Forest Loop

Walking time

45 min

Length

1.1km

Uses

Walking/Running

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Profile

60m climb
-60m descent
63m highest point

Dogs

No

About the trail

Take in highlights of the lower Whareroa Farm, an ancient kohekohe forest and views over Queen Elizabeth Park and the coastline beyond.

Starting from the Whareroa Farm carpark, the track winds up to the lookout. Before heading down through native forest and on to the farm race where you’ll walk past a working farm, often with sheep grazing in paddocks, an orchard and the spot where US Marines lived and trained during WWII.

From May to June you’ll find the kohekohe trees bloom delicate sprays of white orchid-like flowers that attract tui and piwakawaka. There are also weta hotels and spider houses to explore.

The trail starts at the main entrance to Whareroa Farm, Paekākāriki, about 35 minutes north of Wellington. You can also catch the train to Paekākāriki Station.

Begin your ride or walk a short distance south of Queen Elizabeth Park. Follow the signs to the coastal lookout, which links into the Forest Loop Track.