Wellington Regional Trails

The Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve overlooks Waikanae and features sweeping views of Kapiti Island and the coastline to the south.

A child and adult in the bush looking into the trees and pointing.

About the park

Covering 30 hectares of native forest, Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve is one of the largest remaining areas of kohekohe forest in New Zealand. Forming part of an ecosystem network that links Kapiti Island with the Tararua Range, the reserve offers sweeping views of Kapiti Island and Waikanae Estuary.

There are numerous walking and tramping trails of various lengths and difficulty, including the easy Kohekohe Walk (30min loop), the steep bush-walk Parata Track (1 to 2-hours return, or the more challenging tramping track, Te Au Track (2-4 hours return).

A person reading the Hemi Matenga Scenic reserve sign, with bush in the background.

Explore the trails

The full walk will take 2 to 3 hours, depending on fitness levels. Start at the Huia St entrance and walk up the steep Te Au Track to reach the summit. Continue to join the top of the Parata Track at the seat lookout. As it descends, you’ll reach a junction, turn left onto the Kohekohe Walk and exit at Kakariki Grove. Complete the circuit by walking through the council reserve to join Tui Street. Follow the streets around until you end up on Huia Street again.

A shorter 1 to 1.5-hour walk begins at Tui St entrance. Take Kohekohe Walk, then walk the Parata Track up to the summit and descend back down to the T junction. Turn left to continue on the Kohekohe Walk to Kakariki Grove and return to Tui Street via the council reserve.

Kohekohe Walk

Walking/Running1km
Head to Waikanae to walk through one of the largest remaining kohekohe forests in New Zealand.
View trail

Parata Track

Walking/Running1.8km
The popular, steep bush-walk, located in the Hemi Matenga Reserve in Waikanae, rewards your efforts with beautiful views out to Kapiti Island and Reikorangi Valley.
View trail

Te Au Track

Walking/Running2.8km
Located in Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve, the Te Au track climbs to 521m and offers panoramic views of the Waikanae Estuary and Kapiti Island.
View trail
A single tree sits in front of a vast view of Waikanae beach.

The main entrance to Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve is at Tui Crescent, Waikanae. There is on-street parking at the base of the track up to a reservoir.

By train — From Waikanae Station, the Parata Track is a 15-minute walk. Walk south to Elizabeth Street and head east towards the inland hills. Turn left onto Winara Ave, then right into Kakariki Grove or Tui Crescent.

By car — Take the old State Highway 1 into Waikanae, turn east over the railway line and onto Elizabeth Street, then left into Winara Ave, then right into Tui Crescent or Kakariki Grove.