Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Makara Walkway

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 12 ?

Gnarl Factor: 45 ?

7.0km

280m

290m

186m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Beach

Coastal

Open farmlands

Run Makeup

10%
10%
40%
5%
35%

Sealed Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +7.8%

Average Downhill Gradient: -7.9%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:30

Slow

1:00

Moderate

0:45

Fast

From the Makara Walkway entrance sign, follow the coast round south for about 3.5km. Ignore the climb up the ridge along the way, unless you want to do the route in reverse. The coastal trail becomes unmarked pretty quickly and you'll be rock hopping and scrambling for much of this first 3.5km. Good strength work for your ankles! Once you reach the turn off inland, cross the stile and take the semi-sealed 4WD track steeply uphill towards the gun emplacements.

At the top of the climb, turn left and follow the signs for the gun emplacements, then head north along the ridge down towards the beach. Take care here as it can be steep and slippery. Once back on the beach, head back north the way you came to finish back where you started.

This coastal run shows off a bit of history with the WW2 gun emplacements and gives spectacular views of the South Island up to Kapiti Island.

Car parking is fairly secure during daylight hours as it's a residential area. There is no public transport available.

18 km

32 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

Non-existent.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map.

The streams aren't safe to drink from as it's a working farm. There are toilets and a cafe at the car park.

Avoid very high tides and/or strong winds

You'll be exposed to rocky beaches with unstable footing, exposed clifftops and possibly some farm animals

Makara Beach Cafe

Trail Legend

Tony Sharpe

Tony Sharpe

has completed Makara Walkway once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Brilliant views from the ridge and the beach section is great training,

Richele McKenzie

November 13, 2021

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