For More Information

Go to www.kapiticoast.govt.nz
Phone (04) 276 4700 or FREECALL 0800 486 486
Other brochures that may be obtained from
The Department of Conservation, Greater
Wellington Regional Council or online at
www.gw.govt.nz:
Queen Elizabeth Park
Mountain Biking in the Regional Parks and
Forests

K apiti
Coast
Walking and Cycling

Akatarawa Forest
Mangaone Walkway
Tararua Forest Park
Six day tramps, 40 minute loops, swing bridges
and kayaking adventures. Enter the park from
taki Gorge Road off SH1.
Kpiti Island
Its Mori history and environmental
significance make this island one of Kpitis
greatest treasures. Climb to the summit,
commune with the birds or explore the recently
opened northern end.

Connecting People to
their Community and
People to the Land

To visit the island you will need a visitors

permit from DOC. Phone 04 296 1112 or
email:wellington.doc.govt.nz.

Would you like to make a donation or pledge

to construct more paths? Visit the Pathways
Trust website at: www.kcrpt.org.nz

Kpiti Coastal Cycle Route

This is a well signposted cycling route which links
Paekkriki to Peka Peka. It is never far from the
sea, sand dunes or inspiring views of Kpiti Island
and the top of the South Island. It is marked on the
map as a blue dashed line.

April 2010

KEEP SAFE
Check the weather before you
set out and dress appropriately.
Wear strong, comfortable shoes
and take adequate drinking water
and food for longer walks.
Be considerate to others - share the paths:
Bikes give way to pedestrians.
Bikes and pedestrians give way to horses.

He Tonga te Whenua
Land is a Treasure

Te Ara Whakamua
The Future

Me huri whakamuri, ka titiro whakamua

It is by remembering our past, that we can plan
for the future

The Kpiti Coast is rich in history. Some of the tracks

shown on this map are associated with significant
events or landmarks for Mori and Pkeha.

The tngata whenua of the Kpiti Coast District

are Te ti Awa ki Whakarongotai, Ngti Raukawa
ki te Tonga and Ngti Toa Rangatira, a collective
known as the ART Confederation. In the 18201830s, they were firmly established in the District
and were signatories to the Treaty of Waitangi at
Kpiti Island (14 May, 1840), Waikanae (16 May,
1840), taki (19 May, 1840), Motungarara Island
(4 June, 1840) and again on Kpiti Island (19 June,
1840). Although the history books cite them as
being allies, they were more than that; they were
strongly linked through whakapapa. Therefore,
from this time until the present, tngata whenua
have practiced and continue to practice their
kaitiakitanga role.
Kaitiakitanga means guardianship, protection,
preservation or sheltering. It is a way of managing
the environment based on a traditional Mori
world view. Traditionally, Mori believe there is
a deep kinship between mankind and the natural
world. All living things are connected, this
includes, soil, water, flora and fauna. Like other
indigenous cultures, Mori consider mankind to
be part of the fabric of life. To understand this
concept is to understand the relationships between
the different parts that form the fabric of life.
Kaitiakitanga is a vehicle for rediscovering and
applying these ideas.
Te Ahukaram Charles Royal. 'Kaitiakitanga
guardianship and conservation - Understanding
kaitiakitanga', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand,
updated 2-Mar-09
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/kaitiakitangaguardianship-and-conservation/1

If you would like to be involved in helping protect

the land, sea and wildlife in your area, please contact
Kpiti Coast District Council: (04) 296 4700 and ask
for a copy of the Environmental Directory which
lists all Environmental Care Volunteer groups in the
District.

