Set amongst 11 hectares of beautiful remnant Nikau and Kohekohe forest, the Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve is a hidden gem.
Trail Info
Length
616 m
Walking Length
30 min one way
Difficulty
Medium
Highest Point
151 m
Uses
Walking
Dogs On Lead
Shaded Path
Lookout
About the trail
The Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve is a shaded bush walk through large clusters of nikau palms along a gravel track. It leads up a steep but short staircase climb - perfect for kids with lots of energy to burn.
Climb to the top and take a seat on the picnic table to admire the views of Kāpiti Coast and Kapiti Island.
The track takes you through 11 hectares of remnant nīkau palms, kohekohe trees and a good population of ewekuri, a regionally endangered species. You will come across pīwakawaka, riroriro , tūī, korimako, and even kererū .
The reserve is across the road from a breeding colony of little shag - an important link in a chain of forest remnants linking the Tararua Range to Kapiti Island.
Getting there and know before you go
- Car parking is available at Nikau Reserve. From old state highway 1, turn off at the signs for Nikau Valley/Lindale. Follow the signs to Nikau Valley to reach the reserve's car park.
- If you want to do a longer trail, you can link this track with the Bright Ridge Skyline track.
- Water and toilets are not available on this trail.