Generally considered an easy route, the gravel track starts from the river mouth at Ōtaki beachfront and continues past State Highway 1 all the way to a lagoon at Chrystalls Bend Walkway.

Horses are allowed, except on private land upstream of Chrystalls Lagoon, on the northern side of the river, and land (Ngāti Huia ki Katihiku) on the southern river bank.

Walk under regenerating native trees and enjoy views of the coastline, river, and the Tararua Range. This track is for all fitness levels and is perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

An adult and two children walk along a path in a lush valley with mountains in the background.

Getting there

  • The trail starts from the southern end of Ōtaki Beach. It can also be accessed from Kāpiti Lane (just past the Ōtaki River Estuary Viewing Platform).
  • Catch the Kāpiti Line train to Paraparaumu or Waikanae, and the 290 bus to Ōtaki Beach.
  • Parking is available on Marine Parade opposite Ōtaki Beach.

Know before you go

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list.
  • Get an up-to-date weather report from the MetService website.
  • Take waterproof clothing and durable footwear, along with sun protection.
  • Toilets are available in Ōtaki.
  • Concrete bollards and locked gates have been installed along the trail to inhibit motorbikes and other vehicle access.
  • Dogs are permitted on this trail.

Looking for more?

At start of items
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.

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.

A section of the Farm Race Track in Whereroa Farm. The trail is on a large gravel road through the centre of the farm.

Farm Race Track

Whareroa Farm Recreation ReserveFarm Race Track takes you to the centre of the Whareroa Farm trail network on the Kāpiti Coast.

A landscape image of native New Zealand bush, a beach, rolling green hills and a bright blue sky.

Inland Track

Queen Elizabeth ParkThe Inland Track on the Kāpiti Coast is an easy walking or biking track with sea and hill views. Along the maintained sandhills, find native plants and ferns.

Two adults and two children cycling along a wide, flat path in Queen Elizabeth Park, Kāpiti Coast.

Yankee Trail

Queen Elizabeth ParkThe Yankee Trail is a fun and easy to moderate cycle and walking track leading to the US Marines Memorial at Mackays Crossing.

Four cyclists stop to rest by a bush in the early morning sunlight on Red Take Track at Whareroa Farm.

Campbell’s Mill Road

Whareroa Farm Recreation ReserveCampbell's Mill Road is an easy walk used to gain access to tracks in Whareroa Farm Recreation Reserve and is the western entry into the Akatarawa Forest.

Two adults and two children riding bicycles on a gravel path surrounded by dense green trees and grass.

Hutt River Trail

The Hutt River Trail is a flat, easy trail along the Hutt River from Petone to Upper Hutt. Cycle, walk or run on this well-maintained Grade 2 trail.

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.

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.

Sheep graze in a field of grassy hills under a cloudy sky. Kapiti Island is barely visible on the horizon.

Cairn View Track

Whareroa Farm Recreation ReserveCairn View Track is a quick uphill climb in Whareroa Farm, rewarding you with serious views over Kāpiti Coast and beyond.