Ara Harakeke
This track comprises 3 short, easy sections:
- Pukerua Bay to Plimmerton - 1hr 20min
- Plimmerton to Paremata Bridge - 40min
- Paremata Bridge to Porirua Railway Station - 1hr
Track Notes
Route continues south (right) along the footpath on the right hand side of SH1, passing a wooden sculpture, until it reaches Ara Harakeke ("Flax Pathway")
At Whenua Tapu Cemetery continue on Ara Harakeke past the large Taupo Swamp. At Northpoint St go south. Continue to the railway underpass on to Steyne Ave. Turn left, and just before Steyne Ave crosses the Main Trunk Line turn right to coastal pathway (still Ara Harakeke). Follow path then under railway, exit walkway across car park, and cross the Mana/Paremata Bridge over the Pauatahanui Estuary mouth.
Proceed to second pink pedestrian rail overbridge via the Paremata station platform. Exit overbridge to right along Paremata Crescent, becoming Papakowhai Rd. Continue along Papakowhai Rd then to Aotea Lagoon across the road on right. Toilets en route at Plimmerton & Aotea Lagoon.
Exit Aotea lagoon at main entrance (south). Cross Whitford Brown Ave. at pedestrian crossing and turn left, then right into Okowai Rd. Enter into the Gear Homestead grounds on the right. Exit Gear Homestead passing through the Adrenalin Forest. The Gear Homestead and the Aotea Lagoon both provide lovely picnic areas. If you are a dare devil, take time out for some heart-pumping action at the amazing Adrenalin Forest confidence course.
Turn right onto Aotea subdivision track to SH1. Left into SH1 walkway, then right on to The Ramp (roadbridge to Porirua City). Turn left immediately over bridge into Bullock Lane (beside estuary) and follow waterside path to Station Rd.
If continuing directly to Colonial Knob, take the 1.5km Raiha Walk to Elsdon (camp ground)
Conditions: OPEN
Potential hazards:
- Vehicles on road or track Rail service vehicles/cycles Plimmerton-Paremata
- Tides, waves & rivers - safer at low tide Can walk beach at Plimmerton
- Few water sources
How to get here
Northern Start: Pukerua Bay shops on SH1
Southern End: Station Rd, Porirua