Ng Ingoa o Kpiti
Kpiti Place Names
The place names of the Kpiti Coast have origins
from early Mori who arrived on the canoe,
Kurahaupo. Whatonga (Captain of the Kurahaupo)
named Kpiti Island for his decendants Tara and
Rangitne.
Kpiti Island derived from the full name Te
Waewae Kpiti o Tara rua ko Rangitne (the joined
footprints of Tara and Rangitne). Kpiti Island
indicated the land boundaries for both iwi; Ngi Tara
- Kpiti Island South and Rangitne - Kpiti Island
North.
Another significant person from the Kurahaupo was
Haunui-a-nanaia, a tohunga expert in incantations.
Hau travelled around the lower North Island and is
responsible for naming many rivers and places that
are still used today.
taki derived from Te takitaki o Hau
(the place where Hau placed his staff in the ground
and intoned a ritual)
Waikanae the river of kanae (mullet). Hau saw a
river full of kanae while following Wairaka.
Paraparaumu morsels, sediment
It is said Hau likened the sea foam on the shoreline to
the morsels around a huge oven.
Raumati summer
Originally known as Wharemauku, house of mauku
ferns.
Paekkriki the perch of the kakariki (parakeet)

Green Belt walkway - the Millennium Walkway

Paekkriki to Peka Peka
This special walking route connects many reserves and
green areas in the Kpiti Coast District - from Paekkriki
to Peka Peka Beach. The route is split into six sections to
provide half day loop walks returning via the beach. It is
marked on the map as a green dashed line. All times are
one way.
1 Paekkriki - Fishermans Table to QE Park
Access: Just north of Fishermans Table, SH1, Paekkriki.
The track heads up steps into bush then follows the open
cliff tops. Continue through the reserve then into Ames
Street. Turn left into Beach Road and follow The Parade to
the Surf Club at the north end of the road.
Distance/Time: 3km /1 hour
2 Queen Elizabeth Park to Raumati South
Access: North end of Wellington Road, Paekkriki or cut
through to the Park from the Surf Club if continuing from
Section1. Follow the coastal or inland route through to
Raumati South, making sure to exit at Rainbow Court if
continuing with section3.
Distance/Time: 4km/1 hour 30mins
3 Raumati South to Weka Park
Access: Rainbow Court QE Park inland track exit. This
section starts with an urban walk along Tennis Court
Road, then east on Poplar Avenue to the corner of Matai
Road. Enter leased land over the stile (no buggies or dogs
in this section please). Continue through paddocks along
the track behind Raumati South School to Raumati Road.
Follow the track to Weka Park.
Distance/Time: 4.4km/1 hour 30mins
4 Weka Park Raumati to Kpiti Road
Access: Northern end of Weka Park. Cross foot-bridge
then walk along west bank of Wharemauku Stream. At
the airport follow the dirt track left beside the drain and
through to MacGrath Avenue. There are some stiles on
this track.
Distance/Time: 2.42km/30mins.
5 Kpiti Road to Otaihanga Domain
Access: North side of Kpiti Road. Follow the marker
poles to the gate at the rear of Oakley Court on
Eatwell Avenue and on to cross Mazengarb Road by
Paraparaumu College. Continue through to Kotuku
Lakes checking out Arapawaiti Cemetery Reserve near
the Manly Street roundabout and the sandhill lookout
before joining the cycle route to the Otaihanga Domain.
Distance/Time: 5.05km/1 hour 15mins

6 Waikanae Beach to Peka Peka

Access: Otaihanga Domain. Cross bridge,
turn left down river to the Waimanu Lagoons.
Follow the marker poles around to Huiawa
Street and Field Way. After crossing Waimea
Stream go on to the beach and north for
25mins, to Peka Peka.
Distance/Time: 5km/1 hour 45mins

Paekkriki/QE Park
1 Fishermans Table to QE Park
Access: 50m north of Fishermans Table, SH1,
Paekkriki. Walk through cliff top bush, down
Ames Street and turn left into Beach Road. Walk
north along The Parade to the Surf Club then
return along the beach (tide permitting).
Distance/Time: 3km/1 hour
Highlights: Bush and beachfront walk.
2 Queen Elizabeth Park
Access: Paekkriki (north end of Wellington
Road). Mackays Crossing (off SH1). Raumati
South (turn off SH1 into Poplar Ave, follow the
road to its end at the Esplanade, turn left, drive
1km south to park entrance).
Coastal Track: 1 hour 15 mins one way. A
mostly gentle stroll along the coastal edge.
Inland Track: 1 hour 30 mins one way. A more
sheltered track through the sand dunes and
regenerating coastal vegetation.
Whareroa Stream Walk: a walk from the
Mackays Crossing entrance to the beach.
Highlights: Undulating dunes and plenty of
space to picnic, walk and cycle. Visit the World
War II United States Marines Corps display, take
a tram ride or just beach-comb.

