Kapiti VISITOR GUIDE - the Kāpiti Coast
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At Mediterranean Foods
Coastlands, Main Road, Paraparaumu
Ph: 04 298 8195
www.kapiticoastnz.com
Kapiti
isite.kapiti@kapiticoast.govt.nz
www.facebook.com/destinationkapiti/
Open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm
Saturday 10am – 4pm
VISITOR
Sunday 10am – 2pm
Closed on Public Holidays GUIDE
tararua forest park otaki kapiti island paekakariki te araroa
trail queen elizabeth park te ara o whareroa track southward
car museum paraparaumu tuatara brewery raumati south nga
manu nature reserve trinity farm paraparaumu beach golf club
otaki kite festival waikanae maoriland film festival te horo shop
sport raumati beach otaihanga reserve play waikanae estuary
www.kapiticoastnz.com
RAUMATI BEACH AT SUNSET
Photo credit: Grace Simmonds
TOP THINGS WELCOME
See the largest private collection of rare and collectible cars
in the Southern Hemisphere at Southward Car Museum.
TO DO IN KĀPITI Go to a craft beer tasting session at Tuatara Brewery with
matched hors d’oeuvres made from local ingredients.
Visit the birds and tuatara at Ngā Manu and feed the eels. TO KĀPITI
Have a coffee and slice of cake at Ruth Pretty’s
Springfield House and explore the kitchen and garden
shop, or maybe take a cooking class.
With 40kms of unspoilt beaches sheltered from
Enjoy a takeaway and sunset on ‘Fish 'n Chip Hill’
Paraparaumu Beach. prevailing westerly winds by Kāpiti Island, to
the magnificent, wild landscape of the Tararua
Fly over Kāpiti in a plane or helicopter.
Range and Forest Park, the natural beauty of
Follow in the footsteps of Tiger Woods and play golf at Kāpiti is breath-taking. The area attracts artists
Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club. and entrepreneurs who help make it a vibrant,
Fish for whitebait and trout on Waikanae or Ōtaki rivers creative place with a friendly coastal village
or surf cast off the beach and enjoy your kai moana. atmosphere. Easily accessed by car, train or air,
Experience the spectacle of hundreds of kites on the beach and just 45 minutes drive from Wellington
at the Ōtaki Kite Festival in February 2019. on the Expressway, it is the perfect place for a
Be moved and inspired by watching some of the amazing relaxing break.
shorts and feature films shown at the largest indigenous
Te Araroa New Zealand’s Trail Photo credit: Martyn Cole
film festival this side of the world – Māoriland Film
Festival March 2019. CONTENTS
Climb to the top of Kāpiti Island and enjoy an incredible
panoramic view from The Sounds to Taranaki. Paekākāriki 2 On two wheels or two legs 34
Raumati 6 Get closer to nature 34
Tramp in the Tararua Forest Park. Paraparaumu 9 Taste Kāpiti 35
Otaihanga Reserve Play 36
Walk the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ part of the national Te
and Waikanae Estuary 11 Enjoy the arts 36
Araroa Trail.
Paraparaumu Beach 12 Kāpiti in the movies 37
Get into your groove at the family friendly day-long Kāpiti Island Nature Reserve 16 Shop ‘til you drop 37
Coastella Music Festival held in the park–like grounds Waikanae 19 Indulge those green fingers 38
at Southward Car Museum in February 2019. Ōtaki 24 i-SITE information 40
Explore our rich history 28 Stay in Kāpiti 40
Take the kids or grandkids to Marine Gardens to the Getting here 42
Museums 30
playgrounds, splash pad and ride on the miniature trains. Come to the beach 32 Freedom camping 44
Cycle through Queen Elizabeth Park on the Te Ara o Go up river 33 Activity Directory 46
Whareroa track from Paekākāriki to Raumati South. Eel feeding at Ngā Manu Nature Reserve Photo credit: Ngā Manu Have a go 33 Accommodation Directory 50
Revised July 2018 1
VIEW FROM PAEKĀKĀRIKI HILL ROAD
Photo credit: Mark Coote
PAEKĀKĀRIKI tea rooms (open weekends
11am–3pm) features displays
about the rich and varied history of
the station and surrounding area.
