Paekakariki Hill Road is one of Wellington’s most historic cycling climbs — a narrow, winding road built in 1849 by British army engineers and Māori road crews as a strategic military route north of Wellington. With gradients up to 16% and sweeping views over the Kāpiti Coast, Kāpiti Island and on clear days the South Island, it’s a challenging and rewarding ride that has become much quieter since Transmission Gully Motorway opened and diverted through-traffic away from the old highway.
Practical Information
| Location | Paekakariki Hill Road, between Paekakariki and Johnsonville |
|---|---|
| Gradient | Up to 16% |
| Surface | Sealed road (narrow and winding) |
| Traffic | Significantly reduced since Transmission Gully opened |
| Views | Kāpiti Coast, Kāpiti Island, South Island (clear days) |
| Historical | Built 1849 — main highway north until 1939 |
| Cost | Free |
About the Road
Paekakariki Hill Road was built in 1849 by British army engineers working alongside Māori road-building crews as a strategic military route following the Hutt Valley War of 1846. It served as the main highway north of Wellington for nearly a century, until the Centennial Highway rerouted traffic via a less arduous coastal path in 1939.
For cyclists, the road’s reduced traffic since Transmission Gully Motorway opened (along with the Akatarawa and old SH1) has made it a much more pleasant experience than in previous years. The gradient pushes up to 16% on the steeper sections, demanding real effort, but the views from the top are a genuine reward — the entire Kāpiti Coast laid out below, Kāpiti Island offshore, and on a clear day the peaks of the South Island’s Kaikōura Ranges visible across Cook Strait.
The Kapiti Cycling Club includes Paekakariki Hill Road in several of its classic road routes, typically regrouping at the summit before descending to Battle Hill Farm Forest Park. The road also forms part of longer Wellington-to-Kāpiti touring routes connecting with the dedicated cycle paths on the Kāpiti Coast.
What Visitors Say
“The views from the top are worth every metre of the climb — Kāpiti Island just sitting there offshore and you can see right down the coast. Much quieter traffic now too.” — Kapiti Cycling Club riders, classic routes
Where to Learn More
Classic Road Routes — Kapiti Cycling Club includes Paekakariki Hill Road in several group ride routes with detailed descriptions.
Paekakariki Hill Road — Kāpiti Coast District Council covers the road’s history and heritage significance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How steep is Paekakariki Hill Road?
Gradients reach up to 16% on the steeper sections. It’s a genuinely challenging climb — suitable for fit road cyclists or anyone on an e-bike.
Is it safe to cycle?
Traffic has reduced substantially since Transmission Gully opened. The road is still narrow and winding, so ride predictably and be visible. Conditions are generally good for cyclists on quieter days.
How long is the climb?
The road is approximately 8 kilometres from Paekakariki to the summit. Most cyclists allow 30–45 minutes depending on fitness.
What are the views like?
On clear days from the summit: sweeping views of the Kāpiti Coast, Kāpiti Island, and the South Island’s Kaikōura Ranges across Cook Strait.
Why was the road built?
Paekakariki Hill Road was built in 1849 as a military supply route following the Hutt Valley War of 1846, constructed by British army engineers and Māori road crews. It served as the main highway north of Wellington until 1939.
How do I get there from Wellington?
From Wellington city, ride north via Hutt Road and then connect to the Kāpiti Coast via Johnsonville or Tawa. The Kapiti Cycling Club website has full route details for Paekakariki Hill Road loop rides.
Paekakariki Hill Road is part of the cycling tracks in Wellington. For another classic Wellington region climb, the Akatarawa Road Loop connects Upper Hutt to the Kāpiti Coast via the Tararua foothills. The Kāpiti Coast Cycle Network provides flat coastal routes once you descend to the coast.
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