Experience Kapiti Coast
- Emma Maguire
Take a trip up the idyllic Kapiti coast for a dose of sun, gorgeous views and one of Wellington’s more unique hiking tracks – the Paekakariki Escarpment Walkway.
This intermediate trail rises and falls across the hills between Paekakariki and Pukerua Bay, granting the average hiker fantastic vistas across the Tasman Sea and beyond. You’ll be breathless at the sights (genuinely, it’s sometimes a pretty steep climb).
You can walk the trail from either end, though most people do it from north to south. Parking and public transport is also available from both ends of the walkway.
If you’re feeling the heat after walking 9km and crossing two swing bridges on your way, try stopping off at Greedy & Co, who are a short walk from the Pukerua Bay end of the trail. If you’re walking south to north, try Beach Road Deli in Paekakariki. For something a little more filling, Fisherman’s Table (just out of Paekakariki) is there for your dinner.
As this is a hiking trail that’s pretty exposed, be sure to bring a jacket and plenty of water with you and layer on that sunblock. The experience is so much better if you don’t come away sunburned!
By Emma Maguire
