Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Makara Walkway
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 12
Gnarl Factor: 45
7.0km
280m
290m
186m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 12
Gnarl Factor: 45
7.0km
280m
290m
186m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Beach
Coastal
Open farmlands
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%
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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
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Makara Walkway
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Brilliant views from the ridge and the beach section is great training,
November 13, 2021
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