Photo: Kirsten Drysdale

Walk nearby

Between SH59 and railway track
30 minutes
Lodged between SH59 and the railway line at Paekākāriki, where once invasive weeds proliferated, there is now a beautiful, tree-lined track. The track is named after the late Captain Val Sanderson, founder of Forest & Bird and once a resident of Paekākāriki.
Village central
Approximately 20 minutes
Paekākāriki is the home of Ngāti Haumia, a railway town,  a stop on the old coach road, a camp for 15,000 US Marines. Today some of this history is still standing, and others are recorded in the Paekakariki History Walk.
Paekākāriki Escarpment
Less than one hour
This short walk zigzags up the escarpment hill, with stunning views across to Kāpiti Island and mature kohekohe forest. The loop is a quicker alternative to walking the full Paekākāriki Escarpment Track.
Whareroa Farm
2 hours or more
This farm ridgeline walk will get you puffing. It takes 2-3 hours return for the full loop, but rewards include the breathtaking views over sea and hills - and a well-deserved picnic table at the top.
Whareroa Farm
Less than one hour
If you’re after a short, easy wander in the bush, you can’t go wrong with the Forest Loop Walk. Starting from Whareroa Farm car park, the track allows a good view of Kāpiti Island, then heads through native kohekohe forest.
Queen Elizabeth Park
1-2 hours
If you’re a fan of sea and hill views, and don’t mind some ups and downs, head along the winding, ridge-top Inland Track. It’s a quieter, wilder alternative to the Coastal Track or Te Ara o Whareroa.
Queen Elizabeth Park
1-2 hours
Take the Yankee Trail, a gentle meander from Paekākāriki, following in the footsteps of the WW2 Marines. Then stroll beside a stunning wetland, and dip into an ancient bush remnant of large kahikatea trees.
Queen Elizabeth Park
Paekākāriki
This much-loved seaside trail offers stunning coastal views and countless places to rest, play, picnic or swim.
Paekākāriki Escarpment
More than 2 hours
A stunning, must-do walk if you're reasonably fit, enjoy a sense of exhilaration, and have at least half a day to spare. The track is a popular section of the nationwide Te Araroa Trail. You'll need to climb up hundreds of steps and negotiate a few swing bridges!
Ames St Reserve
Paekākāriki Village
Less than one hour
An easy amble in Paekākāriki village’s southern parts, this walk combines bush, beach and views of the escarpment and ocean. A highlight is Ames St Reserve, or Penguin Park, where blue penguins nest.
Paekākāriki Village
Less than one hour
Wander along this easy walk that showcases local poetry and visual art, from the village centre.
Queen Elizabeth Park
Less than one hour
The Wainui Stream Walk is one of the quiet treasures of the lower North Island. At Paekākāriki’s northern edge, it allows an easy escape into bush and solitude, without straying far.
Paekākāriki Village
less than one hour
Are you looking for a magical stroll? It’s worth taking a gentle wander around the village's Letterbox Art Walk to view some spectacular creations by a sample of Paekākāriki's artistic residents.

Ride nearby

Queen Elizabeth Park
Less than one hour
The Yankee Trail winds along the Wainui Stream, then heads north to the US Marine Memorial. Here you can read about the American namesakes of this trail. The track gives great views of a scenic wetland and farmed hills - including plenty of sheep!
Pukerua Bay
Less than one hour
Ride south from Paekākāriki on the footpath edged between State Highway 59 and the rocky coast. Spot the Escarpment walkers high above, or even an orca if you're lucky. Stop at Pukerua Bay lookout to admire the huge views. You may see Taranaki or Ruapehu in the far distance.
Whareroa Farm
1-2 hours
This is a spectacular mountain bike ride from the base of Whareroa Farm, with fantastic views down the valley and out to sea. An easy winding uphill is followed by an intermediate downhill track - the single-track twists, bends and bumps will keep you focused. Great for older kid
Queen Elizabeth Park
Less than one hour
A wonderful bike trail to Whareroa Beach and back for families and those wanting a scenic, sand-dune burst, ideal for those starting out mountain biking, offering coastal views and countless places to rest, play, picnic or swim.
Queen Elizabeth Park
Less than one hour
One of the best family-friendly biking opportunities in the Wellington region. Te Ara o Whareroa is a mainly-flat 6km sealed track on the inland side of the coastal sand dunes in Queen Elizabeth Park. It’s popular with all ages, from students biking to school in Raumati to older
Paekākāriki Village
Less than one hour
A leisurely bike ride along the village’s streets. Enjoy the views from high points at each end of the village, including the Memorial Lookout and Ames St Reserve.

Walk further afield

Pukerua Bay
more than one hour
This track is rough and ready. Follow around the rocky coast from Pukerua Bay, fringed by shingle beaches and steep slopes above. You may have to scramble over rocks or slog over shingle banks in places. Wairaka Point is a feature, with rocky islets and sometimes a stray seal.
Waikanae
Varies
In one of the largest remaining areas of kohekohe forest in New Zealand, Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve offers lush native bush and gorgeous views. Walking options vary from easy to advanced.
Paraparaumu
Less than one hour
A family-friendly beautiful bush walk through a stand of stunning nīkau palm trees, just off the old State Highway Road. The lower part of the walk can be enjoyed by anyone.

Ride further afield

Paekākāriki to Pauatahanui Inlet, return via Plimmerton
More than two hours
A half-day road cycle loop that takes in varied, picturesque scenery. Head up to the summit of Paekākāriki Hill Road, then to Battle Hill and the calm waters of Pauatahanui Inlet. Return via Pukerua Bay or jump on a train if you're out of steam.
Pukerua Bay to Plimmerton
Less than one hour
A gentle downhill cycle ride from Pukerua Bay to Plimmerton. The wide, sealed track winds alongside Taupo Swamp wetland, featuring abundant harakeke (flax).