Browse in the bookshop (believed
to be the only one on a train
The southernmost village in Kāpiti, Paekākāriki is station in New Zealand) and then
an authentic Kiwi seaside village, regarded as have a cup of tea yourself in the
old tea rooms.
the creative hub of the district with many actors,
dancers, musicians, film-makers, artists and Paekākāriki Holiday Park is
sculptors choosing to make their home here. For a situated at the far end of the village
next to Queen Elizabeth Park. It
small village, it has great facilities with cafés, a bar, was originally a US military base in
Te Ara o Whareroa cycle path
Photo credit: Mark Coote
bookshop, hotel, 24 seat luxury cinema, dairy, its World War II and became a holiday
own radio station (tune in at 88.2FM), monthly camp in the 1950s. This tiny village The traditional Māori art of flax
was home to 15,000 Marines
market, library, tennis court, organic greengrocer weaving – harakeke – is alive and
during the war. A memorial and well in Paekākāriki where the Te Rau
and other speciality shops. historic display in Queen Elizabeth o Te Rangi weaving collective meet
Park commemorates their part of in their own tiny club room in Tilley
the area’s history. Road, on the outskirts of Queen
The locals set the unique and
Queen Elizabeth Park can be Elizabeth Park. They run an annual
relaxed vibe in Paekākāriki. It’s
accessed from Paekākāriki, offering event for beginners to learn about
infectious. Visitors are made to feel
lots of walking and cycling options care of harakeke bushes and how to
like locals. They say experience
including a popular family-friendly harvest the leaves to use in weaving.
Paekākāriki for a day and it will
stay with you for life. The eclectic cycle path Te Ara o Whareroa The surf’s often up in Paekākāriki.
mix of residents demonstrate their through to Raumati South. A new When it’s not, paddle boarding in
community spirit with planted Visitor Hub opened in 2017, near the sunset is a popular pastime.
berms (areas of grass outside the entrance at Mackays Crossing.
properties going on to the road).
Anyone can help themselves to the
fruit and vegetables grown in what
is locally known as the community Restored signal box at Paekākāriki
Station Photo credit: Mark Coote
orchard and garden. The parks
around Paekākāriki are cared for by
cars were removed from passenger
community groups who plant tens
trains in World War 1, Paekākāriki
of thousands of trees annually.
was the main refreshment stop
Paekākāriki was once an important on the trip north. The station tea
stop on the Wellington and rooms were so busy, a 17 bed
Manawatu Railway Company’s hostel was built nearby just for
line from Wellington to Longburn, the girls serving teas. Nowadays
completed in 1886. When dining a museum housed in the old Market Day in Paekākāriki Photo credit: Mark Coote
2 3
on what is considered one of the see the Kāpiti Coast all the way
highlights of the national Te Araroa to Waikanae and Kāpiti Island in
trail but be warned, it is not for silhouette.
the faint hearted. You need to be
Whareroa Farm recreation
reasonably fit to walk it and not
reserve near Paekākāriki offers
suffer from vertigo. Most walkers
walking, picnicking, horse riding
train back from the end of the
and mountain biking activites.
trail in Pukerua Bay and then treat
The reserve links to the adjoining
themselves at one of the cafés in
Akatarawa Forest.
Paekākāriki.
Close to the village is Paekākāriki
Hill Road which has a lookout stop
Fun at Paekākāriki Beach Photo credit: Mark Coote at the top of the hill where you can
factory but now is home to a
number of artists including Alan
Wehipeihana whose varied work
includes furniture made from old
books. Fans of the arts will also
enjoy the 1.5km Art Walk around
the village made by the community
featuring past and present poets
and artists.
