Tūtaepatu Trail

Point to point

Another highlight is the Te Kōhanga Wetlands. These wetlands act as the "kidneys" of the landscape, filtering water and providing a safe haven for biodiversity. Seeing the "regeneration in action" is truly inspiring—thousands of native plants have been painstakingly tucked into the earth here to replace invasive species.

For the photographers among us, the best "hero shot" is often found looking back towards the mountains from the edge of the lagoon. If you time your walk for the late afternoon, the "golden hour" light hits the reeds and the distant foothills, turning the entire landscape into a glowing canvas of gold and deep blue.

Getting There

The Tūtaepatu Trail is a point-to-point track, so you can start at either end.

Starting from Pegasus: Access is easy via Pegasus Main Street, Te Kōhanga Drive, or Tiritirimoana Drive. There is plenty of parking near the lake and town centre. This is a great option if you want to grab a coffee before you head out.

Starting from Waikuku Beach: Head to the beach car parks at the end of Kiwi Avenue. There is ample hard-surface parking here. Alternatively, you can access the Woodend end of the coastal park via Woodend Beach Road.

If you are doing the full 12km return trip, either end works perfectly. If you only want to walk the 6km one-way, you’ll need to arrange a car drop-off at the opposite end or convince a friendly family member to meet you for lunch!

Wildlife Spotting

The restoration of the Tūhaitara Coastal Park has seen a massive return of native birdlife. Because the trail passes through both wetlands and regenerating forest, the variety is impressive.

Keep an ear out for the melodic chime of the Bellbird (Korimako) and the friendly chatter of the New Zealand Fantail (Pīwakawaka). These little guys are quite bold and will often flutter alongside you, catching the insects stirred up by your footsteps.

If you are patient and quiet near the lagoon, you might be lucky enough to spot the elusive Australasian Bittern (Matuku-hūrepo). They are master mimics of the reeds, so look for a "stick" that suddenly moves! Other water birds like the Pied Stilt (Kakiitī) and the rare New Zealand Dabchick (Weweia) can often be seen bobbing on the water. If you’re walking near dusk, keep an eye (and ear) out for the Morepork (Ruru), New Zealand's only surviving native owl.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Spring: This is when the wetlands are at their most vibrant. The new growth is bright green, and the birdlife is incredibly active and vocal.
• Summer: The coastal breeze provides a welcome relief from the Canterbury heat. It’s the perfect time to combine your walk with a dip at Waikuku Beach.
• Autumn: The air is crisp and clear, often providing the best visibility of the Southern Alps.
• Winter: Don't write off a winter walk! On a calm, sunny winter day, the light is stunning, and seeing the heavy snow on the distant mountains while you walk through the green wetlands is a beautiful contrast.

• The Nor’wester: North Canterbury is famous for its warm, dry North-West wind. On a gusty day, the trail can feel quite exposed, so a windbreaker is a good idea.
• Sun Protection: Even on cloudy days, the NZ sun is fierce. Wear a hat and apply sunscreen, as there isn't consistent shade along the entire length of the path.
• Hydration: There aren't many water taps along the trail itself, so carry a bottle with you.
• Footwear: While the path is flat and well-maintained, comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are recommended. You don’t need heavy hiking boots here.

Local & Regional Context

The land you are walking on is rich with history and meaning. The Tūtaepatu Lagoon is a site of immense significance to Ngāi Tahu. Historically, it was a crucial source of mahinga kai (traditional food gathering), providing a bounty of eels, birds, and plants. It is also an urupā (burial ground), making it a sacred site that demands respect from all visitors.

The trail sits within the Tūhaitara Coastal Park, which covers 10.5 kilometres of coastline from the Waimakariri River mouth up to Waikuku. The park is managed by a Te Kōhaka o Tūhaitara Trust, a partnership between local government and Iwi. Their 200-year vision is to rehabilitate this land back to an indigenous coastal ecosystem. Every step you take on the Tūtaepatu Trail is a walk through a landscape that is being lovingly restored for future generations.

After the Walk

One of the best parts of the Tūtaepatu Trail is the selection of "refuelling stations" at either end.

If you finish in Pegasus, head straight to The Good Home Pegasus. This gastropub sits right on the edge of Lake Pegasus. It has a fantastic outdoor seating area where you can relax with a cold drink and a burger while looking out over the water. It’s very family-friendly and a great place to rest the legs.

If you end your journey at the Waikuku end, you have two excellent choices. The Office Cafe, located within the Old School Collective, is a local favourite. Their homemade pies and seasonal salads are legendary, and they cater well to vegan and gluten-free diets. If you're after something more casual, the Waikuku Beach General Store, Cafe & Takeaway is the place to go. You haven't truly experienced a North Canterbury summer until you’ve had their fish and chips or a giant ice cream cone while sitting on the grass near the beach.

Whether you're a local looking for a new weekend routine or a tourist exploring the Canterbury coastline, the Tūtaepatu Trail offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and ease. It’s a gentle reminder that some of the best outdoor experiences don’t require a mountain peak—just a path, some fresh air, and a bit of local history.

2km away

A family-run local favourite at Waikuku Beach, known for its fantastic fish and chips, Indian curries, ice cream, coffee, and friendly service – ideal for a casual bite after your coastal adventure.