Exploring Queen Elizabeth Park: A Trail Guide
Queen Elizabeth Park, located on the Kapiti Coast of New Zealand, offers a diverse range of walking trails for visitors to explore and enjoy. With its stunning coastal views, lush native bush, and fascinating history, the park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will delve into the various walking trails available in Queen Elizabeth Park, providing you with all the information you need to plan your visit and make the most of your time in this beautiful part of New Zealand.
1. What is the Queen Elizabeth Park?
Queen Elizabeth Park is a 650-hectare regional park situated on the Kapiti Coast, just an hour’s drive from Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city.
The park boasts a rich history, with evidence of Maori occupation dating back to the 15th century, as well as remnants of World War II military installations.
Today, the park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a variety of recreational activities such as walking, cycling, picnicking, and birdwatching.
2. How to get to Queen Elizabeth Park
To reach Queen Elizabeth Park, you can either drive or take public transport. If driving from Wellington, head north on State Highway 1 and take the Raumati exit.
Follow the signs to the park, which is approximately 3km from the highway.
Alternatively, you can catch a train from Wellington to Paekakariki Station and then walk or cycle the 2km to the park entrance.
3. Walking in Queen Elizabeth Park
Walking is one of the main attractions of Queen Elizabeth Park, with a variety of trails catering to different fitness levels and interests.
The park’s walking tracks meander through diverse landscapes, including coastal dunes, wetlands, and native bush.
Many of the trails are also suitable for cycling and horse riding, making the park a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
4. List of all the trails in Queen Elizabeth Park
Below is a list of the trails in Queen Elizabeth Park.
- Peatland Ridge Track
- Dune Swamp Loop
- Old Farm Track
- Inland Track
- Yankee Trail
- Te Ara o Whareroa
- Kānuka Track
- Whareroa Stream Loop
- Coastal Track
- Peatland Loop
- Te Ara o Tipapa (wetland walk)
5. Peatland Ridge Track
The Peatland Ridge Track is a 2.5km loop trail that takes you through a mix of native bush and open grasslands.
Starting at the Whareroa Farm entrance, the track climbs gently up to the Peatland Ridge, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including the Kapiti Coast and the South Island on a clear day.
As you walk along the ridge, you’ll pass through groves of native trees, such as kahikatea and totara, as well as open grassy areas that provide a habitat for various bird species. The track then descends back to the starting point, making it suitable for walkers of all fitness levels.
6. Dune Swamp Loop
This 3km loop trail takes you through a unique dune swamp ecosystem, showcasing the park’s diverse flora and fauna.
Starting at the Raumati Beach entrance, the track meanders through a series of boardwalks and sandy paths, allowing you to observe the various plant species that thrive in this environment, such as flax, cabbage trees, and sedges.
Keep an eye out for native birds, including tui, kereru, and fantails, as well as the occasional banded dotterel or variable oystercatcher along the shoreline.
The Dune Swamp Loop is an easy walk suitable for families and those looking for a leisurely stroll.
7. Old Farm Track
The Old Farm Track is a 4km trail that takes you through the park’s historic farmland, offering glimpses of the area’s past agricultural use.
Starting at the Whareroa Farm entrance, the track follows an old farm road, passing by remnants of the original farm buildings and paddocks.
As you walk, you’ll notice the contrast between the regenerating native bush and the open grasslands, which provide a habitat for various bird species, such as pukeko and harrier hawks.
The track then loops back to the starting point, offering a moderately challenging walk suitable for those with a reasonable level of fitness.
8. Inland Track
This 5km track takes you through the heart of the park, traversing native bush and wetlands. Starting at the Mackays Crossing entrance, the track follows the Whareroa Stream before branching off into the dense native bush.
As you walk, you’ll be surrounded by towering trees, such as rimu, rata, and kahikatea, as well as lush ferns and undergrowth.
The track then passes through a series of wetlands, where you can observe various waterfowl and wading birds.
The Inland Track is a moderately challenging walk, offering a more secluded experience for those looking to escape the crowds.
9. Yankee Trail
The Yankee Trail is a 1.5km track that takes you past World War II military installations, providing a fascinating insight into the park’s history.
Starting at the Mackays Crossing entrance, the track follows a gentle incline up to the remains of the US Marines’ Camp Russell, where you can explore the concrete foundations and bunkers that once housed over 20,000 soldiers.
Interpretive panels along the trail provide information about the camp’s history and the role it played during the war. This easy walk is suitable for all ages and is a must-do for history buffs.
10. Te Ara o Whareroa
This 6km shared-use track is perfect for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. Starting at the Whareroa Farm entrance, Te Ara o Whareroa takes you through coastal dunes, wetlands, and native bush, offering stunning views of the Kapiti Coast and beyond.
The track follows a gentle incline up to a lookout point, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
As you continue along the track, you’ll pass through a variety of habitats, including regenerating native bush, open grasslands, and coastal dunes, providing ample opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
The track then loops back to the starting point, making it a moderately challenging walk suitable for all fitness levels.
11. Kānuka Track
The Kānuka Track is a 1.5km loop trail that takes you through a beautiful stand of native kānuka trees.
Starting at the Whareroa Farm entrance, the track meanders through the kānuka grove, allowing you to appreciate the unique beauty of these twisted, gnarled trees.
As you walk, you’ll also encounter other native plant species, such as ferns and orchids, as well as various bird species, including tui, bellbirds, and grey warblers.
The track then loops back to the starting point, making it an easy walk perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the park’s native flora.
12. Whareroa Stream Loop
This 2km loop trail follows the Whareroa Stream, offering a peaceful and tranquil walking experience. Starting at the Whareroa Farm entrance, the track meanders alongside the stream, passing through a mix of native bush and open grasslands.
Keep an eye out for native birds, such as kingfishers and white-faced herons, as well as the occasional eel or freshwater crayfish in the stream. The Whareroa Stream Loop is suitable for all fitness levels and is a great option for families with young children.
13. Coastal Track
The Coastal Track is a 3km trail that follows the park’s stunning coastline, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and Kapiti Island.
Starting at the Raumati Beach entrance, the track meanders along the shoreline, passing through coastal dunes and sandy beaches.
As you walk, you’ll have the opportunity to observe various seabirds, such as gulls, terns, and oystercatchers, as well as seals and dolphins if you’re lucky.
The track then loops back to the starting point, making it an easy walk perfect for those looking to enjoy the park’s coastal beauty.
14. Peatland Loop
This 1.5km loop trail takes you through the park’s unique peatland ecosystem, showcasing its diverse plant and animal life.
Starting at the Mackays Crossing entrance, the track follows a series of boardwalks and paths, allowing you to observe the various plant species that thrive in this environment, such as sphagnum moss, sundews, and bladderworts.
Keep an eye out for native birds, including fernbirds and bitterns, as well as the occasional lizard or frog. The Peatland Loop is an easy walk suitable for all ages and is a great option for nature lovers.
15. Te Ara o Tipapa (wetland walk)
Te Ara o Tipapa is a 1km boardwalk trail that takes you through the park’s wetlands, offering an up-close look at the area’s unique flora and fauna.
Starting at the Mackays Crossing entrance, the track meanders through a series of boardwalks and viewing platforms, allowing you to observe the various plant species that thrive in this environment, such as raupo, manuka, and flax.
Keep an eye out for native birds, including pukeko, spotless crake, and marsh crake, as well as the occasional eel or freshwater crayfish in the waterways.
This easy walk is suitable for all ages and is a must-do for those interested in the park’s diverse ecosystems.