Paekākāriki Escarpment Track
Conquer the 'Stairway to Heaven' on this stunning coastal hike, offering breathtaking views and a rewarding challenge.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light & less wind
Paekākāriki Escarpment Track
Best Time
Best light & less wind
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Conquer the 'Stairway to Heaven' on this stunning coastal hike, offering breathtaking views and a rewarding challenge.
"This coastal day hike packs a punch with incredible views and a challenging climb!"
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The track is hard-packed with many steps; good shoes are essential for grip and comfort.
🌬️ Wind Preparedness
This exposed ridgeline can be very windy. Check forecasts and be ready to turn back if conditions are unsafe.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'Stairway to Heaven'
The track itself
Conquer over 400 stairs for breathtaking coastal and inland views. A true test of endurance with immense rewards.
Panoramic Coastal Vistas
Along the escarpment
Uninterrupted, sweeping views of the Tasman Sea and the Kapiti Coast. Perfect for photography and soaking in the scenery.
Suspension Bridge Thrills
Mid-track
A thrilling swing bridge adds an element of adventure to the hike, offering unique perspectives.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Stairs (and the Wind!)
Logistics for a Point-to-Point Hike
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The track is hard-packed with many steps; good shoes are essential for grip and comfort.
🌬️ Wind Preparedness
This exposed ridgeline can be very windy. Check forecasts and be ready to turn back if conditions are unsafe.
💧 Hydration & Sun Protection
Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, especially on hot days, as there's significant sun exposure.
🗺️ Plan Your Transport
It's a point-to-point track. Arrange parking or use the train to connect Paekākāriki and Pukerua Bay.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The track is hard-packed with many steps; good shoes are essential for grip and comfort.
🌬️ Wind Preparedness
This exposed ridgeline can be very windy. Check forecasts and be ready to turn back if conditions are unsafe.
💧 Hydration & Sun Protection
Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, especially on hot days, as there's significant sun exposure.
🗺️ Plan Your Transport
It's a point-to-point track. Arrange parking or use the train to connect Paekākāriki and Pukerua Bay.
⬆️ North to South Route
Many find walking from Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay (north to south) slightly easier.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Paekākāriki Escarpment Track for its breathtaking coastal views and challenging, rewarding hike. The 'Stairway to Heaven' aspect, with its numerous stairs, is a highlight for many, offering a great workout. However, the track's exposed nature means wind can be a significant factor, and it's not recommended for those with limited mobility or very young children.
"Great trail with amazing views all the way. Did it north to south and seeing how many stairs there were going up from the other way I think it was a good decision.
The trail is pretty thin in some places but if you take your time it’s not that hard really.
Lots of ups and downs! About 11km all up including the last couple of km along the flat track to the trains station."
Richard Coleman
"I parked the car at Pukerua Bay Station and took a bus to Paekakariki Station where I started my walk (I walked the route in January 2025, when the trains were temporarily replaced by buses). The route can be walked in both directions, but walking from north to south seems a little easier. On a good day sunset views are amazing."
Paula Lievonen
"Amazing, relatively short trail. Absolutely worth the trip from Wellington Central.
Definitely slip, slop and slap on some sun screen on a hot day, as there's a fair amount of exposure... but this also means you get to enjoy the amazing coastal views.
There's some parts with rather steep incline (stairs), but that only makes the walk that much more worth it."
Tee Toma
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The track is about a 45-minute drive north of Wellington. You can also take a train from Wellington to either Paekākāriki or Pukerua Bay stations, which are the start/end points of the track.
Parking is available at both Paekākāriki and Pukerua Bay train stations. If you plan to walk one way, consider how you'll get back to your car.
Yes, the track is easily accessible by train. Both Paekākāriki and Pukerua Bay have train stations, making it convenient for a point-to-point hike.
It takes approximately 40-45 minutes to drive from Wellington Central to the start of the track. Train travel might take slightly longer depending on the schedule.
