Coastal Track in Queen Elizabeth Park

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.

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

Te Ara o Whareroa

Queen Elizabeth ParkWalk or cycle this wide, mostly flat trail along Kāpiti Coast’s dunelands, from Raumati to Paekākāriki.

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

Inland Track

Queen Elizabeth ParkIf you love sea views and don’t mind some inclines, head along the winding ridge of the Inland Track.

Two people on a wooden bridge above a stream.

Te Ara o Tipapa (Wetland Loop)

Queen Elizabeth ParkAn easy walk through a remnant forest, home to giant native kahikatea trees, restored wetlands, forests, and sand dunes.

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

Coast 35 connects Paekākāriki and Ōtaki through an off-road shared trail that runs parallel with the Kāpiti Expressway.

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 or ride the banks of Waikanae River from State Highway 1 to the sea.

Link Track

Whareroa Farm Recreation ReserveKnown locally as Zig Zag, this is the main uphill track that mountain bikers use to link up to Five Ways Track or Campbell’s Mill Road.