Waikanae Riverbank

Kapiti Coast, Wellington, New Zealand

Easy walking or cycling route along Waikanae river bank

Beginner

Bike and Foot

There is a well formed track each side of the Waikanae river between SH1 and the sea. There are many entry and exit points. The track shown in a loop starting on the north bank near SH1 (you can gain entry either from SH1, or park in Karu Crescent which is safer and quieter, and use one of two accessways from the street). There are many access points to the river which is quite shallow and safe for splashing around in during the summer. Approx. 2 km from SH1 is a new bridge Te Arawai. A further 3 km towards the sea is Otaihanga domain and another good footbridge across the river. At either bridge you can cross the river and continue back to SH1 on the other side of the river. There are several gates to pass through on the northern side, and an area of private land (ok provided you stay on the path). The track varies from single, double to 4WD and sealed - in general it is well kept, flat and wide.

Te Arawai bridge over Waikanae River

It is about 5 km from SH1 to Otaihanga domain bridge. The round trip of 10 km is about 45 minutes on a bicycle but allow 2.5 if walking.

There are many points to begin or end the walkway. To get off SH1, I recommend either driving down Te Moana Road and then left to the end of Tutere St and parking in the domain beside the lagoons by the sea, or turning off on to Te Moana Road from SH1 at the traffic lights and parking on Karu Crescent (or nearby) and then starting the trail. The other good parking area is Otaihanga domain off Makora Road on the southern side of the river. There are toilets at Otaihanga domain and beside the Waimanu lagoons.

This route is part of the Te Araroa walkway.

Cyclists give way to pedestrians. Expect a lot of walkers, joggers, pushchairs, dogs and horses on the track at weekends!

There is a narrow footpath on the bridge across the river on State Highway 1. I recommend getting off your bicycle and walking it across the bridge. This is no safe cycle track or other off-road route.

10.05km

4wd

3 Oct 2009 by ledzep

ledzep