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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: -40.87712, 175.09159. 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
- 3.5 km one way
- Walking time
- 3 – 4 hr from Huia Street
- Track grade
- Advanced
- 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
The track climbs to 521 m and offers panoramic views of the Waikanae Estuary and Kapiti Island.
This DOC directory entry covers Te Au 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: 3.5 km one way
- Walking time: 3 – 4 hr from Huia Street
- DOC grade: Advanced
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
It's easiest to start from 133 Huia Street, Waikanae then ascend the track through native bush. There are trap lines criss-crossing this area so follow the orange triangle markers at all times.
A lookout has excellent views and is a good lunch spot. Follow the track through bush and connect with Parata Walking Track to get back to Waikanae.
The track is suitable for well equipped and experienced trampers with trail finding experience. It is unformed has loose rocks and exposed roots, which are slippery when wet.
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.
It is best to start from Huia Street and walk upwards to the summit where it becomes the Parata Walking Track.
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.
