Wellington Regional Trails
A section of the Te Ara Ramaroa Trail in Whareroa Farm Recreation Reserve. The green grass and flax trees shape the path.

Weave through remnant kohekohe forest, cross the Ramaroa Stream, and climb to a lookout for views of the Kāpiti Coast.

Walking time
1 hr 30 min
Length
3.2km
Uses
Walking/Running, Horse Riding
Type
Single track
Walking difficulty
Intermediate: Easier tramping track
Profile

349m highest point

Dogs
No

About the trail 

Te Ara Ramaroa is a popular track in Whareroa Farm Recreation Reserve. The trail begins from the lower end of the Farm Race Track near the park entrance. Start by following the Ramaroa stream through restoration plantings. You will then enter Ramaroa Bush — a remnant kohekohe and tawa forest.

The trail opens into farmland as it steadily climbs up the valley, crossing the stream many times. The end of the track joins with Ti Kouka Rocks Track and on to Rocks Lookout, the highest point on the farm. Return via Ti Kouka/Rocks Track and Cairn View Track for a great loop walk of about two and a half hours. For a shorter walk, link up with the Ramaroa Wetland Track towards the start.

This trail is also a popular circuit for horse riders. There is a horse-only loop track up to the Rocks Lookout past Ramaroa Bush via Farm Race Track.

Getting there 

  • The trail starts from the lower end of the Farm Race Track in Whareroa Farm Recreation Reserve, located 3.5km north of Paekākāriki on the Kāpiti Coast.
  • From State Highway 1, take the Mackays Crossing exit to Queen Elizabeth Park. Parking is available for cars and buses at the entrance to the park.
  • There are regular train services from Wellington to the Kāpiti Coast. Timetables are available from Metlink.
A sign showing the direction to the trail on the Te Ara Ramaroa Track in Wharearoa Farm.

Know before you go

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews, and a packing list. For weather forecasts, check MetService.
  • Check Department of Conservation for alerts or closures before you visit.
  • Equestrian access through Whareroa Farm is controlled by locked gates. You can pick this up from the Kāpiti Coast District Council depot on Riverbank Road. A deposit is required.
  • Summer open hours: 8am to 9pm. Winter open hours: 8am to 6pm.
  • Take warm waterproof clothing, durable footwear, sunscreen, food and water.
  • The track can be muddy after rain. There are many small stream crossings so good footwear is recommended.
  • Toilets are available at the Whareroa Farm car park and at the top of Farm Race Track.
  • This reserve is a working farm, and some trails cross through paddocks with livestock. If you open a gate, please close it.
  • Dogs are not allowed.

For more tips and advice before heading out on Wellington’s trails check out our before you go section.

Looking for more?

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Four mountain bikers at the top of the Red Tape Track on Whareroa Farm, overlooking Kāpiti Coast and Kapiti Island.

Red Tape Track

Whareroa Farm Recreation ReserveIntermediate riders will enjoy Red Tape Track, a downhill mountain bike trail in Whareroa Farm Recreation Reserve, with fantastic views of the Kāpiti Coast.

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.

Sheep graze in a field of grassy hills under a cloudy sky. Kapiti Island is barely visible on the horizon.

Cairn View Track

Whareroa Farm Recreation ReserveCairn View Track is a quick uphill climb in Whareroa Farm, rewarding you with serious views over Kāpiti Coast and beyond.

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.

Looking through trees and the view of the ocean and farmland from Forest Loop Walk in Kāpiti Coast.

Forest Loop

Whareroa Farm Recreation ReserveForest Loop is an easy walk or run through an ancient kohekohe forest with views over Whareroa Farm Recreation Reserve and the coastline beyond.

A section of the Coastal Lookout Walk in Whareroa Farm on the Kāpiti Coast. The grassy hills give a view out to Kapiti Island.

Coastal Lookout Walk

Whareroa Farm Recreation ReserveCoastal Lookout Walk is a half-kilometre walk to find views across the Kāpiti Coast and beyond.

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.

The Catchment View Track in Whareroa Farm, a grassy hill that climbs above the farm with views of the Kāpiti Coast.

Catchment View Track

Whareroa Farm Recreation ReserveCatchment View Track is a steep, rough and unmown track. It offers great views of the Kāpiti Coast from the top of Whareroa Farm.

Three people ride on horseback on a dirt road.

East Ridge Track

Whareroa Farm Recreation ReserveEast Ridge Track is a steep but easy climb to the top of Whareroa Farm Recreation Reserve with rewarding ocean views. The trail is suitable for horse riders.

A narrow path along a grassy hillside under a cloudy sky.

Intake Valley Track

Whareroa Farm Recreation ReserveIntake Valley is a key connector track for walkers and mountain bikers in the middle of Whareroa Farm Recreation Reserve.