Set amongst 11 hectares of beautiful remnant Nikau and Kohekohe forest, the Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve is a hidden gem.
Trail Info
Length
616m
Walking Length
30 min one way
Difficulty
Medium
Profile
151m highest point
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.