Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve is located in Waikanae on the Kapiti Coast. Inspired by photos shared by a local friend, I was drawn to this lush forest, dotted with baby nikau palms.

There's three tracks within the park - the Kohekohe walk, Parata track and Te Au track. I did a combo of all three, spending approximately two hours in the reserve.

Arriving at the Tui Crescent entrance, you'll find clean and well-maintained toilets – useful if you've travelled from Wellington! Note: the water is non-potable so you will need to bring your own water in with you. 

Kohekohe Track

The journey begins on the short Kohekohe track, your introduction to kohekohe trees and young nikau palms. If you’re short on time and not so interested in a vantage point, then this is the track for you (note: this isn't a loop, but it is possible to create your own loop - more on that later).

Entering the park, you'll follow a wee stream to the first bridge. This is what sold me on this walk - it's quite picturesque and found within minutes of starting the walk!

Parata Track

A few minutes past the bridge brings you to the Parata track turnoff, where the ascent begins. The climb is steep yet manageable, although be prepared to build up a sweat and watch your footing as you navigate tree roots!

Walking at a relaxed pace to enjoy the dappled light filtering through the trees (you’re under the canopy the whole way – great for hot, summer’s days), you will reach the clearing in around 45 to 50 minutes. There’s a bench here where you can sit and enjoy views out over the Reikorangi valley.

Te Au Track

At the clearing, the Parata Track ends and the Te Au Track begins. Walk another 15 minutes and you’ll find yourself at a second clearing, this one with a peek out to Kapiti Island. It’s not the best vantage point of Kapiti and you will need to climb on the bench to see the island. But, a good a fun milestone and turnaround point.

If you’re feeling adventurous, the Te Au Track does continue on. The sign at the park entry warns it’s marked but unformed and comments on other blog posts indicate it gets pretty wild – think hiking poles and vine limbo! I took one look down the steep decent and decided to return the way I’d come.

Return options and final thoughts

Once you return to the bottom of the Parata track, you can continue on the remainder of the Kohekohe track. If you do, you’ll be rewarded with a few additional viewpoints of Kapiti island. The Kohekohe track, however, is not a loop so you’ll exit on Kakariki Grove.

To return to Tui Crescent, rather than continuing round on Kakariki Grove look for the forest pathway. This takes you across a footbridge to Kereru Street and back to Tui Crescent completing the circuit.

For a short forest walk with mature nikau palms and clear views of Kapiti Island, try Barry Hadfield. If you prefer a more challenging 90-minute to two-hour hill climb, Hemi Matenga is ideal. In summer, tracks are dry, but in winter they can be slippery due to tree roots—though this is when the kohekohe trees bloom, offering delicate white flowers as a reward.