Kapiti Coast – Guide for Backpackers

© Pipe42 on Wikipedia

Otaki and Tararua Forest Park

Otaki is the northernmost township on the Kapiti Coast. On one side of the small town, you have the black sand Otaki Beach with a stunning view of Kapiti Island.

Although it’s a safe swimming beach for a cool down on a warm day, arguably the best time to visit the beach is for the sunset. You’ll want to get some pictures of the sun creating a silhouette of Kapiti Island.

On the other side of Otaki, heading inland, there’s the Otaki Forks on the Otaki River. This is the western entrance of the Tararua Forest Park.

The Otaki Forks Campsite is a great place to base yourself for hiking or white-water kayaking, or simply to take in the surrounding river and forest.

Plus, bookings are not required. Find out more in Where to Camp in Wellington.

From the car park, you can take advantage of some of the walks:

Arcus Loop (50-minute Return)

Embark on the Arcus Loop, a delightful 3.5 km trail near Ōtaki that’s part of the iconic Te Araroa Trail. This easy walk commemorates the Arcus family, who farmed the area from the 1930s.

Starting at Boielle Flat, cross the Waiotauru River footbridge and meander through river terraces and gullies. As you climb to join the Field Track, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the campground and river.

Fenceline Loop (1 hr 30 mins Return)

We love this loop track that winds through regenerating forest above the Ōtaki Forks campsite. You’ll be treated to stunning vistas of the Waiotauru Valley along the way.

The Fenceline Walk crosses a slip about 10 minutes from the carpark, so take extra care in this area. It’s a great way to stretch your legs and soak in the natural beauty of the area.

Waiotauru Walk (20-minute Return)

We love this easy 1.2 km (0.75 mi) track that leads to a fascinating piece of New Zealand’s timber industry history. Starting from the Fenceline Track car park, the trail follows a gentle gradient through lush forest.

While crossing several active slips, the walk rewards you with the remains of a historic mill site, one of the best-preserved examples in the country.

Find out more about the three above walks on the Department of Conservation (DOC) website.

Field Hut and Table Top (5-6 Hours Return) and The Southern Crossing (3 Days)

Embark on a classic day trip to the western Tararua Range or begin your journey on the iconic Southern Crossing. From the Ōtaki Forks carpark, Field Track climbs steadily through kamahi and beech forest for 2-2.5 hours to the historic Field Hut at 900 m.

Above, traverse leatherwood shrubland to reach Table Top (1,047 m), where a boardwalk extends across subalpine bogs. Enjoy sweeping views of the Main Range and Ōtaki River gorges.

Return in 5-6 hours or continue on the challenging three-day Southern Crossing to Kaitoke.

Gentle Annie (3 Hrs 30 Mins Return)

Starting from the Donnelly Flat Loop Walk, the Gentle Annie Track offers a delightful journey through the Tararua Forest Park.

We love how the first stretch leads to Rocky Lookout, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of Mount Holdsworth and the upper Atiwhakatu Valley. From here, you can spot the popular Powell and Jumbo huts.

Continue on to reach the junction with the Totara Creek Track after 1.5 hours. The trail then crosses scenic boardwalks through Pig Flat’s heathland before reaching Mountain House Shelter, nestled among silver beech trees.

© Grutness at English Wikipedia

Waikanae

There’s more beach fun to be had in Waikanae, plus the small town is also close to the gentle Waikanae River. There is a 10 km (6 mi) well-formed walking and cycling loop track going down/up both sides of the river for those that want to go exploring.

Boardwalks go through the Waikanae Estuary, which is a scientific reserve for around 60 species of waders and seabirds, such as the dotterel, pukeko, dabchick, and oystercatcher.

However, if you catch yourself in Waikanae on a rainy day, never fear! There is the Shore Line Cinema.

Finally, those with a self-contained vehicle can take advantage of the many freedom camping spots in the area. Find out where you can camp for free in 15 Free Camp Spots in Wellington.

© Nick Wall - Tourism New Zealand

Paraparaumu

You guessed it, more beaches! If you want a swim in somewhere a bit warmer then head to the Coastlands Aquatic Centre. It’s also worth trying New Zealand’s famous cheeses and ice-creams at Kapiti Cheeses along State Highway 1 near the Nikau Reserve.

