Tracks & walks in Kapiti
Historic heritage in Kapiti
Discover the Kapiti Island Nature Reserve and Kapiti Marine Reserve in the Kapiti Area. Explore some of the other reserves such as Colonial Knob, Hemi Matenga, Papaitonga, Waikanae Estuary or Mana Island. Or hit one of the many trails at Otaki Forks which is the main western entrance to Tararua Forest Park.
You can walk to the 19th century reservoirs at the Colonial Knob Scenic Reserve, Kapiti. Mt Taranaki and the Kaikoura Range can be seen from the summit.Location: The reserve is located on the hills west of Tawa and Linden.
Hemi Matenga Memorial Park Scenic Reserve is a historic native forest situated near Waikanae in the Wellington region.Location: The reserve overlooks Waikanae.
Kapiti is one of the few accessible island nature reserves. There you can observe birds that are either very rare or absent from the mainland. Access is by permit only.Alert: Visitors can choose from two destinations, Rangatira or the north end. Both require a visitor access permit from DOC.Location: Kapiti Island lies about 5 km off the west coast of the southern North Island.
The underwater scenery, exceptionally clear waters, and rich animal and plant life attract many visitors to Kapiti Marine Reserve.Location: Kapiti Marine Reserve is 30 kilometres from Wellington city and is located between Paraparaumu and Waikanae beaches and Kapiti Island.
Mana Island Scientific Reserve lies off the west coast of Wellington. A restored woolshed houses historic displays and walking tracks lead to spectacular views.Location: The 217 hectare island is only 2.5 km from the mainland at its closest point.
Otaki Forks is the main western entrance to the Tararua Forest Park. The area has been developed for a wide range of activities.Location: Otaki Forks is 19km inland from Otaki township – about 1½ hour's drive from Wellington or Palmerston North.
Papaitonga is a dune lake in Horowhenua. The scenic reserve is an important sanctuary for recovering wetlands birds.Location: The lake lies in the Horowhenua coastal plain.
Pauatahanui Inlet is largest relatively unmodified estuarine area in the southern North Island. It has viewing hides, tracks, a visitor centre and a picnic area.Location: Pauatahanui Inlet is an east-west running arm of Porirua Harbour, 30km north of Wellington.
Tararua Forest Park spans two areas, Kapiti and Wairarapa. This link will take you to the information about the park. You will be in the places to visit in Wairarapa section of the website.Alert: Take extreme care on the Mangahao Roadend and Mangahao Flats Hut sections of the Mangahao Track, which has been damaged by slips.Location: Tararua Forest Park includes more than three-quarters of the Tararua range, and extends from the Pahiatua Track in the north, to the Rimutaka Saddle on SH2 in the south.
Bird watching, whitebaiting, walking and picnicking are among the activities you can enjoy at Waikanae Estuary and Paraparaumu Beach.Alert: Beware of soft sand near water.Location: Waikanae Estuary is located between Paraparaumu and Waikanae on the Kapiti coast north of Wellington.
Whitireia Park in Porirua city provides leisure activities such as fishing, mountain-biking, and walking.Alert: A fire burnt a large area of the park on 21 February 2010 Location: Whitireia Park is on Te Onepoto Peninsula, overlooking the entrance to Porirua Harbour from the west.
back to top
NZ weather
New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres
Important notices about DOC managed areas in the Wellington region
Wellington NZ website
Footnotes - Wellington Hawke's Bay Conservancy newsletter
Stop the spread of didymoCheck, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.
Safety information
Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.
Wellington Visitor Centre Phone: +64 4 384 7770 Address: 18 Manners StreetWellington Email: Full office details
