Wellington Regional Trails
A drone shot of where the Ōtaki river meets the ocean, at sunset with Kapiti island in the distance.

Follow the banks of the Ōtaki River on this popular walking and biking trail, with views of the coastline, river, and the Tararua Range.

Walking time

4 hr

Length

3.4km

Uses

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking, Horse Riding

Type

Double track

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Mountain Bike Grade

Easy: Grade 2

Profile

17m highest point

Dogs

Yes

About the trail

Generally considered an easy route, the gravel track starts from the river mouth at Ōtaki beachfront and continues past State Highway 1 all the way to a lagoon at Chrystalls Bend Walkway.

Horses are allowed, except on private land upstream of Chrystalls Lagoon, on the northern side of the river, and land (Ngāti Huia ki Katihiku) on the southern river bank.

Walk under regenerating native trees and enjoy views of the coastline, river, and the Tararua Range. This track is for all fitness levels and is perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

An adult and two children walk along a path in a lush valley with mountains in the background.

Getting there

  • The trail starts from the southern end of Ōtaki Beach. It can also be accessed from Kāpiti Lane (just past the Ōtaki River Estuary Viewing Platform).
  • Catch the Kāpiti Line train to Paraparaumu or Waikanae, and the 290 bus to Ōtaki Beach.
  • Parking is available on Marine Parade opposite Ōtaki Beach.

Know before you go

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list.
  • Get an up-to-date weather report from the MetService website.
  • Take waterproof clothing and durable footwear, along with sun protection.
  • Toilets are available in Ōtaki.
  • Concrete bollards and locked gates have been installed along the trail to inhibit motorbikes and other vehicle access.
  • Dogs are permitted on this trail.

Looking for more?

Four people ride bicycles on a path in Queen Elizabeth Regional Park in the Paraparaumu, New Zealand surrounded by nature.

Coast 35

Coast 35 connects Paekākāriki and Ōtaki through an off-road shared trail that runs parallel with the Kāpiti Expressway.

Two people are on a bridge on the Waikanae River Trail in Kāpiti Coast, New Zealand.

Waikanae River Trail

Walk or ride the banks of Waikanae River from State Highway 1 to the sea.

A landscape image of native New Zealand bush, a beach, rolling green hills and a bright blue sky.

Inland Track

Queen Elizabeth ParkIf you love sea views and don’t mind some inclines, head along the winding ridge of the Inland Track.

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 ReserveA wide, gentle farm track connecting many Whareroa Farm tracks to the Akatarawa Forest and Mount Wainui.

2 adults and 2 children bike alongside the Hutt River.

Hutt River Trail

Follow the picturesque Hutt River all the way from Petone to Upper Hutt on this easy, well-maintained trail.

A wide shot of three cyclists on a winding path in a grassy valley in Queen Elizabeth Park.

Te Ara o Whareroa

Queen Elizabeth ParkWalk or cycle this wide, mostly flat trail along Kāpiti Coast’s dunelands, from Raumati to Paekākāriki.

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 ReserveA quick uphill climb to phenomenal views over Kāpiti Coast.

The Ōtaki River Trail in the Kāpiti Coast.

Chrystalls Bend Walkway

A gentle stroll through native bush to Chrystalls Lagoon, with breathtaking views of the Tararua Range.

Waikanae Beach on a sunny day with bright blue sky and Kapiti Island in the background.

Waikanae Beach

Listen to the waves lapping as you wander along the sandy shores of Waikanae Beach.

The beach at Queen Elizabeth Regional Park in the Kāpiti Coast with a view of Kapiti Island.

Coastal Track

Queen Elizabeth ParkThis seaside trail winds through sand dunes offering coastal views, bird watching and countless places to rest, play, picnic, or swim.