Te Au Track
Waikanae · Wellington · Point to Point
This walk comes from licensed public walk data and is being progressively confirmed against the authorities. Signs on the day always win. The rule-setter’s own wording: “Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules. (DOC, Te Au Track.) The track climbs through Hemi Matenga Memorial Park Scenic Reserve, which is conservation land, so DOC sets the dog rule here rather than the Kapiti Coast District Council”. Evidence: a hand-checked correction against the authority. How we check dog rules.
Good to know
Dogs are allowed here. Keep them on the lead, watch for ground-nesting birds and stock, and read the signs at the gate.
About Te Au Track
Te Au Track is a point-to-point of 5.3 km, near Waikanae in Wellington.
DOC grades this an advanced tramping track, 3.5 km one way and 3 to 4 hours from Huia Street, and says it suits well equipped and experienced walkers with route finding experience. It is easiest to start from 133 Huia Street in Waikanae. Trap lines criss cross the area, so follow the orange triangle markers the whole way. The track is unformed, with loose rocks and exposed roots that are slippery when wet. The lookout near the top is a good lunch spot, with views over the Waikanae Estuary and Kapiti Island, and you can carry on and link with the Parata Track to get back to Waikanae.
Graded hard, it climbs about 439 m overall, pitching up to 46 % at its steepest, and takes about 2.5–3 hr to walk.
Along the way there are native forest and big views. Dogs are allowed here, on the lead. Walkers rate it 4.3 / 5 across 85 reviews.
