Nature trails and walks

A 45-minute train ride out of town is the unmissable Te Araroa Paekakariki Escarpment Walk. This exciting 10 kilometre walk has spectacular views of Kāpiti Island from high above the Kāpiti coastline. It takes you from Paekakariki to Pukerua Bay and involves many steps, swing bridges and narrow tracks hugging the hills. The views are worth every step. The Skyline Walkway closer to town is a walk along the city’s highest ridgelines and peaks from Makara Peak to Mount Kaukau. The 14.2 kilometre walk is challenging in parts but the views are astounding and, if you fancy, it can be mountain-biked as well. A slightly more family friendly walk is The Southern Walkway which starts in the CBD and follows the Town Belt though some of the city’s best parks and suburbs - highlight include Oriental Bay, Mount Victoria, Sinclair Park, the Taputeranga Marine Reserve and it finishes at Island Bay. Do all or just part of it and enjoy a satisfying day.