Last Updated: 7th Mar 2025
Waikanae River & Estuary
Submitted by Joseph Lindsay
Last Updated: 7th Mar 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 9 ?
Gnarl Factor: 8 ?
13.5km
30m
30m
20m
Last Updated: 7th Mar 2025
Submitted by Joseph Lindsay
Last Updated: 7th Mar 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 9 ?
Gnarl Factor: 8 ?
13.5km
30m
30m
20m
Urban
Combo
Totally/mostly flat
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Beach
Coastal
Riverside
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +1.7%
Average Downhill Gradient: -1.6%
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1:30
Slow
1:05
Moderate
0:50
Fast
A good, easy beginner off-road run. Mostly flat with some undulations, it should be able to be run at close to road running times for its length. For most of its length you could push a pram, but some parts you would have to carry it. The route can be entered at many points from Paraparaumu Beach, Otaihanga, Waikanae Beach, Otaraua, Waikanae township and the expressway bridleways. It can be run in loops from bridge to bridge crossing at Otaihanga Domain, Kapiti Expressway, Jim Cooke Park/Otaraua or old main road. Dogs must be on-lead for some parts, but can be off-lead other parts.
The route follow the corridor from near the beach by Kapiti Island up the river to near the native bush behind Waikanae
Toilets are located at Otaihanga Domain on the south side of the walking bridge; by the SH1 road bridge 25m off-trail on the north side of the river; at Jim Cooke Memorial Park; and Edgewater Park.
On-street parking. Bus stop opposite start point on route 262.
5 km
9 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
Navigation is easy and signposted
Perfect throughout.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Potable water at some parks along the route
Very muddy after rain. River can flood over parts of the path any time of year, but forecasts of this are usually accurate.
Flooding any time of year after heavy rain. Flooding also changes footing and can cut holes and expose bigger rock
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Lots of wildlife and good views make up for what is otherwise a flat and gravelly route
October 26, 2020
I did this loop twice as a long trail (ish) run when training and my legs needed something flat after some serious days of climbing. A bit samey samey but some lovely little moments and mostly in the shade and lots of people to say hi to.
January 26, 2020
It's super flat, good for running with friends and having a chat. Best views are at the end with the beach and Kapiti Island come back into sight. There was quite a bit of work going on involving heavy machinery, but workers were stationed to help us take alternative paths, and check we didn't stray!
May 22, 2019
The estuary and northern bank were very pretty but the southern bank was a bit too much like road for me. Toxic algae warnings so Sparky wasn't able to swim. Loads of blackberries so take a container if running in Feb.
February 20, 2019
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