Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)
If you are looking for a scenic loop track to get the heart pumping while visiting the Wellington region, add this one to your list! Especially if you have a pooch along for the ride 🐶
Distance: 13km, anywhere from 4-8 hours
Elevation: 1058m gain
Kapakapanui Peak (1102m) is located in the southwest corner of the Tararua Range, dominating the skyline from Paraparaumu and Waikanae. It provides some of the best views of the Tararuas, Kapiti Island, the Southern Crossing and on a clear day you can even see Mount Taranaki!
With Kapakapanui Hut (6-bunk) en route, this makes for a fantastic day-hike or overnighter. The trail is steep and rooty, but if you are generally fit and take your time you’ll be perfectly fine. Not recommended after heavy rainfall if you want to avoid the notorious Tararua mud! However, the forest is very magical and feels enchanted. Dogs are allowed, but on-leash only.
The trailhead is just a 14 minute drive from Waikanae, at the end of Ngatiawa Road.
