Te Araroa Trail: Paekakariki Escarpment Trail for magnificent views
We recently had a free day in Wellington. The skies were blue, and it wasn’t too windy, so we caught the train to Paekakariki and walked the escarpment trail back to Pukerua Bay.
This walk is part of the Te Araroa Trail which extends from Cape Reinga to Bluff. It was magnificent!
All the way along there were coastal views, with the railway line far below, and the sea shimmering in many shades of blue. interesting info’ boards along the way told the history and geology of this area, and showed how the movement of the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates have shaped what we see today, and continue to alter it.
Although there are hundreds of steps, they are very well planned
in a series of zigzags and sets of wooden steps, followed by sloping trail to another set. It was easy to climb. Around every corner was yet another spectacular view.
Several patches of bush along the way gave protection from the wind, which became progressively stronger. In places the vegetation was all blown to a 45degree angle, showing how fierce the wind can be.
We crossed one swing bridge easily, but by time we reached the second, the wind had picked up, and the bridge was rolling and swaying – quite an experience and not for the faint hearted. We then realized why it is recommended that children do not walk this track.
A little further on, a recent slip had left a very narrow pathway to sidle over, with stones rolling down the cliff side as we went. We arrived back in Pukerua Bay in time for the 3.00 pm train back to Wellington.
It was an awesome day and I would thoroughly recommend it for anyone of reasonable fitness, over the age of 10.
The Paekariki Escarpment Track runs from Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay, taking in sweeping views of the spectacular Kāpiti Coastline and the region’s famous Kāpiti Island.
Heading south, the trail starts by following the Kāpiti railway line then veers uphill and across privately-owned farmland. You’ll climb 220 metres above sea level and navigate steep narrow pathways on what is one of the highlights of the Te Araroa Trail. The Escarpment Track can be walked in either direction but most choose to walk from north to south.
Families of all ages regularly enjoy this trail, but it is not recommended for the faint-hearted: you’ll scale around 1,200 steep steps, navigate narrow pathways across ridgelines, and traverse two swing bridges.
Getting there
You can access The Escarpment Track from either Paekākāriki or Pukerua Bay, both an easy one hour journey from Wellington by train or vehicle. Follow the signposts to the start of the trail. The walking distance from station to station is 10km.
Train timetables are available from the Metlink website and tickets can be purchased onboard with cash.
Know before you go
Amenities
•Toilets are available at Paekākāriki Station on weekends and in Paekākāriki village during daylight hours. There is also a toilet at the Pukerua Bay shopping area that is open all week.
• Basic supplies can be purchased from Paekākāriki and
Pukerua Bay.
•Parking is available at the Paekākāriki and Pukerua Bay train stations.
• Seating is available along the trail, along with interesting interpretive signs.
Get prepared
• Pack adequate food and water for the journey.
• Take warm waterproof clothing and durable footwear, along with plenty of sunscreen.
• Take walking sticks if you’re not used to prolonged steep ascents and descents.
• Check the track status on the Te Araroa website.
• Get an up-to-date weather report from the Metservice website before setting off.
• If using the Train, please have enough cash for a one-way ticket $3.50 between Pukerua Bay and Paekākāriki.
Be aware
• This trail is steep, narrow and exposed. People with vertigo are warned against doing this walk.
• Keep to the marked track as it crosses private property and DO NOT enter the rail corridor or you may risk getting a $20,000 fine.
• The track is adjacent to operating farmland, so no dogs or cycling are permitted.