Queen Elizabeth Park stretches for eight kilometres along the Kāpiti Coast between Paekakariki and Raumati South, covering 650 hectares of coastal dunes, wetlands, and farmland. It holds the largest area of naturally occurring sand dunes remaining on the Kāpiti Coast — a fragment of what once extended from Paekakariki to Foxton before settlement and land conversion. The park also carries significant WWII history: during the war, 20,000 American troops were stationed here as part of the US Marine Corps Pacific campaign. Today it’s a place for walking, cycling, horse riding, and weekend tram rides through the dunes.
Practical Information
| Location | Paekakariki to Raumati South, Kāpiti Coast — approx. 50km north of Wellington |
| Vehicle gate hours | 8am – 9pm (1 Oct – 31 Mar); 8am – 6pm (1 Apr – 30 Sep) |
| Entry cost | Free |
| Parking | Paekakariki (southern end), Ramaroa visitor centre (central), Whareroa Beach via Mackays Crossing (north) |
| By train | Metlink Kāpiti Line to Paekakariki Station — 1.5km walk or bike to southern park entrance at end of Wellington Road |
| Visitor centre | Ramaroa Visitor Centre — central park; information, facilities, car park |
| Toilets | Three blocks: southern end near campground, Ramaroa visitor centre, and central car park on Whareroa Road |
| Tram rides | Wellington Tramway Museum — weekends and public holidays; located near Mackays Crossing entrance |
| Activities | Walking, cycling, horse riding, picnicking, birdwatching |
| Dogs | Permitted in designated areas — check GWRC for current rules |
About Queen Elizabeth Park
The park was opened during the 1953 Royal Visit and named for Queen Elizabeth II before her coronation. It is managed by Greater Wellington Regional Council and covers a long, narrow coastal strip. The sand dunes in the park are the last significant area of natural duneland on the Kāpiti Coast — habitat for native lizards, invertebrates, and coastal plant communities. Active dune restoration is ongoing and fenced areas protect newly planted sections.
Walking and cycling tracks run the full length of the park, connecting Paekakariki in the south to Raumati South in the north. The Coastal Track hugs the dune edge with sea views, while an inland route runs through farmland and wetlands. The tracks connect to Paekakariki Railway Station at the southern end, making the park one of the more accessible day trips from Wellington by public transport — catch the train to Paekakariki, walk or cycle through the park, and return from Paraparaumu if you do the full length.
The Wellington Tramway Museum operates historic electric tram rides through the park on weekends and public holidays. The trams run from the museum near the Mackays Crossing entrance, travelling through the dunes toward the beach. Ice creams and snacks are available when the tram is running. The museum holds a collection of restored Wellington trams and is a distinct attraction within the park.
WWII History
During World War II, the park area was known as Camp Russell and formed part of a complex of three US Marine Corps camps on the Kāpiti Coast. Approximately 20,000 American troops were based at Camp Russell (now Queen Elizabeth Park), Camp Mackay (Whareroa Farm), and Camp Paekakariki (the village) before deploying to the Pacific campaign. The park contains memorials and interpretive panels relating to the wartime occupation. Pa sites at Whareroa and Wainui beaches mark earlier Māori occupation of the same land, adding a further layer of history to the coastal landscape.
What Visitors Say
“A hidden gem. Rode the full length of the park on bikes — the dunes and beach are beautiful and the tram museum was a bonus. Easy train to Paekakariki and back from Paraparaumu made it a perfect day out.”
“Great coastal park. The dunes are impressive — didn’t realise they were the last natural dunes on this coast. The WWII history is really interesting too. Kids loved the tram rides.”
Where to Learn More
Greater Wellington Regional Council — Queen Elizabeth Park — official page with track maps, facilities, gate hours, dog rules, and seasonal conditions.
Wellington NZ — Queen Elizabeth Park — visitor overview including the coastal track, tram museum, and how to reach the park by train.
Wikipedia — Queen Elizabeth Park, Kāpiti Coast — history of the park, WWII camps, the sand dunes, and the Wellington Tramway Museum.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Queen Elizabeth Park?
By train: Metlink Kāpiti Line to Paekakariki Station, then 1.5km walk or bike to the southern entrance. By car: park at Paekakariki, Ramaroa visitor centre, or Whareroa Beach via Mackays Crossing. About 50km north of Wellington by car.
Is Queen Elizabeth Park free?
Yes — entry is free. Parking is free. The Wellington Tramway Museum tram rides have a small fee.
What are the gate hours for Queen Elizabeth Park?
8am – 9pm from 1 October to 31 March; 8am – 6pm from 1 April to 30 September.
Are there tram rides at Queen Elizabeth Park?
Yes — the Wellington Tramway Museum operates historic tram rides on weekends and public holidays. The museum is near the Mackays Crossing entrance. Ice creams and snacks available when the tram is running.
What is the WWII history of Queen Elizabeth Park?
During WWII the park was Camp Russell — one of three US Marine Corps camps on the Kāpiti Coast housing approximately 20,000 American troops before the Pacific campaign. Memorials and interpretive panels are located within the park.
Are dogs allowed in Queen Elizabeth Park?
Dogs are permitted in designated areas. Check Greater Wellington Regional Council for current rules as they vary by section of the park.
For more Kāpiti Coast highlights, see the full Things to Do in Wellington guide. Paraparaumu Beach is nearby and easily combined with a visit to Queen Elizabeth Park on the same day.
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