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.