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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -40.87828, 175.08307. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 3.6 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 1 – 2 hr return
- Track grade
- Intermediate
- Location
- Waikanae area
- Dog access
- Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Parata Track passes through kohekohe forest to a lookout with views of the coast, Kapiti Island, and the Reikorangi Valley.
This DOC directory entry covers Parata Track in Wellington, within Waikanae area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 3.6 km return via same track
- Walking time: 1 – 2 hr return
- DOC grade: Intermediate
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The track passes through one of the largest remaining areas of kohekohe forest in the North Island. It climbs to a lookout offering views of the coast, Kapiti Island, and the Reikorangi Valley. There is a bench seat at the end of the track.
From here, well-equipped and experienced trampers can take the steep Te Au Track down to Huia Street to complete a loop.
Parata Track is generally well-formed but has some sections that may be rough, muddy or steep.
Getting there
The main entrance to Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve is at Tui Crescent, where there is a small parking area by a reservoir. You can also access the reserve off Kakariki Grove where the entrance is signposted.
Follow the Kohekohe Walk to the junction where Parata Track starts.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
