I think I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: the nice thing about Wellington New Zealand is you can be in a somewhat-bustling city one minute and on a beautiful hiking path the next. While I’ve written about quite a few of them already, (check out my favorite here,) I recently walked yet another one. The Paekakariki Escarpment Track is a bit newer than the others but still offers gorgeous New Zealand bush and scenery.
The track runs high above State Highway 1 along the Kapiti Coast between Paekakariki in the North and Pukerua Bay in the South. It takes about 3 hours to complete and offers unparalleled views of the ocean and Kapiti Island. Interestingly, it also goes through a residential area and through a closed railway station on its southern end.
The track isn’t a long one, but it isn’t easy. It’s a lot of ups and downs and zig-zagging through the bush along the side of the mountains. A lot of it is exposed, so be prepared for those infamous Wellington winds, and strong sunshine.
The Paekakariki Escarpment Track also earns its nickname “The Stairway to Heaven.” There are stairs almost through the entire walk, and at one point there are around 200 in a row. The good news? If you take the trail from North to South you can go down the stairway instead of up them. Just note that you will still be going upstairs at many points, even in this direction, there just won’t be 200 in a row.
A particular highlight of the walk for me was the two suspension bridges between some of the rolling hills. Not only are they fun to walk across, they are also a great spot for selfies.
Getting there:
- We went by train, but you can also drive to the area if you have a car. Just know if you do this you will either have to do the track in both directions or plan to take a train or uber back to your car at the end.
- If you go by train: purchase a day pass for $14. This is only a few dollars more than the one-way ticket and will save you money.
Before you go:
- There is no water along the track, so make sure to pack an extra bottle. You’ll need it
- The track is exposed much of the way, so be prepared for possibly strong sun, wind or cold, depending on the day.
- At one point there is no track, just a ledge, and a rope. It’s fairly safe, but if you’re afraid of heights it could be a bit daunting.
- I would recommend bringing snacks and planning to take a break about halfway through. There are several benches along the way and at least one picnic table.
Interesting place. I haven’t heard of this place before. I like the nickname “Stairway to heaven” really cool. Thank you for posting this and for sharing.
Of course! It definitely earns that nickname, even though I didn’t take any photos of the stairs!
I have always wanted to go to New Zealand, such a fun adventure, at least I can live vicariously though you š
Happy to help! And you never know, you may get here someday. š
I love those trails!! And suspension bridges are so fun. I have only ever seen them connecting over a deep gorge – never along hills like that, but they make total sense. AND you said that it was a great spot for a selfie… but where is the selfie?? Ha! Such a pretty place to be! š
Yeah, about that selfie… I posted it to Snapchat and didn’t save it! I thought no one would notice. š
Wow that bridge looks awesome. I did a hanging bridge in Costa Rica but this looks way more intense
Oh, I would love to do one in Costa Rica! I have seen photos and the ones in the jungles look amazing. This one felt really calm, to be honest.
Looks like a cool on to visit. There’s so much to see in NZ. That view of the ocean is divine.
Yeah, I feel like I have hardly touched the service of everything there is to see here! The ocean views are always amazing though.
Looks like the sight are well worth the exercise! Those bridges are amazing! If I ever get down to New Zeland, I would love to do a trail like this. We have them on the east and west coasts of Canada and I have managed to do a few sections. The views are always better on the trails than what you can see from a car:)
Oh, I’ve heard a lot of people who like the trails in Canada also love the ones here so you should definitely make a trip out. And yes, the trails are better than car views always!
Looks like one of those hidden jewels in NZ. I definitely like the name stairway to heaven. The view totally looks breathtaking and that bridge so much fun. Iām sure gonna so this when I visit NZ.
Its semi-new, so it’s still a not super popular but I think in a few years it will be much more well known! It’s too beautiful not to be.
This looks such an amazing track for walking ! I can walk along the sea for hours, it is so refreshing š
It is refreshing to walk along the sea, but this one is a little more difficult than the ones close to the water! So its refreshing and exhausting.
But that suspension bridge??? Eeeeep!!! I love your blogs! š
It’s not so bad! I thought it was fun to walk across. š
New Zealand is on top of my travel bucket list ever since the Xena days (and then LOTR of course) <3 It's just so damn far away… but each post like this makes me soooo jealous lol but also wanna pack my bags and go..
There are so many film sights to visit here!! Some places even do full tours of all the locations from LotR! If you’re a big fan you should definitely come visit sometime. š
I’m getting a knot in my stomach just looking at the suspended bridge. But the view is so beautiful I’m sure it will be worth it.
It was definitely worth it!