Kapiti US Marines Trust

The Kāpiti United States Marines Trust (KUSMT), is developing three distinct walking trails and a cycling trail through the sites of three US Marines Camps in Paekākāriki.

This requires an upgrade and re-brand all current signage and the addition of significant new signage in order to make all four trails a domestic and an internationally-marketable experience.

These days, Camps MacKay, Russell and Paekākāriki are respectively: a farm under DOC management, Queen Elizabeth Park (GWRC) and Paekākāriki Village itself. The three Marines’ walking trails and the cycle trail we plan to develop will offer a different experience: Spectacular views, magnificent native forest walks, beautiful wetland environments, stunning beaches and dunescapes.

While connecting with a varied and beautiful environment, the Marines trails will traverse all three former Camps. The trails already exist - each with amenities such as parking and toilets. Using interpretive signage, and modern trail design, our plan, is to create a compelling narrative to tell the story of each camp using three niche loop tracks and a comprehensive cycle track.