Escarpment Track

The Escarpment Track runs from Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay, taking in sweeping views of the spectacular Kāpiti Coastline and the region’s famous Kāpiti Island.

Heading south, the trail starts by following the Kāpiti railway line then veers uphill and across privately-owned farmland. You’ll climb 220 metres above sea level and navigate steep narrow pathways on what is one of the highlights of the Te Araroa Trail. The Escarpment Track can be walked in either direction but most choose to walk from north to south.

Families of all ages regularly enjoy this trail, but it is not recommended for the faint-hearted: you’ll scale around 1,200 steep steps, navigate narrow pathways across ridgelines, and traverse two swing bridges.

Getting there:

You can access The Escarpment Track from either Paekākāriki or Pukerua Bay, both an easy one hour journey from Wellington by train or vehicle. Follow the signposts to the start of the trail. The walking distance from station to station is 10km.

Train timetables are available from the Metlink website and tickets can be purchased onboard with cash.