Wellington Regional Trails
The beach at Queen Elizabeth Regional Park in the Kāpiti Coast with a view of Kapiti Island.

Partial closure

The northern section of the Coastal Track is closed due to coastal erosion between Raumati South and Whareroa Stream. Please use the beach or Te Ara o Whareroa trail.

This seaside trail winds through sand dunes offering coastal views, bird watching and countless places to rest, play, picnic, or swim.

Walking time
2 hr return
Length
3.7km
Uses
Walking/Running, Mountain Biking
Type
Single track
Walking difficulty
Easy: Walking track
Mountain Bike Grade
Easy: Grade 2
Profile

20m climb

20m descent

21m highest point

Dogs
Yes (on lead)
Two people hold hands and walk on a path in the Queen Elizabeth Park Regional Park located on the Kāpiti Coast in New Zealand. The ocean and Kapiti Island are visible in the background.

About the trail

This coastal track winds through sand dunes between Paekākāriki and Raumati South. The sea, inland hills, and Kapiti Island will be a constant companion. On a clear day, you can see as far south as the South Island and north to Mount Ruapehu and Taranaki Maunga.

The well-maintained wide track is sign-posted. Keep an eye out for the birds commonly seen in the coastal habitat, including tūī, wax eye, fantail, goldfinch, yellowhammer, oystercatchers, and the more exotic white-faced heron.

The track is split into two sections that meet at Mackays Crossing. The southern section between Paekākāriki and Mackays Crossing is about 2km or 1-1.5 hours return. Take a picnic and stop at one of the large, grassy areas, or join one of many secondary pathways linking to the Inland Track to return a different way.

From Mackays Crossing to Raumati South, the northern section is 1.5km (1-hour return). In this section, you’ll see the progress of local sand dune restoration projects to encourage native plant regeneration.

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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.

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 people on a wooden bridge above a stream.

Te Ara o Tipapa (Wetland Loop)

Queen Elizabeth ParkTe Ara o Tipapa (Wetland Loop) is an easy walk in Queen Elizabeth Park through a remnant forest, wetlands, and sand dunes. It’s near the US Marines Memorial.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.