Raumati and Paraparaumu

3 Mataihuka Walkway
Access: Via Raumati Escarpment Reserve - 0.5km up
Waterfall Road off SH 1.
From the car park on Waterfall Road follow the track
15mins up to the June Rowland lookout. Continue
along the ridgeline to the stone cairn. Return along the
same route. Steep in places.
Distance/Time: 2km/1 -1 hour 30mins return
Highlights: Extensive coastal views, regenerating
native bush.

Paekkriki/QE Park

Maungakotukutuku Valley
Access: From Valley Road east of Paraparaumu via the steep and windy
Maungakotukutuku Road.
22 Perhams Road: 1km from the summit. This access point to the
Akatarawa Forest Park is used mainly by motorbikes and on a quiet
weekday provides wonderful views near the intersection with Titi Road,
approx 4kms, 1 hour 30mins walk away.
23 Valley Walk: From the road end there is a pleasant walk or mountain
bike ride through pine forest following the stream. Return once you reach
the steel bailey vehicle bridge - after this point there is private land.
Time: 1 hour one way.
Highlights: A hidden treasure with many picnic spots along the river
valley.
24 Campbells Mill Road: 6 km easy gradient along farm track to lower
Mt Wanui and Akatarawa Forest. Good views of QE Park and Kpiti
Island. Links to Whareroa Farm and Perhams Road. Caution - grazing
stock.
Time: 2 hours to Whakatiki Gate.

Raumati, Paraparaumu & Waikanae

Raumati and Paraparaumu
3 Mataihuka Walkway
Access: Via Raumati Escarpment Reserve - 0.5km up
Waterfall Road off SH 1.
From the car park on Waterfall Road follow the track
15mins up to the June Rowland lookout. Continue
along the ridgeline to the stone cairn. Return along the
same route. Steep in places.
Distance/Time: 2km/1 -1 hour 30mins return
Highlights: Extensive coastal views, regenerating native
bush.
4 Wharemauku Stream
Access: Rimu Road (south of State Insurance Building),
Matatua Road or Kiwi Road. An easy path that runs
between Paraparaumu Town Centre and Raumati and
Paraparaumu Beach. Some stiles over fences on the
section to Paraparaumu Beach through Airport land.
Distance/Time: 2km/45mins
Highlights: Swarms of starlings at dusk, airplane
watching and spacious rural views.
5 Kaitawa Reserve & Pathway Network
Access: Kaitawa Crescent and Riwai Street or Epiha
Street Easy walks and a great sheltered picnic spot
amongst native trees. Various tracks and lengths. Steep
climb from Epiha Street up to the reservoir tank and
back down to the stream.
Distance: 1.5km of various tracks
Highlights: Kids will love the playground, flying fox
and safe creek.
6 Mazengarb Reserve
Access: Mazengarb Road, Realm Drive, or Guildford
Drive.
An easy walk alongside the stream or up to the trig
station to the east of Realm Drive.
Distance: 2km of various tracks
Highlights: A large playground, sports fields, pond and
great views from the trig station up on the hill.

7 Waikanae River Estuary Scientific Reserve

(Paraparaumu Beach)
Access: Opposite Manly Street and Hadfield Drive
intersection. Stop for estuary and sea views then walk
through to the end of Takahe Drive to the Kotuku
Lakes loop walk.
Distance/Time: 2km loop/
1 hour
Highlights: Bird life.
8 Nikau Reserve
Access: SH1 - Slip Road 1.5km north of Paraparaumu.
Parking at rest area. A loop track through nikau forest
with a steep climb to lookout.
Distance/Time: 0.7km/45mins
Highlights: Lush nikau palm forest. Wonderful views
of the coastal plain.

