Paekakariki to Pukerua Bay Escarpment Track — Attraction in North Island

My wife and I finally did this track yesterday after hearing about it in social media and other sources. We consider ourselves reasonably fit 32 and 31 year olds, with experience of tramping in NZ on several tracks - especially in Wellington region and its surroundings. Stamina and strength wise the track is not too difficult (but not easy) and is certainly doable for folks with average fitness. You'll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views overseeing Kapiti island, the ocean and much more. On a clear day I can only imagine how beautiful the sunset will seem, the day we chose to go though ended up being rainy and windy. I've sincere appreciation and gratitude for all those who worked hard to make this walkway a reality.

I'm keen to highlight this one specific part of the hike of a few (~6) meters where there is hardly a few inches (3-4 inches?) of width on the ground. To go past this they have provided a rope to hold on to so that if you feet does slip at least you will hang on to the rope. And if you miss the rope you'll probably land ungracefully 200 feet down among the bushes. Extremely challenging and potentially life threatening, if you're religious you'd probably start praying. The concern is people who embark on this walk are not aware of this before they start, I certainly did not read about this dangerous part in any of the reviews I read. Makes me wonder if this is a recent fix up or a recent slip?. Had I known this earlier I'd probably have done only half way and headed back to the car. I'm almost sure several average trampers (for whom this track is pitched in social media other places) would be terrified to cross that one small stretch of a few meters. Hence my strong recommendation would be to ensure you don't bring kids along (or weak hearted adults). My humble request to the authorities (volunteers?) if they end up reading this - please fix it or post a warning specifically about this part at the very beginning of the track. Ever since I called NZ my adopted home I was blindly confident about my health and safety almost everywhere I went - but for once it was a bit of a jolt and I got reminded that in the end it's up to the individual to take care of oneself. Please note that this is just my opinion and you may not feel as threatened as we did - so please only take this review as seriously as you should.

The rest of the walk is well covered in other reviews, including high gradient stairs of several flights with no hand rails, which would be sure to entertain at least one dooms day thought especially while climbing down. You can't help but think that one missed step and ... in other words these aspects are thrilling or fun even but not something that'll make you go back to the car. To be fair the warning signs in the beginning does call out people with vertigo.

Don't get me wrong, I can only imagine how difficult it must have to been to bring such a difficult project to life and all for the pleasure of a humble tramper. It's easy to find that one negative in a bunch of positives. Again I've tremendous respect for all those involved in bringing this difficult project to life, hopefully safety aspect will also be taken care of in the near future so that wider spectrum of people will enjoy a walk as...

This is a lovely walk of about 10km. I did it from Paekakariki Station end and finished at Pukerua Bay. This walk is part of the Te Araroa Trail: The Walkway covering the length of New Zealand! It took me about 4.5 hours with plenty of stops to rest, eat and take pictures [ I walk very very slowly ]. Choose a sunny day and less winds to have a more enjoyable experience.

Long term parking is available at both Train Stations. The track is well marked and signposted. From the Paekakariki station, walk south along the trail by the Highway. It then goes below the bridge and the actual walk starts from there. There are no toilets on the track. So make use of the Public Toilets within little distance of the stations before and after the walk.

After a bit of Native forests the track climbs along the side of the hill overlooking the sea and offers some spectacular views. You can see the busy SH 1 most of the time. The Kapiti Island looks magnificent from a distance. This also means you are quite exposed to the elements. Sturdy footwear, good wind-stopper is strongly recommended. There are plenty of stairs to climb and get down. And has therefore got the name "Stairway to Heaven". And there are no handrails to hold on these stairs. I felt, if you are walking from North to South, like I did, you climb up fewer stairs and climb down more of them. The track rises to a maximum of 220m at its highest point. People with vertigo should know their limits before embarking on the trail.

There are also two swing benches closer to the Pukerua Bay end. They make some eerie squeaking noises and are fun to cross. Plenty of seating benches scattered along the way to catch your breath, rest or have food.

There are plenty of flowers and birds to be seen as well.

Trains aren't very frequent on this Kapiti line. So, if you're planning to catch a train back to the originating station, check the timetable at the station. There are no ticket counters at the station. It cost me $4 to buy a ticket from Pukerua Bay Station to Paekakariki Station, which can be purchased in the train itself....

I've found this to be one of the best walks in the north island.

You can park at either Paekakariki train station or Pukerua Bay train station, then catch the train to the other train station and walk back to your car or do the walk and catch train back to your car. There is a train fee of $4.50 cash per adult, no eftpos.

I parked at Paekakariki train station, then you walk towards the shops and cross the train tracks, and start walking on the footpath along the road you'll come to the bridge that's where the track starts there's a gate you go down and under the bridge and you get to the Escarpment track signboard. You pretty much walk parallel to the train tracks, but walking up inclines and down again then up steps where you get stunning views on a sunny day, the walkway can be narrow in some places, so be careful when passing other people. There are 2 swing bridges they can sway a bit on a windy day, so be careful there as well. It's roughly a 9.6km walk. There are also tables with seating along the walk and some seats in scenic areas to rest with a view.

In my opinion it's easier walking from Paekakariki train station to Pukerua Bay train station as the stairs aren't as steep and intense going that way you go down all those parts I watched other people going from Pukerua Bay to Paekakariki and they were expressing how shit it was walking up while we were walking down haha.

You'll come to a signboard at a street, and you keep following the pathway next to train tracks. You'll come to an open grass area, walk straight to the other side, then turn right and follow it to the street, then follow the signs on the poles along the street you'll reach a little alleyway that brings you out to the Pukerua Bay train station...