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

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

Walking time
2 hr
Length
5.4km
Uses
Walking/Running, Mountain Biking
Type
Double track
Walking difficulty
Easy: Walking track
Mountain Bike Grade
Easiest: Grade 1
Profile

20m climb

-20m descent

17m highest point

Dogs
Yes (on lead)

About the trail

Te Ara o Whareroa is an easy 6km trail along Kāpiti Coast’s dunelands, between Raumati and Paekākāriki. It’s a popular shared route, used by locals for recreational walking and biking. Stop for a swim or take in the stunning ocean views along the way. 

Te Ara o Whareroa is mostly flat with a wide, sealed track hugging the edge of the Queen Elizabeth Park and nearby sand dunes.  It is suitable for buggies or wheelchairs and is popular with all ages and fitness levels. For bikers, this is a Grade 1 track – a very enjoyable ride for all the family. It is also perfect for people with low-to-moderate fitness who want to start or get back into biking.

On weekends at Queen Elizabeth Park, you might see trams travelling towards Whareroa Beach, or the Model Aero Club flying their planes nearby. 

Two people biking along the sealed path amongst the dunes, Te Ara o Whareroa, in Queen Elizabeth Park, Kāpiti Coast.
Two people, each pushing a push chair with a small child in it, walk along the sealed path in Queen Elizabeth park, Te ara o Whareroa.
Two adults walking along Te Ara o Whareroa, a sealed pathway through Queen Elizabeth Park, one is pushing a small child in a push chair, and another small child scooters ahead of the group.
Two adults on a tandem cycle, stopped to talk. They are on the sealed path Te Ara o Whareroa in Queen Elizabeth Park, Kāpiti Coast.

Getting there

Te Ara o Whareroa is part of Queen Elizabeth Park which is a 1 hour drive from Wellington city.

Three people walk along the sealed Te Ara o Whareroa path in Queen Elizabeth Park. Two of the people are being assisted by Guide Dogs.

What to expect

There is no shelter or shade along Te Ara o Whareroa — be prepared for sun and wind on the trail.

Adaptive Mountain Bike Grade

This trail is Adaptive Mountain Biking Grade 1. Find out more on AdaptMTB.

Know before you go

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk by the NZ Mountain Safety Council for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list. Get an up-to-date weather report from MetService before setting off.
  • The trail is 6km long. It will take an adult with average fitness about 20 to 30 minutes to ride one way (to Raumati South). If you’re with kids or less experienced riders, allow more than one hour for the return trip.
  • You can access the beach from Mackays Crossing for a swim.
  • Dogs must be on lead.
  • Take warm waterproof clothing, durable footwear, sun protection, food and water.

Looking for more?

At start of items
The beach at Queen Elizabeth Regional Park in the Kāpiti Coast with a view of Kapiti Island.

Coastal Track

Queen Elizabeth ParkCoastal Track on the Kāpiti Coast is an easy trail through sand dunes. Take in the sea views, enjoy bird watching or find a spot to rest, play, and swim.

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.