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.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 352 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit