Wairaka WalkWay Keeping Close to the water:Walks Behond Wellington

This is classed as easy walk but it is long. It can be completed 1 way or you can loop back to your starting point.

I came across this walk by accident after looking at the map of the area for something else, it was then a matter of waiting for the right day.

That day arrived early March 2010 with a wonderful day dawning. A quick bus trip to Wellington Rail Station then a pleasant run on the train to Pukerua Bay. (Note that Muri Station is now closed).

Savour the view before you head down Pekerua Beach Road to Brendan Beach ( oddly enough the road name gives it away.) On a sunny day the views are stunning and on those odd days that are wild you can a true feeling what the West Coast can offer.

Either follow Ocean Parade or walk on the beach until the road becomes a tack. This is the last chance for a toilet break until Plimmerton .

The track follows closely to the water and is well used so easy to follow. Above you is the Raroa Reserve. Not to far along you go through a rock hole which clearly shows what nature can do with its power.
Continue along until you arrive at Wairaka Point,here you go through an strange gate made of wood/metal which seems to hangs from the rock.
Say hello to the goats if about. They may give you a good stare but they are all good.
At this point the track becomes rocky and there are areas where the track has disappeared but saying that it is still walkable.Care is required.

Along the way i came across a couple of spots where people have spent some wonderful evening enjoying the views as well as the peace and solitude.

Eventually the track ends and becomes a road.This made the rest of the walk easier. Not far from where it becomes a road is a quarry so care is needed. if walking it during the week but you should not encounter any traffic if its the weekend.

You will pass a building where someone has done some wonderful things with driftwood and wood scraps.

Continue along the coast road where you are afforded some great views of Onehunga Bay and The Titahi Bay area.(The Whitireia Park Reserve has recovered well from the scrub fire a couple of years back). Also you get a good view of Mana Island.

If you are planning to do the loop back to Pukerua Bay then just before Plimmerton School take a left turn into Motuhara Road,then a right into The Track. Taua Tapu Track starts at the end of the road. Follow this track which heads up to the hills where the views are even more stunning.You will drop back down towards the Taru Cemetery and the track follows between SH1 and the railway until you arrive back in Pukerua Bay.

If not planning to do the loop,continue along the road passing a marina until you arrive at Plimmerton Rail Station.

Just before the station you will come across a couple of cafes for a well earned drink or 2.

The main part of the coast track is not suitable for bikes.

Distance is around 17km for the loop whilst around 12km for station to station. I allowed myself around 4 hours for the 1 way walk, the loop would be around the same. Allow extra for stops or taking photo,s.

Good footwear is required plus food and water a must. Ensure warm/wet weather gear is carried as things can change quickly.
Also let someone know where you are heading and expected to return.

James/ windy hill flying club.