9 Waikanae River
(South bank)
Access: Otaihanga Domain or SH1 on the south side
of bridge. Track follows the south bank of the river
through private, rural land and reserves. This is a
popular horse trail.
Distance/Time: 4.6km/1 hour 30mins one way
Highlights: Restoration planting and a very peaceful
location.

Waikanae

Waikanae River (North Bank)
10
Access: Main entrances are off Karu Crescent,
Fleetwood Grove, Nimmo Avenue West, Greenaway
Road, Weggery Drive and Tutere Street. This gentle
walking track follows the north side of the river from
SH1 to Te Arawai Footbridge then on to the river
mouth through numerous parks, reserves and private
property. There are safe swimming spots and diverse
bird life along the way.
Distance/Time: 5.1km/round trip takes 2 hours 30mins
Highlights: Bird life and restoration planting.
11 Waimanu Lagoons
Access: Next to River Estuary at Waikanae Beach,
Tutere Street and Barrett Drive. A full loop walk
around both lagoons is possible - although wheelchair
access is on the east bank only.
Distance/Time: 2km/1 hour
Highlights: A sheltered picnic spot and great place to
bird watch.
12 Waimeha Lagoon
Access: Main access off Queens Road
Lagoon loop track (unformed in parts)
Distance/Time: 45min circuit
Highlights: Another great bird watching opportunity.

Raumati, Paraparaumu & Waikanae

Waikanae
ay
Field W

Rauparaha St

13 North Waikanae Beach to Peka Peka

Access: Rutherford Drive or Paetawa Road. A short walk to
the beach through Paetawa reserve provides a loop track via
Peka Peka Road. Horses often use this track.
Distance/Time: 3km/1 hour 15mins
Highlight: A more isolated beach walk on a quieter stretch of
the coast.
14 Hemi Matenga
Access: Tui Crescent. A moderate 50 min climb to viewpoint
at top of ridge. After this it becomes a tramping track that
requires route finding experience.
Distance/Time: 5.4km loop/3 hours 30mins
Highlights: Stream, native bush, and views over Waikanae
and Kpiti Island.
15 Kohekohe Track
Access: Tui Crescent or Kakariki Street. If starting at the
Hemi Matenga entrance follow the combined track for 10
mins then branch right to head south as signed. This is
a loop track that takes you along the face of the hill and
connects Kakariki and Tui Streets with a short bush/stream
track.
Distance/Time: 1.3km loop/30mins
Highlights: Nikau lined stream.
16 Waikanae Urban Parks
Access: It is possible to take a connecting walk between
Waikanae Park and the three small Waikanae bush reserves.
Highlights: Birdlife and bush.
17 Mangaone (from the south)
Access: End of Mangaone South Road. Pleasant, easy
gradient walk with two stream crossings, following an old
bush tram track to open pasture.
Distance/Time: 4km to open area/1 hour 30mins one way
Highlights: Secluded bush and river walk .

taki
taki

18 taki River walkway

- North Bank
Access: Turn off SH1 just north of bridge.
The path follows the north bank from SH1
to the coast. The first section passes by the
quarry so follow signs and stay on track.
Distance: (3.9km SH1 to beach)
Highlights: Panoramic view of the Tararua
and taki River mouth and Kpiti Island.
19 taki River walkway
- South Bank
Access: Turn off SH1 just south of bridge.
No beach access. Follow track from SH1
west for 1.5km until signs re private
property - please respect. No access to
beach.
Highlights: Country and riverside walk.
20 taki Forks
Access: End of taki Gorge Road off
SH1. This narrow winding road gives
access to short walks and three popular
tramping routes including the Southern
Crossing.
Highlights: Great picnic and swimming
spots, overnight camping with easily
accessible relics of the milling era.
For more information contact DOC
phone 04 296 1112 or www.doc.govt.nz.
21 Chrystalls Bend Walkway
Opening Times: Monday to Friday 5pm
until dusk. Saturday noon until dusk.
Sunday and Public Holidays dawn to dusk.
Access: From SH1 just north of bridge.
Distance: 2km to lagoon.
Time: 30mins.
Highlights: Picturesque Chrystalls Lagoon
and Waimanu Footbridge surrounded by
young native bush.