View of Kapiti Island from the dunes - Jessica Dewsnap

Queen Elizabeth Park is the last area of natural dunes on Kapiti's coastline. Once part of a swathe of duneland stretching from Paekakariki to Foxton, the park reminds us how the coastline appeared before large-scale human settlement. Greater Wellington is working with the community to protect and enhance this environment while providing a great place to enjoy the outdoors.

With its 650 hectares of easy terrain edged by a sandy beach, Queen Elizabeth Park has plenty of space to enjoy swimming, fishing, walking, cycling, horseriding, picnics or group activities.

The park is steeped in history including pa sites at Whareroa and Wainui beaches and evidence of the 20,000 strong US marine camps from World War II The Tramway Museum is situated near the MacKays Crossing entrance, with historic trams running on the 2km line to Whareroa Beach.

For maps of the park and the picnic areas please refer to the blue box on the right of the screen. 

Private vehicle

To reach the coastal dunes, picnic areas, and motor camp at Paekakariki, turn off SH1 into the township and turn right into Wellington Road. The park entrance is at the end of Wellington Road.

The MacKays Crossing entrance off SH1 gives access to Whareroa Beach and surrounding dunes, picnic areas, walking, cycling and horseriding trails, the Tramway Museum, WWII Marines displays, several wetlands and the kahikatea forest remnant.

To walk, run or cycle amongst the coastal dunes near Raumati South, turn off SH1 at Poplar Ave and follow the road to its end at the Esplanade. Turn left and drive for about 1km to reach the park entrance.

Public transport

It is a 1.5 km walk or cycle from the Paekakariki railway station to the southern park entrance at the end of Wellington Road. Or take a No 74 bus from Paraparaumu railway station to Jeep Rd, Raumati South.

The park is open daily from 8am to dusk.

Camping is allowed only in the Paekakariki Holiday Park, near the park's southern entrance. To book, please phone 04 292 8292.