A fun, easy to moderate track that follows in the footsteps of the US Marines through Queen Elizabeth Park.

Trail Info

Length
2.1 km
Walking Length
90 mins
Difficulty
Easy
Profile
23 m highest point
Uses
Biking, Horse Riding, Running, Walking
Dogs On Lead
Dogs On Lead
Shared With Bikes
Shared With Bikes

About the trail

The Yankee Trail retraces the steps of the US Marines who used this track to travel between Camp Mackay and Paekākāriki in 1942 and 1943.

Starting at the Paekākāriki entrance to Queen Elizabeth Park (off Wellington Road), the track follows the Wainui Stream before arriving at the US Marines Memorial. Here, you can pause and learn about the US troops stationed in Paekākāriki, Mackays Crossing, and Whareroa Farm during World War II.

The surface is mostly unsealed, so it's suitable for mountain bikers. Riders will enjoy gentle ups and downs, which one steeper section where walking your bike may be more comfortable.

Just before reaching the Memorial, the Yankee trail links up with Te Ara o Tipapa (Wetland Loop) - a 2km side-track around the water’s edge that takes about 45 minutes return on foot.

Getting there and know before you go

  • The Yankee Trail starts near the southern entrance to Queen Elizabeth Park on Wellington Road. It is clearly signposted.
  • You can also access the north end of the trail from the Mackays Crossing entrance to Queen Elizabeth Park on Whareroa Beach Road.
  • If you're driving there is plenty of car parking at both ends of the trail.
  • Public transport is available from Wellington to Paekākāriki. Timetables are available from Metlink. Queen Elizabeth Park is a 20-minute walk from Paekākāriki Railway Station.
  • Toilets and drinking water are available at Mackays Crossing.
  • Take warm waterproof clothing and durable footwear, sun protection and water.
  • Take a camera and enjoy some quiet bird-watching while you’re in the wetlands.
  • Please be considerate of the regenerating bush and wetlands and try not to disturb the fragile environment around you.
  • Dogs are not permitted on or near farmland.
  • This is a multi-use track. People on bikes must give way to walkers and other track users.

What's nearby