Paekākāriki is the muso centre of
Kāpiti with St Peter’s Village Hall and
Campbell Park Paekākāriki the Memorial Hall on the sea front
Photo credit: Mark Coote packing in quality acts throughout Te Rau o Te Rangi Collective working on a harakeke project Photo credit: Mark Coote
the year. The Memorial Hall is
Many enjoy fishing off the beach. home to the Mulled Wine Concerts
Safe swimming is available at the which run throughout the winter
north end of The Parade, where and feature quality national and PAEKĀKĀRIKI 1
the Paekākāriki Surf Lifeguards international classical performers. St 2
patrol during the summer months. Peter’s Hall has had everyone from
national icon Dave Dobbyn to the 4
Campbell Park and skate park on 3
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wild gypsy beats of the Balkanistas.
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Wellington Road is a great place
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for the kids to play while Mum and Paekākāriki is gateway to the 10km
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Dad enjoy the vast ocean views. Te Araroa walking trail coastal 5
The village has its own art hub escarpment track featuring the 6
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popular ‘Stairway to Heaven’.
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(usually open Friday to Sunday)
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upstairs in the Holtom Building. Reaching 220m above sea level, OCE
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This building used to be a sewing walkers enjoy spectacular views
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1 Queen Elizabeth Park
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2 Paekākāriki Holiday Park
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3 Te Ara o Whareroa Cycleway
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4 Surf Lifesaving Club
5 Whareroa Farm
1 6 Campbell Park Playground
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1 7 Station Museum
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8 Finn's Cinema
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Shops
Train Station
Playground
Toilets
View from Paekākāriki Hill Road lookout Photo credit: Mark Coote
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BRIDGE AT RAUMATI BEACH
Photo credit: Mark Coote
RAUMATI from the Raumati Sports Fishing
Club. The club runs a popular
annual surfcasting competition.
The Kāpiti Women’s Triathlon
is held annually in Raumati,
Raumati is the Māori word for summer, and starting from Marine Gardens
and attracts large crowds of
summer sure is good here. supporters. The triathlon is
For a little place, Raumati Beach village has a designed for any female of any
ability to have a go and achieve.
surprising number of speciality shops selling
fashion, homewares, gifts and books. There are Specialist shops in Margaret Road,
Raumati Beach Photo credit: Mark
also quality eateries with sushi, a bakery, French Coote
Patisserie, cafés, a restaurant, bar and pub to
Jackson started his film making
choose from. career. A new state-of-the-art
performing arts centre is being
built here with the entrance off
Raumati Road.
The Margaret Road boutique
shops are a big draw card for “Best park for Marine Gardens is popular with
Wellingtonian shoppers and visitors families for its Splashpad waterpark,
to Kāpiti with shops offering national young kids in playground, free BBQs to cook your
and international brands (some are
exclusive New Zealand stockists).
the Wellington sausages on and miniature railway
running at the weekend.
Kāpiti College, also situated off
region” For the boaties, there is a boat
Margaret Road, can lay claim to Mell, Wellington ramp at the beach behind Marine
Raumati South beach walkway
being the college where Sir Peter Gardens with a tractor available
Splashpad at Marine Gardens, Raumati Miniature ride on railway at Marine Gardens, Raumati
6 7
Separated from Paekākāriki by Raumati Beach and Raumati South
Queen Elizabeth Park, Raumati both have sandy beaches great for VIEW FROM LOOKOUT AT OUR LADY OF LOURDES
South has a small centre with swimming, surf casting, kayaking
a dairy, café, restaurant and and other water sports.
takeaway. It has a relaxed,
alternative lifestyle feel to the area
and also attracts creative artists
who have left their mark on the
mosaic bench and carvings on the
street. There are tennis courts
available for public use in Tennis
Court Road, Raumati South.
PARAPARAUMU
Paraparaumu is the administrative and retail
centre of Kāpiti with the Civic Centre, Coastlands
Shopping Mall, Coastlands Aquatic Centre
and large format stores here. Multiscreen
Raumati Beach sunset
Event Cinemas is here along with the shopping
complex and food court. The i-SITE Visitor
Information Centre is in the Mediterranean Foods
RAUMATI building just off the Main Road at the entrance
EXPRESSWAY
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2 to Coastlands. Our friendly staff can help you
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find accommodation, activities and attractions
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1 Weka Park 3
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throughout Kāpiti and New Zealand.
