Just north of Paekākāriki, Whareroa Farm Reserve is a working farm with trails through retired pastureland, native bush, and wetlands. Whether you’re walking, mountain biking or horse riding, there’s plenty to discover.

About the reserve

Whareroa Farm is a large recreation reserve just north of Paekākāriki. The reserve includes seven remnant blocks of native forest and steams that provide habitat for more than 30 bird species. Trails wind through pasture, bush and wetlands, offering everything from family-friendly walking loops to epic mountain biking tracks with sweeping coastal views.

Open picnic areas and a tranquil dell provide perfect spots to pause and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Shaded Path
Shaded Path
Hiking
Hiking
Shared With Bikes
Shared With Bikes
Shared With Horses
Shared With Horses
Lookout
Lookout

Explore the trails

Red Tape Track

Mountain Biking 2km

Intermediate riders will enjoy this spectacular downhill mountain bike trail in Whareroa Farm, with fantastic views down the valley and out to sea.

View trail

Mountain Biking, Whareroa Farm, Paekākāriki, Summer, Captured By Friday, 2022(4)

Campbell's Mill Road

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking, Horse Riding 6.1km

A wide, gentle farm track connecting many Whareroa Farm tracks to the Akatarawa Forest and Mount Wainui.

View trail

Mountain Biking, Whareroa Farm, Paekākāriki, Summer, Captured By Friday, 2022(2)

Coastal Lookout Walk

Walking/Running  616m

A short walk to a lookout point with stunning views across Kāpiti Coast and beyond.

View trail

WNZ Coastal Lookout Walk Whareroa Farm Recreation Reserve 28062024 Wellington Regional Trails Credit Josiah Nevell (11)

Getting there & Know before you go

Getting there

Whareroa Farm is 3.5km north of Paekākāriki on State Highway 1, an hour’s drive north of Wellington. 

  • By train — There are regular train services from Wellington to the Kāpiti Coast. Timetables are available from the Metlink website. Paekākāriki is the closest train station.
  • By car — Take the Mackays crossing exit to Queen Elizabeth Park, and the Whareroa Farm entrance is east through the underpass. Parking is available at the entrance.

Know before you go

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews, and a packing list.
  • Summer open hours: 8am to 9pm. Winter open hours: 8am to 6pm.
  • There are toilets at the Whareroa Farm car park, at the picnic area, beside the caravan, information board at the top of the Farm Race track, and at the Queen Elizabeth Park visitor centre.
  • Seats and picnic tables are scattered throughout the reserve.
  • If you are venturing further into the adjoining Akatarawa Forest Park, go with someone who has been before or take a GPS compass and map, as signage is limited and cell phone coverage is patchy over the hill.
  • This reserve is a working farm, and some trails cross through paddocks with livestock. Be respectful, close gates behind you, and don’t bring dogs.
  • Farmed areas of Whareroa Farm are closed to visitors during lambing and calving from 18 July to 30 September. Keep out of the signposted closed farmland areas, including any tracks across them, during this period. Closed areas include the Cairn View Track.
  • Keys for horse bridleways are available by prior arrangement from the Kāpiti Coast District Council.
  • Check out the DOC site for Whareroa Farm alerts prior to visiting.

What's nearby