Coastal Lookout Walk

About the trail

Head up the Coastal Lookout track to find panoramic coastal views towards Kapiti Island and the Marlborough Sounds. There is seating at the top where you can enjoy a picnic or just rest and take in the spectacular view.

The track starts from the main entrance to Whareroa Farm. Veer left and follow the clearly marked signs for the Coastal Lookout Walk.

Learn about the history of the area from the information signs on your way up. The area was formerly an iwi settlement, a family-run farm, and then a marine defence base during WWII.

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.
• Take the Mackays Crossing exit off State Highway 1 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.

Know before you go 

• Check Department of Conservation for alerts or closures before you visit.
• Get ready using Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews, and a packing list. For weather forecasts, check MetService.
• Summer open hours: 8am to 9pm. Winter open hours: 8am to 6pm.
• Take durable footwear, sunscreen, food and water. The track can be muddy after rain. 
• 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. Be respectful, close gates behind you, and don’t bring dogs.

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