Those interested in taking to the skies and getting a bird’s eye view of the Kapiti Coast can go on a gliding trial flight. From Paraparaumu Airport you can take either a 20-minute, 40-minute or an hour flight.

Paraparaumu Beach is also the location where you can take the ferry to Kapiti Island, where you pick up your tickets from the kiosk at MacLean Park.

Find more activities in the 10 Excellent Things to Do in Paraparaumu.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Kapiti Island

Get a taste of what life used to be like in New Zealand before human migration. Kapiti Island is one of the few accessible nature reserve islands in New Zealand. With it are native birds that you rarely see (or don’t see at all) on the mainland. Look out for the kaka, saddleback, weka, takahe, wood pigeon and little spotted kiwi.

To access the island, you either need to go with a tour operator, such as Capital Personalised Tours, or a Kapiti Coast Private Tour with Wainuiomata Taxis, or purchase a ferry ticket with the DoC permit at the kiosk in MacLean Park, Paraparaumu.

With a tour operator, there’s a chance to learn about the wildlife and history of the island, stay on the island overnight, and even goto see a seal colony or kiwi spotting at night.

If you are going to Kapiti Island without a tour operator, then you can either access the walking tracks at Rangatira or the Northern End.

At Rangatira you’ll take the short and easy Rangatira Flat Walk before approaching a choice of two walks:

Wilkinson Track via Rangatira Loop Walk (28-Minutes Return)

This 1.4 km loop takes you on a diverse adventure, from coastal paths to wetland boardwalks, culminating in a rewarding climb to the summit of Mount Toteremoana. While not overly steep, the track offers a bit of a challenge with stunning views as your reward.

Trig and Wilkinson Track Loop (3 Hours Return)

We love this stunning walk taking you through a beautiful wildlife sanctuary to the summit of Tuteremoana.

The loop offers dramatic coastal views and a chance to spot unique birdlife. Just be careful after wet weather, as the track can get muddy and slippery in places. Access the island by boat from Paraparaumu.

Waikanae River Trail (2 Hrs 30 Mins Return)

Waikanae River Trail, one of the Kāpiti region’s most popular tracks. This versatile trail caters to walkers, runners, horse riders and bikers alike.

Following the river from Otaihanga to Waikanae, it’s an easy 9 km loop that takes about 2.5 hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of safe, shallow spots for a refreshing dip.

Okupe Valley Loop Walk (1 Hr 30 Mins Return)

The Okupe Valley Loop Track on Kāpiti Island offers a captivating journey through diverse landscapes.

We love how this walk takes you through grassland, shrubland and forest, leading to a lookout with stunning views of the coastline and freshwater Okupe Lagoon.

A shelter near the trailhead provides a convenient spot for a breather. Access this hidden gem by boat from Paraparaumu, making it a true island adventure.

Find out more about the walks on the DOC website.

© Henry Burrows on Flickr

Raumati

Raumati refers to Raumati South and Raumati Beach. Its claim to fame is the Kapiti College, where Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson studied.

Other than a fantastic beach, Raumati has more to offer inland at the Akatarawa Forest. Although many of the walking tracks to the forest can be accessed from the Hutt Valley, the track to Mt Titi is accessed from Maungakotukutuku Road just outside of Raumati.

Mt Titiraupenga (4 Hours Return)

Looking for a challenging adventure? Head to Mt Titiraupenga for a rewarding hike with stunning views. Start your journey at the Centre of the North Island cairn, then turn right onto the Mt Titiraupenga Track. You’ll join the Arataki Track (a bit overgrown) at a lookout point just below the summit rock.

While the summit itself is tapu (sacred) Māori land, the trek offers breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding landscape.

Remember to respect cultural values by not climbing the summit rock. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in both nature and local culture.

© Flying Saucer - WellingtonNZ

Paekakariki

You have now reached the southern end of the Kapiti Coast. Congratulations! You will be rewarded with, you guessed it, another beach! This time, Paekakariki Beach offers some decent surf breaks.

