Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Te Raekaihau Point
Submitted by Richele McKenzie
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Grunt Factor: 7 ?
Gnarl Factor: 15 ?
7.0km
150m
150m
111m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Richele McKenzie
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Grunt Factor: 7 ?
Gnarl Factor: 15 ?
7.0km
150m
150m
111m
Urban
Out and Back
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Beach
Coastal
Sealed Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +4.1%
Average Downhill Gradient: -4.1%
Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.
1:00
Slow
0:45
Moderate
0:35
Fast
Starting at the carpark at the airport end of Lyall Parade, follow the beach all the way to the end, where you need to pop up onto the footpath briefly, then back along the coastal trail / beach to the Princess Bay toilet block. Carefully cross the road and head up the trail to Te Raekaihau. There are two options here, taking the first track to the right or continuing to the ridge (clearer track) and turning right.
Enjoy the view from the top (there's a seat here) then head back north past the track you came up on, and past the other turn offs for the coastal road, until you pop out on View Road. Turn right onto Hungerford Road and head back down to the coastal trail, and back along the beach to the start.
Lyall Bay beach is a popular surf and swimming beach. There are two off-lead dog areas along the route. The coastal trail from Lyall Bay to Princess Bay has great views in any weather.
Plenty of parking available in the carpark, or along the road. Bus No 2 or 3.
7 km
16 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
Perfect throughout.
Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Toilets are located at Lyall Bay beach and Princess Bay.
The bush track may get slippery when wet.
Very windy at times. Take care along the top of the ridge. Watch for traffic crossing the road from the Princess Bay toilet block.
Parrot Dog Brewert
60-66 Kingsford Smith Street, Lyall Bay
https://parrotdog.co.nz/
Great beer and dog-friendly.
Queen Sally's Diamond Deli
200 Queen's Drive, Lyall Bay
http://www.queens.co.nz/
Great food!
Maranui Cafe
7a Lyall Parade, Lyall Bay
http://www.maranuicafe.co.nz/
Great views and food.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Te Raekaihau Point
As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.
Already have an account? Login now
This is my local stomping ground and where I walk my dog daily, it’s wild, rugged and beautiful. This trail gives the wonder opportunity to run along Lyall Bay beach and around the headland to Princess Bay, before heading up to Te Raekaihau Point, where the panoramic views over the South Coast of Wellington, to the seaward Kaikoura ranges of the South Island, are spectacular on a clear day. You can stand at the point and watch the weather change, the sunrise and the sunset. Definitely worth a run!
May 24, 2023
The Wild Things Trail Directory is proudly supported by 
Send to your phone
Scan the below QR code to open this trail on your phone.
Tip: position the QR code in your phone camera screen.
