Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park is a natural treasure located at the southern end of the Kāpiti coast between Paekākāriki and Raumati South. Comprising sand dunes and wetlands, the huge (650ha) regional park is laced with 11 tracks, so grab your sneakers, bike or horse as there really is something for everyone!
With tracks ranging from the flats of the wetlands to traversing the rolling sand dunes, a lookout providing stunning views of both Mana and Kāpiti Island, the Queen Elizabeth Park is a destination not to be missed on the Kapiti Coast.
The park is suitable for the whole family, including the four-legged ones who are allowed off-leash in all areas except the wetlands, an idyllic spot for birdwatching. The wetland track is sealed and suitable for wheelchairs. or go bird spotting in the wetlands.
Full of history, there are two memorials to the WWII U.S. Marines which tell the story of the US Marines who trained here in WWII and the local residents at the time. The Yankee Trail connects the two sites with Camp Russell at the Mackays crossing entrance, Whareroa Rd and Camp Paekākāriki at the Paekākāriki entrance, Wellington Rd.
Wanting to slow the pace? Jump on the tram for a ride to the beach Visit the Wellington Tramway Museum or take a tram ride from Mackays Crossing to Whareroa Beach and back. Open weekends and public holidays 11am.
Whareroa beach, located at the southern end of the park, is excellent for picnicking, swimming, surfing, walking the dog or relaxing with the family. If kai moana is what you are after, you can surf cast from the beach.
An idyllic spot for equestrian enthusiasts, there are multiple tracks you can ride a horse which connect with access points to the beach at Paekākāriki, Whareroa and Raumati South, including some horse-only tracks. Regional equestrian events are often held at Mackays crossing, which the public is welcome to come ad watch.
There’s plenty of opportunity for easy cycling on the park’s tracks, including the winding Te Ara o Whareroa shared path, which skirts the dunes for 6 km, connecting Raumati South and Paekākāriki. This is a sealed track which provides the perfect place for a family bike ride or scoot, and is shared with walkers and runners.
The Park is always open to foot traffic. Vehicle gates are open 8am-6pm 1 April – 30 Sept, and 8am-9pm 1 Oct – 31 Mar.
The Ramaroa Centre
Queen Elizabeth Park, Paekākāriki
The Ramaroa Centre at the entrance to the park has shelter, bathrooms, and a meeting space for hire. The park rangers are also based here.
The building is inspired by the park's landscape and heritage - from Māori life in the wetland region, to more recent stories of European settlement and the place of the US Marines in the park during WWII.
Community groups can hire the meeting space. There is seating for 60 people, a kitchen and audiovisual system.
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!