Paekakariki Escarpment

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The first section of this trail is relatively flat, as it follows the railway line. The track has a solid gravel base and good wooden bridges. Then there is quite a steep 200-meter climb with many steps that brings the track to the top of ridge, which it then follows. There is no access to farmland higher up. There is a lookout point, then the track starts to descend with more steps (both down and up), and there are two swing bridges (max load of 5 people) on the way out to Muri station.

There are a couple of small sections of cool bush along the route, and excellent views of Pukerua Bay. The Muri Railway Station is closed. At Muri, you can hike out to SH1 and continue along the road to Pukerua Station, or you can follow a route alongside the railway track to Pukerua Station.

The signs state 3-4 hours for the one-way trip, but most fit people will complete the trail in about 2 hours. It is about 10 km from railway station to railway station, and there are iron kilometer markers along the way.

The nearest convenient parking area is at Paekakariki Station. People with vertigo are warned against undertaking this trail. There are many steps, and both the steps and many sections of track are single file. Suitable footwear should be worn, and carry an extra layer in case the weather turns - it can be exposed up there. The trail crosses two swing-bridges.

You will traverse two lovely sections of Kohekohe forest.