5 STUNNING WALKS IN WAIKANAE

As I was putting this post together, I was reminded of how stunning Waikanae is.

All these walks are so varied, but the one thing they have in common?

A view of Kapiti Island (weather permitting).

Here are the five walks:

1. Hemi Matenga Reserve (easy-medium | 30 mins – 3 hours)
2. Waikanae River Walk (easy | 1 – 3 hours)
3. Waikanae Beach Walk (easy | 20 mins – 2 hours)
4. Kapakapanui Track (medium-hard | 4 – 8 hours)
5. Pharazyn Reserve (easy | 15 mins – 1 hour)
6. A map of the walks

1. HEMI MATENGA RESERVE WALKS

If you look inland from anywhere in Waikanae, you’ll see the green-faced hill of Hemi Matenga Reserve looking over the town. Inside the reserve, there’s a few tracks you can take:

• Parata Track
• Te Au Track
• Kohekohe Loop

I recommend you go up the Parata Track which links up with the Te Au Track where you’ll find the viewpoint the photo above was taken (it’s one of my favourite views). You’ll be walking under the forest canopy 99% of the time and anyone with some basic fitness can make it. If you’d like a shorter walk, the Kohekohe Loop is the way to go.

This is the best option for those looking for bushwalks in Waikanae.

GET THE FULL DETAILS: THE THREE WALKING TRACKS IN HEMI MATENGA SCENIC RESERVE

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2. THE WAIKANAE RIVER WALK

The Waikanae River begins in the Tararua Ranges and makes it way down the valley, before meandering along the edge of Waikanae and into the Tasman Sea. When I mention the Waikanae River Walk I’m speaking about the pedestrian tracks running between the bridge crossing the river on the old State Highway and the beachfront. If you stick to the Waikanae Side of the river, the track runs for about 6km until it meets the Waikanae River car park.

Along the way, you’ll follow the river and pass by El Rancho, Otaihanga Bridge, Jim Cooke Park, and numerous picnic areas. It’s a really peaceful walk loved by locals. If you’re keen, you can take a swim in the river.

When you’re at the beach end of the river, you can also walk around the Waimanu Lagoon (birdlife galore) which is an ~2km loop itself.

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3. WAIKANAE BEACH WALK

This isn’t a formal walk, but a walk along Waikanae Beach on a nice day, preferably at sunset, is superb. The beach is never that busy so overcrowding isn’t an issue and well, as you can see above the sunsets are stunning thanks to Kapiti Island providing a backdrop.

Most people will park somewhere between the Boating Club and Four Square (there’s lots of parking space) and start walking from there. The beach stretches three kilometres between Waikane River and Waimea Stream, so you can spend a good couple hours here.

Afterward there’s the cafes and shops on Tutere Street to enjoy (the nearest fish and chips are at Waikanae Beach Takeaways).

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4. THE KAPAKAPANUI TRACK

This track on the edge of the rugged Tararua Ranges is not for the faint-hearted. You can easily do this in half a day, but you can make it and overnight adventure staying at the Kapakapanui Hut.

That’s not to say it’s not a contender for the best day trips from Wellington.

I can never seem to get a glimpse of Kapiti Island when I’m here (pesky clouds), but the terrain and views of the other ridges making up the ranges are amazing (check the full post below for more photos). At 11km with 1000 metres or so of elevation, you’ve got a good few hours of adventure here.

As it’s the hardest of these Waikanae walks, if you’re an inexperienced hiker you’ll be better off tackling the Hemi Matenga walk.

GET THE FULL DETAILS: WALKING THE KAPAKAPANUI TRACK

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5. PHARAZYN RESERVE

Located at the north end of Waikanae Beach, Pharazyn Reserve is the most low key of these walks and one I wasn’t familiar with until 2020. On one side of the road there’s a couple of lakes with a bird hide for the bird nerds a large grassy area with a playground by the lakes.

And on the other side of Rutherford Drive there’s a nice track that rolls through the sand dunes leading to Waikanae Beach where you’ll get that view in the photo above. Weeeee.

RELATED POST: TOP LOCATIONS FOR TAKING PHOTOS OF KAPITI ISLAND

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A MAP OF THE WALKS IN WAIKANAE

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I was 10/10 lucky to grow up in a beautiful town with a variety of things to do. Note to self: appreciate Waikanae more.

If you’ve got any questions, drop a message in the comments. Or leave a photo from your walk, I’d be stoked to see some.

p.s. Keep an eye out for kawakawa leaves if you fancy trying to make kawakawa tea.

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RECOMMENDED READING

Things to do in Kapiti

What I think are the best activities to do on the Kapiti Coast.

A visit to Kapiti Island

If you’re over just looking at Kapiti Island on these walks, go take a day trip to visit Kapiti Island.

The Mangaone Walkway

This could have been included in the post, but it’s not my favourite. It might be for you though!

Walks in Wellington

A selection of walks in the Wellington region, including the ones in this post of course.