Wellington Regional Trails

A challenging and steep climb to Tūteremoana, the highest point on Kapiti Island.

Walking time

2 hr

Length

1.4km

Uses

Walking/Running, Tramping/Hiking

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Advanced: Tramping track

Profile

521m climb

410m highest point

Dogs

No

About the trail

The Trig track is a steep walk through dense native bush up to Tūteremoana — the summit of Kapiti Island. This track is more challenging than the Wilkinson Track and it has narrow, uneven sections.  

Climb through a forest of kohekohe, tawa, and kānuka. At the top you will be rewarded with stunning 360-degree views over Kāpiti Coast and the Tasman Sea. This is an uphill-only track, you will need to return on the Wilkinson Track.

This trail is recommended for confident trampers with good, sturdy footwear.

Getting there

  • You can only visit Kapiti Island through Kapiti Island Nature Tours. Boat trips and tours leave from Kāpiti Boating Club at Paraparaumu Beach. This is a popular destination so book in advance.
  • It's a 45 minute drive or train journey from Wellington to Paraparaumu. There are regular train services to Paraparaumu on the Kapiti Line - check Metlink for timetables.

Know before you go

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews, and a packing list.
  • A shelter, toilets and picnic tables are available on Kapiti Island
  • Ensure that your belongings are placed out of reach of weka and kākā — they are very inquisitive and are experts at getting into bags.
  • Take warm waterproof clothing, durable footwear, sunscreen, food, and water.
  • Be ready to leave the island at the departure time announced by your boat skipper.
  • Everything on the island is protected, and nothing may be removed. This includes plant material, insects, lizards, birds, feathers and shells.
  • Do not feed birds and other wildlife.
  • Remove all your rubbish from the island. Carry out what you carry in.
  • Keep to the marked tracks.
  • Biosecurity rules require food to be carried in sealed containers, rubbish taken out with you and all your gear checked prior to departure.

Looking for more?

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Rangatira Loop Walk

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve trailsA pleasant, easy stroll on a well-formed trail through regenerating forest and coastal shrubland. Find abundant native birdlife, including the critically endangered takahē.

Wilkinson Track

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve trailsClimb this well-formed track to Tūteremoana, the highest point on Kapiti Island. Enjoy stunning views of the Kāpiti Coast, South Island, Mt Taranaki, and Mt Ruapehu.

A boat landing on one of the rocky beaches of Kapiti Island.

Beach Landing to Shelter

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve trailsA short access route from the beach landing to the shelter, connecting to the two lower loop tracks at the north end of Kapiti island.

Boulder Bank Loop Track

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve trailsA short, scenic coastal trail around the beautiful freshwater Ōkupe Lagoon on Kapiti Island.

Okupe Valley Loop Track

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve trailsAn easy loop track through grassland, shrubland and regenerating forest up to the lookout point on Kapiti Island.

At the top of Mākara Walkway looking south, you can see the coastline with windmills dotting the hills. The top of the South Island an be seen in the distance.

Mākara Walkway

Clamber high above the Mākara Beach cliffs and discover exhilarating views, WWII gun emplacements, breathtaking beachfront, and historic pā sites.

Two people walking along a swing bridge between two hillsides on the Escarpment track above the Kāpiti Coast.

Escarpment Track

Take in spectacular views of Kapiti Island from high above the Kāpiti Coastline.

Two people sit on a bench in a small clearing at the summit of Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve in the Kāpiti Coast.

Te Au Track

Hemi Matenga Scenic ReserveLocated in Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve, the Te Au track climbs to 521m and offers panoramic views of the Waikanae Estuary and Kapiti Island.

Five hikers walk up a ridgeline in Tararua Forest Park.

Ōtaki Forks to Kime Hut

A significant and classic section of the Southern Crossing in the Tararua Range, with snow-peaked mountain tops and incredible sunset views.

A view from the Pukeatua Track, with forest and green rolling hills in the background.

Pukeatua Track

This track is one of the tougher sections of Te Araroa trail linking Ōtaki Forks to Mangaone South Road.