The track from Paekakariki to Pukerua Bay is 10K long. It runs high above State Highway 1 and the railway, reaching 220 metres above sea level.
There are spectacular views, and it is one of the highlights of the Te Araroa Trail.
Be aware that it is steep, narrow and exposed, and crosses private property.
Please keep to the marked track and DO NOT enter the rail corridor (you risk a $20,000 fine).
There are seats and interesting interpretive signs along the way but no amenities.
More info about the walkway can be found at the following links:
Te Araroa website link
Paekakariki Escarpment
PDF tracknotes
Daywalk: The Complete Paekakariki Escarpment Track
The Te Araroa is a 3000-km trail stretching from Cape Reinga in the North of New Zealand to Bluff in the South. More information about this walkway can be found at the following Link to teararoa.
Walkway profile
Kapiti Island
Caveats:
- All cachers doing these caches MUST follow these guidelines for their own safety
- Please bring your own water as the water along the route is not suitable nor recommended for human consumption, also bring food and suitable clothing as weather conditions can change rapidly without warning.
- Cellphone coverage is good along some parts of the walkway.
- NO DOGS and BIKES are allowed on this walkway.
- Once you are on this walkway there is no exit off this path except the given trailhead co-ordinates.
- Pedestrian access is ONLY via the Walkway entrances at the given co-ordinates . There is no need to go near or cross the railways line at any time as it is dangerous and can incur fines up to $20,000.
To find the cache all you need to do is go to the published co-ordinates and answer the following questions from the two information boards:
The cache can be found at S41 0A.BCD E 174 5E.FGH
A = The year describing the vegetation - last digit.
B = There is 6 plants photos on this information board, number of letters in the name of first plant.
C = How many years later did the Maori sell the land minus the first number in the height of the perpendicular wall.
D = What was the year the escapement has being grazed, sum of the digits - single number minus 1.
E = How long was the longest tunnel, 2nd digit minus 1st digit.
F = During construction of the first tunnel, an earthquake caused a cave in. How many men were killed minus 3.
G = Sum of the number of years the escarpment predated any coastal road minus 6.
H =Sum of the numbers of the amount Olympic swimming pools that the rock fill plus 2.
Checksum = 33
The cache is next to the walkway and when placed it was a screwtop 150ml Screwtop container and had the following items:
A logbook
A pencil
Please NOTE that you must sign the log book for each individual cacher (photo logs are unacceptable and will be deleted), Finds logged not corresponding with the logbook may be deleted. Please take some time before leaving to ensure that the cache is re-hidden exactly as you found it. Please bring your own pen.