Paekākāriki Escarpment Trail
Project location
Paekākāriki - Pukerua Bay, Kapiti Coast
Client name
Te Araroa Trust
Services provided by Frame Group
Feasibility Studies and Options Assessment
Solutioning, Concept Design and Visualisation
Detailed Design and Engineering
Consents Management
Construction Management
Partners
Valley Landscapes – Construction Contractor
Edifice Construction Limited - Construction Contractor (swing bridges)
Resource Management Solutions – Planning
KiwiRail - Landowner
The Paekākāriki Escarpment Trail is a distinctive section of Te Araroa, the Long Pathway, traversing the steep coastal escarpment between Paekākāriki and Pukerua Bay. The trail offers expansive views across Kāpiti Island and along the Kāpiti coastline, running high above the highway and railway corridor. Designed as a walking track, the route caters for a wide range of users, including local walkers and Te Araroa long-distance walkers.
Frame Group undertook the initial feasibility assessment for the trail in association with the Te Araroa Wellington Trust, including route investigation, option development and landowner consultation. Engagement was also undertaken with KiwiRail due to the trail’s proximity to the rail corridor. The final alignment climbs from near sea level to approximately 220 metres and passes through areas of remnant coastal forest, requiring careful design to balance access, safety and environmental protection.
Frame Group prepared detailed design for approximately 7.5 kilometres of walking track, including extensive benched sections constructed along slopes of up to 50 degrees, approximately 1,500 boxed steps and several bridge structures. The trail includes two pedestrian swing bridges, each approximately 44 metres long, providing dramatic crossings within the escarpment environment. The design also incorporated restoration planting and weed control to support long-term environmental outcomes.
Construction was delivered in staged packages to align with available funding, with each stage prepared, tendered and contract-managed by Frame Group acting as agent for the Te Araroa National Trust. Delivery required close liaison with voluntary Trustees, who provided on-site monitoring and support throughout construction. The total construction cost for the trail was approximately $1.4 million. Frame Group has since continued to work with the Te Araroa Trust on a number of other projects.
