Explore Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park, located on the Kāpiti Coast in Wellington, spans over 600 hectares between Paekākāriki and Raumati. This expansive coastal reserve is notable for preserving one of the last natural duneland areas in the lower North Island. Accessible via the Paekākāriki off-ramp from State Highway 1, the park features picnic and heritage areas, parking, and rural landscapes.
A Park of History and Heritage
During World War II, Queen Elizabeth Park served as a significant US Marine Corps camp. Thousands of troops trained here before heading to the Pacific, and today, a memorial and interpretation panels commemorate their presence. Visitors can still find remnants of the camp, such as foundations and pathways.
The park also holds cultural significance for Māori, particularly Ngāti Haumia of Ngāti Toa Rangatira. The area was historically used for fishing and gathering shellfish. Place names and archaeological sites in the park reflect centuries of Māori occupation before it became a Crown reserve in the 20th century.
Landscapes, Wildlife, and Recreation
Queen Elizabeth Park features a diverse mix of restored wetlands, regenerating forest, open grassland, and the expansive Whareroa Beach. A notable feature is the re-established lagoon near the Marine Memorial, where reflections of the sky and dunes are often accompanied by lively birdlife. On calm days, you can spot pīwakawaka (fantails), swallows, and other birds swooping around the lagoon.
The park's extensive network of tracks is ideal for walking, cycling, and horse riding, connecting to the wider Kāpiti cycleway and Paekākāriki village. The broad sands of the beach provide opportunities for walking, fishing, and horse treks with views of Kāpiti Island. The wetlands provide crucial habitats for native fish, eels, and bird species, supported by an ongoing restoration programme led by the regional council and community volunteers.
Getting to Queen Elizabeth Park
To reach Queen Elizabeth Park, take the signposted off-ramp from State Highway 1 onto Whareroa Road, which leads directly into the park's centre. From the main car park, you can easily access the primary tracks and facilities. From Central Wellington, the park is a 42-minute, 47 km drive. You can also enter the park from the northern end of Paekākāriki via Queen Elizabeth Road or from the Esplanade in Raumati South.
Other parks and trails on the Kāpiti Coast include the Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve, the Paraparaumu Scenic Reserve, the Hemi Matenga Reserve, Ngā Manu, and the Waikanae River Track.
