The Kāpiti Coast has one of the Wellington region’s most accessible coastal cycling corridors — the Coast35 trail linking Paekākāriki and Ōtaki with a 35-kilometre off-road shared pathway. The route combines paved and gravel sections, with sealed path south of Peka Peka and gravel from Peka Peka to Ōtaki. Together with urban cycling paths through Paraparaumu and Waikanae, river trails, and shared paths through Queen Elizabeth Park, the Kāpiti Coast offers a connected network for cyclists of different levels, from family rides near the coast to longer day rides using train connections and local trail links.
Practical Information
| Coast35 trail | 35 km off-road shared trail: Paekākāriki to Ōtaki |
|---|---|
| Surface | Paved south of Peka Peka; gravel from Peka Peka to Ōtaki. Waikanae River Trail is also gravel. |
| Facilities | Toilets at multiple points; bike pump and tool stations at Te Moana Road in Waikanae and Poplar Avenue in Raumati South |
| Cycle map | Kāpiti Coast Cycling Map and Kāpiti Coast Trails Map — Kāpiti Coast District Council |
| Cost | Free |
Coast35 — The Off-Road Coastal Trail
The Coast35 trail is a 35-kilometre off-road shared trail running from Paekākāriki in the south to Ōtaki in the north. It passes through or near Queen Elizabeth Park, Raumati South, Paraparaumu, Waikanae, Peka Peka and Ōtaki, creating one of the most useful long-distance walking and cycling corridors on the Kāpiti Coast.
The route is wide and easy-grade, but it is important to note that it is not sealed the whole way. The trail is paved south of Peka Peka, while the northern section from Peka Peka to Ōtaki is gravel. This makes the full route best suited to hybrid bikes, gravel bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes with suitable tyres, and confident riders on road bikes who are comfortable riding compact gravel. Riders wanting a fully sealed experience should focus on the sections south of Peka Peka.
The trail passes through Queen Elizabeth Park, adding a natural park setting to the coastal ride. Bike pump and basic tool stations are available at Te Moana Road in Waikanae and Poplar Avenue in Raumati South, providing useful support for longer rides.
Waikanae River Trail and Urban Paths
In addition to Coast35, the Kāpiti Coast has a network of local cycling paths and shared routes. The Waikanae River Trail follows the river and provides a quieter gravel option away from the main coastal corridor. The path is generally wide and family-friendly, with multiple access points and links toward Waikanae Beach, Otaihanga and nearby bridge crossings.
Urban cycling infrastructure through Paraparaumu and Waikanae helps connect local shops, schools, parks, train stations and beach areas. These local routes are useful for shorter rides or for linking sections of the wider Coast35 and river trail network.
The Te Ara o Whareroa Trail is an easy shared trail through Queen Elizabeth Park, running through dune landscapes between Raumati and Paekākāriki. Official visitor information describes it as about 5.4 kilometres one way, while WellingtonNZ describes it as an easy 6-kilometre trail. It is popular for walking, running and cycling, with coastal views and a relaxed family-friendly feel.
What Visitors Say
Where to Learn More
Tracks and Trails — Kāpiti Coast District Council has information on cycling, walking and shared routes on the Kāpiti Coast, including Coast35 and local trails.
Coast35 — Visit Kāpiti covers the full trail, including facilities and surface notes.
Coast35 — WellingtonNZ provides route notes, access information and trail highlights.
Kāpiti Coast Cycling Map — Kāpiti Coast District Council is a downloadable PDF map of cycle routes across the coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coast35?
Coast35 is a 35-kilometre off-road shared trail running from Paekākāriki to Ōtaki. It connects coastal communities, parks and local trail links across the Kāpiti Coast.
Is Coast35 sealed the whole way?
No. Coast35 is paved south of Peka Peka, but the section from Peka Peka to Ōtaki is gravel. Riders wanting a fully sealed ride should use the southern sections of the trail.
Is Coast35 suitable for road bikes?
The sealed sections south of Peka Peka are suitable for road bikes. The gravel section from Peka Peka to Ōtaki may still be rideable for confident road-bike riders in good conditions, but hybrid bikes, gravel bikes, mountain bikes and suitable e-bikes are better choices for the full route.
How long does it take to ride Coast35?
The full 35 km ride can take around 2–3 hours one way at a comfortable cycling pace, depending on stops, wind, surface conditions and rider fitness. Many people ride shorter sections, such as Raumati to Waikanae, Paraparaumu to Waikanae, or Paekākāriki to Queen Elizabeth Park.
Are there toilets and facilities on the trail?
Yes. Toilets and public facilities are available at several points along or near the route, including beach settlements, parks and town centres. Bike pump and basic tool stations are available at Te Moana Road in Waikanae and Poplar Avenue in Raumati South.
Can I get to the Kāpiti Coast by train?
Yes. The Metlink Kāpiti Line serves key stops including Paekākāriki, Paraparaumu and Waikanae. Bikes are allowed on many train services, but some peak-hour Kāpiti Line services do not allow bikes, so riders should check the current timetable before travelling.
Does the train go to Ōtaki?
The regular Metlink Kāpiti Line runs to Waikanae, not Ōtaki. Riders planning a point-to-point trip to or from Ōtaki should check current public transport options before setting out.
Is there mountain biking on the Kāpiti Coast?
Yes. The coast has easy shared trails such as Te Ara o Whareroa, gravel riding on river and coastal routes, and more challenging riding in nearby hill and forest areas. Riders looking for technical mountain biking should check current trail conditions and access before heading into more remote terrain.
The Kāpiti Coast Cycle Network is part of the cycling tracks in Wellington. Paekākāriki Hill Road connects the coast to the hills above. The Akatarawa Road Loop links the Kāpiti Coast to Upper Hutt via the Tararua foothills.