Queen Elizabeth Park stretches along the Kāpiti Coast between Paekākāriki and Raumati South, covering sand dunes, wetlands, remnant native forest, and open farmland. Walking tracks wind through these contrasting landscapes with Kāpiti Island visible offshore throughout. It’s one of the more family-friendly parks in the Wellington region, with tracks suited to pushchairs and wheelchairs, horse riding, and a historic tram ride to the beach in summer.
Practical Information
| Location | Kāpiti Coast, between Paekākāriki and Raumati South |
| Cost | Free |
| Dogs | Permitted in most areas |
| Pushchair/wheelchair | Many tracks are suitable |
| Facilities | Picnic areas, toilets, horse riding, summer tram to beach |
| Managed by | Greater Wellington Regional Council |
Key Tracks
Coastal Track is the park’s most popular route, winding through sand dunes between Paekākāriki and Raumati South with constant views to the sea, the Kāpiti Coast hills, and Kāpiti Island. The southern section between Paekākāriki and Mackays Crossing is about 2km (1–1.5 hours return). Large, flat grassy areas along the southern section are well-suited to picnics.
Te Ara o Whareroa is one of the park’s other named routes, passing through a mix of park environments. The full range of tracks takes in wetland areas, remnant kahikatea forest (one of the rarer native forest types on the coast), open paddocks, and dune environments — all in a relatively flat, easy landscape.
About the Park
Queen Elizabeth Park has a working-farm feel in places, with open paddocks alongside the more scenic dune and bush tracks. The park’s wetlands provide habitat for native birds, and the kahikatea forest remnants are significant on the otherwise modified Kāpiti Coast. Kāpiti Island — a major seabird sanctuary — sits offshore throughout the walk, creating a distinctive coastal backdrop.
The historic tram service operates in summer, running between the park interior and the beach at Paekākāriki. Horse riding is permitted on some tracks, and the park is popular with cyclists as well as walkers.
What Visitors Say
“The coastal track is a really lovely walk — flat and easy with Kapiti Island in view the whole time. Great for families, dogs and pushchairs.” — TripAdvisor
“One of the most family-friendly parks in the region. The beach access and flat tracks make it a go-to for a relaxed day out.” — Google Reviews
Where to Learn More
Greater Wellington Regional Council — Queen Elizabeth Park has the official park page with track maps, access and facilities information.
WellingtonNZ — Queen Elizabeth Park has a visitor overview of the park’s tracks and activities.
Visit Kāpiti — Queen Elizabeth Park includes local knowledge about the park and tips for visiting the Kāpiti Coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Queen Elizabeth Park?
On the Kāpiti Coast, stretching between Paekākāriki and Raumati South.
How long is the Coastal Track?
The southern section between Paekākāriki and Mackays Crossing is about 2km (1–1.5 hours return). The full coastal track between Paekākāriki and Raumati South is longer.
Are the tracks pushchair/wheelchair friendly?
Many tracks in the park are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs — the flat, open terrain is more accessible than most Wellington regional parks.
Can I ride horses in the park?
Yes — horse riding is permitted on some tracks.
Is there a tram?
Yes — a historic tram operates in summer between the park and Paekākāriki beach.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, in most areas of the park.
Can I see Kāpiti Island from the park?
Yes — Kāpiti Island is visible throughout the coastal track.
Is there parking?
Yes, parking is available at several access points. The Kāpiti Coast District Council website and Greater Wellington Regional Council both have access information.
The Wellington Walking Tracks hub lists all walking routes across the Wellington region. The Paekakariki Escarpment Track starts from Paekākāriki and offers a more demanding ridge walk north to Pukerua Bay. Battle Hill Farm Forest Park is another regional park nearby on the Kāpiti Coast/Porirua boundary.