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& Splashpad, I RD
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Miniature Railway
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3 Cycle Hire
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Shops
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Playground
The main town centre is to the
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Toilets UM
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west of the railway line which runs
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from Wellington up the North
Island. There are regular trains
to Wellington and daily trains
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SSWA
to Palmerston North (Capital
XPRE
Connection) and Auckland as part
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of the scenic Overlander route.
To the east of the railway is one
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of the most dramatic landmarks
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on the Kāpiti Coast – Our Lady of
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Lourdes – a 14m high statue of
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the Virgin Mary on the 75m knoll
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RAUMATI above the old St Patrick’s Church
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site accessed from Tongariro Street.
It was commissioned in 1958 to
mark the 100th anniversary of
the apparition of the Virgin Mary
at Lourdes. It is one of the largest Our Lady of Lourdes, Paraparaumu
statues of its kind in the world and Photo credit: Mark Coote
8 9
was built by Dutch artist Martin to Valley Road. The Nikau Reserve
Roestenberg. When floodlit at is an easy, shady 1.2 km bush WAIKANAE ESTUARY
night, its sparkling halo is visible loop walk with streams and small
for kilometres. To get a great bird’s waterfalls, perfect for families on a
eye view of the town centre and hot summer day.
coast, climb the steep path and
A few kilometres north is the turnoff
visit ‘our’ Lady.
to Otaihanga and Southward Car
Follow State Highway 1 through Museum, one of the largest private
Kāpiti Lights half a kilometre and car collections in the southern
you will reach the Barry Hadfield hemisphere (described in our
Nikau Reserve which connects Museums section).
to the Bright Ridge Skyline Track
Photo credit: Mark Coote
OTAIHANGA
RESERVE AND
WAIKANAE ESTUARY
Entrance to Southward Car Museum Follow the road past Southward Car Museum and
take the turning for Otaihanga. The Otaihanga
Reserve is a popular spot for picnics, family cricket
PARAPARAUMU games and playing in the water. Cross the Waikanae
2 River over the swing bridge and turn left for a walk
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along the Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve
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1 passing lagoons and through what is one of the
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most important bird spotting areas in New Zealand.
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Banded dotteral, variable of early Māori who moved through
3 oystercatcher, pukeko and the area. Ngāti Apa, Rangitāea
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dabchicks breed here. Other and Muaūpoko were followed by
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resident species include white- Ngāti Toa, Te Āti Awa and Ngāti
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fronted tern, Caspian tern, pied stilt, Raukawa. The estuary is the site of
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HA scaup, brown teal, grey duck and a significant battle in 1839 known
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1 Mazengarb Reserve, Hockey
shoveler. Royal spoonbills nesting as Te Kuititanga. The area is sacred
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Turf & Playground on Kāpiti Coast regularly visit to to the people of Te Āti Awa ki
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2 Southward Car Museum feed in the shallow waters of the Whakarongotai who are tāngata
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3 Paraparaumu Scenic Reserve
estuary. Over 77 species of birds whenua of this area.
5 4 Nikau Scenic Walk
can be found here. No wonder the
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Kāpiti Coast is known as the bird
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6 6 Aquatic Centre
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1 7 Cycle Hire capital of New Zealand. Mik Peryer
NE
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of Kāpiti Bird Tours runs regular
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8 Coastlands Shoppingtown,
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Event Cinema & i-SITE
TO tours and has extensive knowledge
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9 Our Lady of Lourdes Statue
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of the local birdlife (see activity
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Shops
Train Station
listings at the end of the guide).
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Playground
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Middens, observation posts, pā
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Toilets
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and burial grounds are reminders Royal Spoonbills
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FISH 'N CHIP HILL
PARAPARAUMU You will often see
people with crab nets or
BEACH collecting shellfish here.
