One of the perks of living in New Zealand is that adventure is never far away. No matter where you are, you’re usually only a few minutes from a great walk and on the Kāpiti Coast, I’m completely spoiled for choice. One of them is the Mangaone Walkway, a track that connects Mangaone South Road with Mangaone North Road. The southern access runs off Ngātiawa Road, about 8 km south-east of Waikanae, while the northern entrance comes off Te Horo Hautere Cross Road in Te Horo, roughly 9 km north of Waikanae.

Review: Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay Escarpment Track

The first week of November marks the start of my Great Walks journey — beginning with Lake Waikaremoana (weather permitting!). I’m really looking forward to it. It’ll be my first time on this track, a 46km one-way adventure starting from Onepoto in the south, which I’m aiming to complete over three days.

I am lucky where I live on the Kapiti Coast there are some good hills to strengthen the legs. Nearby is the Barry Hadfield Nīkau Reserve. It is a shaded bush walk through large clusters of nikau palms along a gravel/muddy track. It leads up a steep but short staircase climb, only takes about 15 mins up but great to do before work. Checkout the Tiktok of it https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSDw552jc/

The first thing I knew I had to do to prepare for The Walk was obvious: get moving. Luckily, I live on the Kāpiti Coast, where the trails are so good it almost feels rude not to use them. Training here is less “grind” and more “stroll with benefits.”