Absolutely! The track can be walked in either direction, from Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay or vice versa. Many prefer north to south.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Paekākāriki Escarpment Track is a public walkway and does not require an entrance fee. It's a free activity for everyone to enjoy.
The track is open year-round and accessible at any time. However, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and to enjoy the views.
No booking is required for this track. It's a public access trail, so you can simply show up and start your hike.
There are no specific entry restrictions, but it's crucial to check weather conditions, especially wind, before you go.
While not explicitly stated in most guides, it's generally recommended to check local council bylaws regarding dogs on walking tracks in the area. Leashed dogs are often permitted on many NZ trails.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The track is approximately 10-11 km long, depending on your exact starting and ending points. Allow 3-4 hours to complete it.
The terrain is varied, featuring a significant number of stairs (over 400), steep inclines, and some flatter sections. It's a well-maintained but challenging path.
It can be challenging for very young children due to the stairs and steep sections. Older children and those used to hiking may enjoy it, but supervision is key.
There are limited facilities directly on the track itself. It's advisable to use restrooms at the train stations before you start and carry all your essentials.
The views are spectacular! You'll get panoramic vistas of the Tasman Sea, the Kapiti Coast, and the surrounding countryside.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, especially late afternoon, offers beautiful light for coastal shots. Clear mornings also provide excellent visibility and fewer crowds.
Expect stunning landscape shots of the coastline, sea, and rolling hills. The stairs themselves also make for dramatic photographic subjects.
It can be challenging during peak times. Visiting on a weekday or early in the morning will give you more opportunities for unobstructed shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A polarizing filter can help manage glare from the sea. Consider a lightweight tripod for stability.
The entire track offers incredible viewpoints. Keep an eye out for elevated sections and clearings that provide unobstructed panoramas of the coast.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key advice for families: Ensure children have sturdy, well-fitting shoes. Pack plenty of water and snacks, and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Consider walking north to south, as some find this slightly less strenuous. Always supervise children closely, especially on the steeper sections and near the edges.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Utilizing New Zealand's efficient train system to connect Paekākāriki and Pukerua Bay is an affordable way to complete the point-to-point hike. Packing your own lunch and snacks will save money compared to purchasing food at cafes. It's a high-value experience for minimal cost.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be prepared for the elements; wind can be a challenge but also adds a dynamic element to photos. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive vistas and a polarizing filter to cut glare from the sea. The suspension bridge also offers unique photographic angles.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the 'Stairway to Heaven'
Be prepared for a significant workout. The stairs are steep and can be uneven in places. While there are no handrails on the steps, the path is generally well-maintained. The effort is undeniably worth it, as the panoramic views that unfold are simply spectacular. Remember to wear sturdy footwear, as the hard-packed trail demands good grip.
This hike is a fantastic option for those looking for a rewarding day trip from Wellington. It offers a good balance of physical challenge and breathtaking scenery without consuming an entire day. The sense of accomplishment after completing the 'Stairway to Heaven' is immense.
Weather: Your Biggest Consideration
On a good day, the track offers stunning, unobstructed views. However, strong winds can make the hike unpleasant or even unsafe. Some visitors have had to turn back due to high winds, so flexibility is key. It's advisable to have a windbreaker and to be ready to adjust your plans if the weather turns.
Beyond wind, New Zealand's weather is notoriously changeable. Be prepared for sunshine one moment and rain the next. Packing layers, water, and snacks is always a good idea for any hike in the region.
Logistics: Making it a Seamless Day Trip
Alternatively, if you have a car, you can arrange for parking at both Paekākāriki and Pukerua Bay. Some hikers opt to use ride-sharing services or taxis for the return journey if they've left their car at one end. Allow approximately 3-4 hours to complete the hike, factoring in time for stops to admire the views and take photos.
Consider the direction of your hike. Many find walking from Paekākāriki (north) to Pukerua Bay (south) to be a more manageable experience, though both directions offer incredible scenery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit