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217m highest point
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About the trail
The Escarpment Track runs from Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay, taking in sweeping views of the spectacular Kāpiti Coastline and Kapiti Island. The trail can be walked in either direction, but most choose to walk from north to south.
Heading south, the trail follows 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 Te Araroa Trail.
Families of all ages 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.
Following the signposts to the start of the trail, you can access The Escarpment Track from either Paekākāriki or Pukerua Bay, both an easy one-hour journey from Wellington by train or vehicle. 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 or Snapper.
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Audio: Adventure high above a slice of stunning, windswept coastline, take in spectacular views and experience one of our region’s finest walks, the Escarpment Track.
Visual: The video begins with drone shots high above the Paekākāriki hills, where the Escarpment Track is seen cutting through the bush, and swing bridges hang between ridges.
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Audio: The Escarpment track runs between Paekākāriki and Pukerua Bay, as the trail meanders up and around the coastline, expect some steep climbs and jaw-dropping views.
Visual: The narrator can be seen walking along the trail, talking toward the camera.
Audio: This 10-kilometre trail can be walked in either direction and will take you about three to four hours. Families and all ages can enjoy this intermediate-level trail, but, it’s not for those with a fear of heights.
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Visual: The drone flies above a steep set of stairs and overlooks the Kāpiti coastline, Tasman Sea, and Kapiti island in the distance.
Audio: You’ll scale around 1,200 steep steps, navigate narrow pathways, travel across ridgelines, and traverse epic swing bridges. The Escarpment Track is part of Te Araroa, the long pathway, New Zealand’s famous through hike that runs the length of the country.
Visual: The narrator walks through native bush while talking to the camera and gesturing with their hands.
Audio: A combined effort, the escarpment track was finished in 2016, after five years of construction, and continues to be maintained by the dedicated team of volunteers, council involvement, and the community at large. Te Araroa Wellington Trust looks after the recreational aspect of the trail, while nga Uruora champions the environmental side, planting some 70,000 trees and helping to re-establish key native habitats.
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Visual: As the narrator continues talking to the camera, there are cut shots of Native birds flying through trees, and drone shots of the Kāpiti coast.
Audio: As you journey along this lovingly constructed trail keep your eyes peeled for the wild locals that call this place home to the native birds such as the kōtare, kāruhiruhi, and korimako, and the endangered lizards.
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Audio: Whatever direction you travel, Pukerua Bay and Paekākāriki are a short train ride apart, and home to all of those well-earned after-walk treats, so, pack the essentials and find your wild on the Escarpment Track.
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