Paekākāriki Escarpment Track
Part of the national Te Araroa Trail, by which walkers travel the length of New Zealand from Cape Reinga to Bluff, the Paekākāriki Escarpment Track is a 9.1km walk offering some of the most spectacular views on the Kāpiti Coast.
Loved by locals and visitors alike, the Paekākāriki Escarpment Track is one of the top 5 walks in the Greater Wellington region.
Not for the faint of heart (or those with vertigo), the track climbs rapidly, reaching 220m above sea level at its peak. Work to build the track began as an idea in 1997 and was completed in 2016.
Paekākāriki Escarpment Track
9.1km | 3-4 hours | Suitable for: Walking, TRAIL RUNNING
Paekākāriki - Pukerua Bay
Take in spectacular views of Kapiti Island from high above the Kāpiti Coastline on one of the region’s finest walking experiences.
The Paekākāriki Escarpment Track runs from Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay, taking in sweeping views of the spectacular Kāpiti Coastline and the region’s famous Kapiti Island.
See the recent review here: Walking the Escarpment Track
For the latest information on the status of the track (including any closures) see: www.teararoa.org.nz/before-you-go/alerts-and-trail-status
LOCAL SECRET: THE BEST WAY TO WALK THE ESCARPMENT TRACK
The locals all know that the best way to walk the track is from North to South - and here is why:
- There is ample parking in Paekākāriki - find a spot and leave your car safely for the day.
- Use the toilets before you leave and grab extra snacks from the Village Store before heading up the track.
- The steepest climb is first so it is done and dusted early in the walk, leaving you fresh enough to really enjoy the rest of the walk
- You're not walking into the sun - which makes for great photos and reduces the sunburn factor.
- When you get to the end, jump on a train and head back to Paekākāriki for lunch or well-deserved ice cream.
- Add the icing to your cake - pop down to the beach and take a swim to top off a perfect day.
Visit the Wellington Regional Trails "Find Your Wild" website to see full details on walking this iconic Kāpiti trail.
Find Your Wild
From natural vegetation to native lizard populations and finally the track itself, this Porirua and Kāpiti Coast trail has been invigorated by the hands of hardworking volunteers.
Beach Road Deli
5 Beach Rd, Paekakariki
Beach Road Deli is the Paekākāriki locals' pantry and caffeine hub. Using a fair trade organic Wellington roasted coffee by The Immigrants Son, they thrive on making deluxe coffee.
Their baker is up at the crack of dawn, baking fresh rolls and baked goods. With the majority of baking done on-site, you can be sure it is just how your nana baked with no nasties or additives. Handmade artisan goodness at its finest. Keep an eye our for their pizza nights! Yum!
Paekākāriki Beach
Nestled between the sea and hills, Paekākāriki Beach is a popular choice for swimmers, surfers and bodyboarders alike, and has some great fishing spots. Safe swimming is available at the north end of The Parade where the Paekākāriki Surf Lifeguards patrol during the summer months.
Adjacent to the northern tip of the beach lies Queen Elizabeth Park an ideal place to explore, walk, cycle or horse ride the multiple tracks on offer. For an old school summer holiday look no further than Paekākāriki Holiday Park. Hungry? Head to Beach Road Deli and The Perching Parrot in the village, or family-friendly Paekākāriki institution Fishermans Table for a bite. Find out more of what Paekākāriki Village has to offer.
Facilities include: Car parking, toilets and changing rooms.
Make a weekend of it!
The Kāpiti Coast is the perfect place for a weekend break - turning your visit into something truly special!
Stay amongst the trees in a handcrafted cabin, listen to the waves as you sleep in a beachside bach or be daring with a night of glamping. You'll be astounded by the selection of lovely accommodation options including 5-star luxury lodges, hotels, motels and campgrounds and a huge number of high-quality peer-to-peer spaces (like Air BnBs) - with 500+ properties listed at any one time!
Find the perfect trail!
Whether walking, running, hiking, or riding a horse, a mountain bike or an e-bike, you'll find the perfect place here on the Kāpiti Coast with this map!