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

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

Walking time

2 hr

Length

5.4km

Uses

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking

Type

Double track

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Mountain Bike Grade

Easiest: Grade 1

Profile

20m climb

-20m descent

17m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

About the trail

Te Ara o Whareroa is an easy 6km trail along Kāpiti Coast’s dunelands, between Raumati and Paekākāriki. It’s a popular shared route, used by locals for recreational walking and biking. Stop for a swim or take in the stunning ocean views along the way. 

Te Ara o Whareroa is mostly flat with a wide, sealed track hugging the edge of the Queen Elizabeth Park and nearby sand dunes.  It is suitable for buggies or wheelchairs and is popular with all ages and fitness levels. For bikers, this is a Grade 1 track – a very enjoyable ride for all the family. It is also perfect for people with low-to-moderate fitness who want to start or get back into biking.

On weekends at Queen Elizabeth Park, you might see trams travelling towards Whareroa Beach, or the Model Aero Club flying their planes nearby. 

Two people biking along the sealed path amongst the dunes, Te Ara o Whareroa, in Queen Elizabeth Park, Kāpiti Coast.
Two people, each pushing a push chair with a small child in it, walk along the sealed path in Queen Elizabeth park, Te ara o Whareroa.
Two adults walking along Te Ara o Whareroa, a sealed pathway through Queen Elizabeth Park, one is pushing a small child in a push chair, and another small child scooters ahead of the group.
Two adults on a tandem cycle, stopped to talk. They are on the sealed path Te Ara o Whareroa in Queen Elizabeth Park, Kāpiti Coast.

Getting there

Te Ara o Whareroa is part of Queen Elizabeth Park which is a 1 hour drive from Wellington city.

Three people walk along the sealed Te Ara o Whareroa path in Queen Elizabeth Park. Two of the people are being assisted by Guide Dogs.

What to expect

There is no shelter or shade along Te Ara o Whareroa — be prepared for sun and wind on the trail.

Adaptive Mountain Bike Grade

This trail is Adaptive Mountain Biking Grade 1. Find out more on AdaptMTB.

Know before you go

  • The trail is 6km long. It will take an adult with average fitness about 20 to 30 minutes to ride one way (to Raumati South). If you’re with kids or less experienced riders, allow more than one hour for the return trip.
  • You can access the beach from Mackay’s Crossing for a swim.
  • Dogs must be on lead.
  • Get ready using Plan My Walk by the NZ Mountain Safety Council for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list. Get an up-to-date weather report from MetService before setting off.
  • Take warm waterproof clothing, durable footwear, sun protection, food and water.

Looking for more?

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.

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.

A sign post that reads 'Te Aro o Topapa Wetland Loop' in Queen Elizabeth Park.

Te Ara o Tipapa (Wetland Loop)

Queen Elizabeth ParkAn easy walk through a remnant forest, home to giant native kahikatea trees, restored wetlands, forests, and sand dunes.

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.

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

Ōtaki River Trail

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

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.

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.

A person in a white teeshirt and a black and brown dog are standing on a hillside overlooking a coastal town, the harbour and a distant mountain range.

Te Whiti Riser

A popular all-weather walking and mountain biking track overlooking Wainuiomata and Lower Hutt.

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.

Cyclists are riding along a coastal road at the Pencarrow Coast in Eastbourne, New Zealand.

Pencarrow Coast Road

Travel along a flat winding trail to the historic Pencarrow Lighthouse and the shores of Lake Kohangatera.