Click to go to the Porirua Pathfinder page.Te Ara Piko Pathway: Top 12 Tracks No. 5

This easy, flat walkway runs along the northern edge of Pauatahanui Inlet through native salt marshes and wetland habitat. This area is a nationally important estuary.

The walkway currently stretches about 1.95 kilometres, but the intention is for it to eventually ring the Inlet. The first part of the walk travels along the quiet Motukaraka Road, then becomes gravel as it winds through salt marsh vegetation, with stretches of boardwalk and bridges. It takes about 25-30 minutes one way.

Note: Parts of this pathway may be flooded by high tides.

The Council is currently working on the next stage to link the pathway to Pauatahanui Village.

Sign at entrance to Te Ara Piko Pathway.
View showing sign at entrance to Te Ara Piko Pathway.

Walkers on Te Ara Piko walkway.
Walkers on Te Ara Piko walkway.

A seat on Te Ara Piko Pathway.
A seat on Te Ara Piko Pathway where walkers can sit and enjoy the view.

How to get there

Start from the western end of Motukaraka Point Road, by the carpark beside the public toilets.

Click on the image to view the Te Ara Piko line drawing map (pdf). Maps

Users

A shared-use path - Walkers; Bikes; Wheelchairs with assistance.

Dogs

Dogs are permitted off lead from the public toilets at the western end of Motukaraka Point to 33 Motukaraka Point Road, but from that point onwards, dogs must be on a lead.

Facilities

Toilets: At the western end of Motukaraka Point
Cafes: In the nearby Pauatahanui Village and at the Mana shops.

Grade: Easiest (Slopes 0 – 4%)

Elevation: Te Ara Piko Pathway.

View elevation as full screen image.

Links to other Tracks

Work is currently underway to link the Pauatahanui Wildlife Management Reserve. Please refer to "Porirua's Great Walking and Cycling Tracks" brochure (5MB 2 page pdf) for more information.

Recommendation

After walking this pathway, drive to Pauatahanui Village, and explore the walkways at the Pauatahanui Wildlife Management Reserve.

Environment Code

  • Protect plants and wildlife
  • Remove rubbish
  • Keep to the track
  • Consider other people
  • Clean up after your dog

Code of Conduct for Shared Pathways

  • Keep left
  • Consider others
  • Cyclists: use hand signals, warn others when passing and always give way to pedestrians. If necessary, give way to uphill users.

Feedback

We hope you enjoy our Top 12 Tracks, and have the opportunity to complete all 12. Fill in our online feedback form with ideas for improvements, or reporting any issues or problems you encountered.