From Paekakariki, you are close to two recreational parks, Queen Elizabeth Park on the coast and Whareroa Farm inland from the town. Both will keep you entertained and amazed with walking, biking and horse riding tracks. (Read more about the parks below)!

For more activities in the area, check out the 5 Super Things to Do in Paekakariki.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Queen Elizabeth Park

Queen Elizabeth Park is the last remaining natural sand dunes in the Kapiti Coast. The park is ideal for cycling and horse riding, the last of which can be done with a local horse riding operator. You can also take your pick of walking tracks starting from MacKays Crossing, off State Highway 1:

Te Ara o Whareroa Trail (2 Hours Return)

Experience the stunning Kapiti Coast on this 6 km sealed trail connecting Raumati to Paekakariki. We love how the wide, two-way path caters to cyclists and walkers alike, with gentle gradients and no tricky steps.

Enjoy picnic areas, interpretive signs about local wildlife, and strategically placed seating along the route. Just be mindful near the aerodrome and tram tracks. With multiple entry points and ample parking, it’s a breeze to explore this coastal gem.

Coastal Track (2 Hours Return)

We love the Coastal Loop, a gem near Paekakariki in the Wellington region. This popular spot offers a diverse range of activities, from camping and swimming to fishing and cycling.

Be sure to visit the Tramway Museum near the MacKays Crossing entrance, where you can board a historic tram to Whareroa Beach for a unique coastal experience.

Inland Track (3 Hours Return)

We love the Inland Track for its diverse landscapes and stunning views. This popular trail offers a mix of stable sandhills and thriving native flora. It’s relatively easy with some moderate sections, making it ideal for families or a quick lunchtime run.

On clear days, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Tasman Sea, forested foothills, and even the distant Marlborough Sounds.

Yankee Trail (1 Hr 30 Mins Return)

Retrace the steps of US Marines on the Yankee Trail, a historic track connecting Camp Mackay and Paekākāriki during World War II.

This sheltered forest trail begins at the Paekākāriki entrance to Queen Elizabeth Park on Wellington Road, following the Wainui Stream to the Marines Memorial. The mostly unsealed surface is suitable for mountain biking, with a few small undulations and one steeper section.

© Von Der ursprünglich hochladende Benutzer on Wikipedia

Whareroa Farm

Just across State Highway 1 from MacKays Crossing at Queen Elizabeth Park is Whareroa Farm. This recreation area complete with regenerating vegetation goes high into the hills to offer excellent views over the Kapiti Coast.

The best way to get to these lookouts, of course, is by walking track:

Stream Loop Track (12 Minutes Return)

This short wheelchair-accessible walk near the carpark offers a delightful stroll through regenerating shrubland. Suitable for mountain buggies too, it’s perfect for families and those seeking a quick nature fix.

We love how this track showcases the area’s natural beauty in just a brief excursion.

Coastal Lookout (15 Minutes One Way)

Starting near the carpark, this scenic track zigzags up the hillside, rewarding hikers with breathtaking panoramic coastal views. On clear days, you’ll be treated to vistas stretching across the Marlborough Sounds, Kapiti Island, and the Kapiti coast.

It’s a short but rewarding climb that showcases the stunning beauty of New Zealand’s coastline.

Cairn View Track (40 Minutes One Way)

Embark on a rewarding climb to stunning coastal and farmland vistas. Starting near the carpark, follow the stream loop and Farm Race to Cairn View Track.

The trail ascends to a scenic lookout, offering panoramic views of the farm, coastline, and historic sites like Camp McKay and the old water reservoir.

Return the same way or join Ti Kouka Loop for a varied descent. We personally love the diverse landscapes this track showcases!

Forest Loop Walk (45 Minutes Return)

We personally love this scenic track that zigzags up the Coastal Lookout Walk before traversing through a stunning remnant of kohekohe forest.

Starting near the carpark, you’ll journey through what was once the dominant forest along the Kapiti coast. The loop concludes with a relaxing stroll along the farm race, offering diverse landscapes in one compact walk.

For more details on each walk, check out the DOC website.