The Escarpment Track (9.1km - 3 - 4 hours) runs from Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay, taking in sweeping views of the spectacular Kāpiti Coastline and the region’s famous Kāpiti Island.
I left my car at Paekākāriki and got the train back from Pukerua Bay.
Heading south, the trail starts by following the Kāpiti railway line then veers uphill and across privately-owned farmland. You’ll climb 220 metres above sea level and navigate steep narrow pathways on what is one of the highlights of the Te Araroa Trail. The Escarpment Track can be walked in either direction but most choose to walk from north to south.
It is not recommended for the faint-hearted: you’ll scale around 1,200 steep steps, navigate narrow pathways across ridgelines, and traverse two swing bridges. (https://www.wellingtonregionaltrails.com/trails/escarpment-track/)