Last updated July 2026
Queen Elizabeth Park stretches along the Kāpiti Coast between Paekākāriki and Raumati South, covering approximately 638 hectares of coastal dunes, wetlands and farmland. It preserves the largest remaining area of naturally occurring sand dunes on the Kāpiti Coast. The park also holds significant WWII history as the site of Camp Russell, one of three US Marine Corps camps on the coast. Today it offers walking, cycling, horse riding, a playground and weekend tram rides through the dunes.
Practical Information
| Location | Between Paekākāriki and Raumati South, Kāpiti Coast — approx. 50 km north of Wellington |
| Vehicle gate hours | 6am – 9pm (1 Oct – 31 Mar); 6am – 6pm (1 Apr – 30 Sep) |
| Entry cost | Free |
| Parking | Paekākāriki (southern end), Ramaroa Centre (central), Whareroa Beach via Mackays Crossing (north) |
| By train | Metlink Kāpiti Line to Paekākāriki Station — 1.5 km walk or bike to southern park entrance at end of Wellington Road |
| Visitor centre | Ramaroa Centre — central park; information, facilities, car park |
| Toilets | Multiple blocks including southern end, Ramaroa Centre and Whareroa Road area |
| Tram rides | Wellington Tramway Museum — weekends, public holidays and daily in January; near Mackays Crossing entrance |
| Activities | Walking, cycling, horse riding, playground, picnicking, birdwatching, model aircraft flying |
| Dogs | Welcome in most areas (not on Te Ara o Tipapa Loop or Dune Swamp Loop); must be under control |
About Queen Elizabeth Park
The park was created in 1953 during the Royal Visit and named for Queen Elizabeth II. It is managed by Greater Wellington Regional Council. The sand dunes represent the last significant natural duneland on the Kāpiti Coast and support native coastal plant communities, lizards and invertebrates. Active restoration projects protect these fragile areas with fencing and planting.
Queen Elizabeth Park contains layered history. Māori settlements existed at Wainui and Whareroa for hundreds of years. During WWII the area hosted US Marine training camps. The park now provides accessible recreation close to Wellington with easy public transport links.
Tracks run the length of the park, connecting Paekākāriki in the south to Raumati South in the north. The sealed Te Ara o Whareroa trail offers family-friendly cycling and walking with coastal views. Inland routes pass wetlands, farmland and kahikatea forest remnants.
Playground
Queen Elizabeth Park features playground equipment suitable for families, located near picnic areas and beach access points. The facilities complement the park’s coastal setting and make it a popular spot for children to play after beach time or short walks. Picnic tables and barbecues are available nearby.
Coastal Trails and Tracks
The park’s main trail is the 6 km sealed Te Ara o Whareroa trail that runs from one end of the park to the other. It is suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and recreational cyclists. Other tracks wind through dunes, wetlands and farmland, with options for longer loops or beach access. Most tracks are shared, so users should be aware of cyclists and horse riders. The trails connect directly to Paekākāriki Railway Station, supporting easy day trips from Wellington.
Tram Rides
The Wellington Tramway Museum operates historic electric trams through the dunes on weekends, public holidays and daily during January. Rides depart from the museum near the Mackays Crossing entrance and travel toward the beach. The museum displays restored Wellington trams and offers a modest fee for rides, with snacks sometimes available on operating days.
WWII History
Between 1942 and 1944 over 15,000 American troops trained at Camp Russell (now Queen Elizabeth Park), Camp Mackay (Whareroa Farm) and Camp Paekākāriki before deploying to the Pacific campaign. The park contains interpretive panels, memorials and a sculpture commemorating ten marines who died during a training exercise. Earlier Māori occupation is marked by pā sites at nearby beaches.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors enjoy easy family bike rides along the sealed trail with beautiful dune and beach scenery. The tram rides and WWII history displays add interest for all ages, and the playground provides a fun stop for children.
Many appreciate the natural dunes as a rare surviving feature on the coast. Public transport access via train to Paekākāriki makes it a convenient day trip from Wellington, with good facilities and varied walking options.
Where to Learn More
Greater Wellington Regional Council — Queen Elizabeth Park: official page with track maps, gate hours, dog rules and current conditions.
Greater Wellington — Trams and Tramway Museum: details on tram operations, opening hours and museum information.
Wikipedia — Queen Elizabeth Park, Kāpiti Coast: overview of history, size, WWII camps and tram museum (citing primary sources).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Queen Elizabeth Park?
By train: Metlink Kāpiti Line to Paekākāriki Station then 1.5 km walk or bike to the southern entrance. By car: use entrances at Paekākāriki, Ramaroa Centre or Mackays Crossing. The park lies about 50 km north of Wellington.
Is Queen Elizabeth Park free?
Yes, entry and parking are free. Tram rides at the Wellington Tramway Museum have a small fee.
What are the vehicle gate hours?
Vehicle gates open 6am–9pm from 1 October to 31 March and 6am–6pm from 1 April to 30 September. The park is always open to foot traffic.
Are there tram rides at Queen Elizabeth Park?
Yes, the Wellington Tramway Museum runs historic trams on weekends, public holidays and daily in January from 11am to 4.30pm.
What is the WWII history of Queen Elizabeth Park?
The park was Camp Russell, part of three US Marine Corps camps that housed over 15,000 American troops between 1942 and 1944. Memorials and interpretive panels are located in the park.
Are dogs allowed in Queen Elizabeth Park?
Dogs are welcome in most areas but must be kept under control. They are not permitted on the Te Ara o Tipapa Loop or Dune Swamp Loop.
Is there a playground at Queen Elizabeth Park?
Yes, playground equipment is available near picnic areas and beach access points, making the park family-friendly.
What tracks are available?
The main sealed Te Ara o Whareroa trail runs the length of the park and suits families and cyclists. Additional tracks wind through dunes, wetlands and farmland.
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