Paraparaumu Beach for the past
two decades. She has a small gallery
open to the public. There is also a
private gallery - Basement Art Works
The largest of the seaside villages, Paraparaumu - at 3 Seaview Road, which holds
Beach has a wide range of shops, cafés, four week exhibitions of different
restaurants, holiday accommodation and a artists including photographers,
sculptors and jewellers open on
bustling Saturday market with local produce, arts One of the fairy doors at Paraparaumu
Beach Photo credit: Sharon Hunter
Saturdays 10 – 2pm.
and crafts along with buskers. The Maclean Park
playground and skate park are very popular with For our four-legged friends there
families as are the picnic tables and benches facing is a popular, fully fenced dog park,
Wesley Knight Park, accessed from
the sea for al fresco takeaways. Ocean Road or Toru Road.
Paraparaumu Beach is also home
Paraparaumu Beach is a wide For the little ones, have an to the course that tamed the
expanse of sand leading to adventure and find the 16 Tiger – internationally acclaimed
Raumati to the south and Waikanae fairy doors around the main Paraparaumu Beach Golf
to north. It is popular for fishing, shopping area and parks Course – where caddie Steve
boating, kayaking and you will www.paraparaumubeach.org.nz Williams started his career.
often see people with crab nets Remember though, only fairies
Leading New Zealand oil artist
or collecting shellfish here. have the magical powers to open One of the many pieces of beach art
Shona Moller has been working that appear on Kāpiti beaches
the doors!
at her beachfront studio at
Maclean Park Playground Boating at Paraparaumu Beach
12 13
PARAPARAUMU BEACH GOLF COURSE
Kāpiti Coast Airport is situated history near the air traffic control
close to Paraparaumu Beach in tower on Kāpiti Road usually open
Toru Road and has daily flights Sunday 10am – 4pm. Visitors can
to and from Auckland with Air take a scenic helicopter ride from
Chathams. Flights also go to Kāpiti Coast Airport with Heliworx
Nelson and Blenheim with Air 2 or take the controls themselves
There and Sounds Air. The airport and have a trial flight in a Cessna
was the main passenger airport 152/172 with Kāpiti Aero Club.
for Wellington in the 1940s when
Wellington Airport was being
redeveloped. There is a small
museum devoted to aviation
Paraparaumu Beach Saturday Market
“A flight with Heliworx was an PARAPARAUMU
amazing experience and a must-do BEACH
when you visit the area”
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Vicky, Auckland 1
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1 Paraparaumu Beach
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Golf Club
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2 Boat Club & Boats
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to Kāpiti Island
3 Skatepark & Playground
4 Ocean Road Dog Park
5 Paraparaumu Airport
Shops
Playground
Toilets
Flying over Kāpiti in a Heliworx helicopter
14 15
VIEW FROM TUTEREMOANA AT THE TOP OF KĀPITI ISLAND
Photo credit: Jennie Gutry
KĀPITI ISLAND “The highlight of
my time in
NATURE RESERVE New Zealand;
I saw more birds
in a day than in
Paraparaumu Beach is the gateway to Kāpiti Island, my entire life!”
New Zealand’s oldest nature reserve. The island is
home to some of our rarest and most endangered Cheeky Kaka on Kāpiti Island
Hana from London
birds which you can see in their natural habitat. Photo credit: Jennie Gutry
Just 55 minutes by train or 45 minutes by car from
including whaling try pots, highest point on the island at 521m,
Wellington, Kāpiti Island feels like a million miles remnants of the island’s whaling a spot with incredible views to the
away from the hustle and bustle of the capital city. history, and the historic whare South Island and Mount Taranaki
built around 1860, the oldest that gives you the feeling you are
building associated with nature on top of the world.
Here you can experience the Through fostering the restoration conservation in the country.
Walking tracks on the northern
beauty of New Zealand as it was, of the once giant rainforests, You may well meet many of the end of the island pass through
in times gone by, and where today the island is one of the most endangered bush birds and be grassland, shrub land, regenerating
the birds are most definitely the important sites for bird recovery. astounded by the bird chorus, forest and the coastline and
stars. Many international visitors Over 60 species of birds can be which is unlike anything you would provide fantastic views of
describe this as the highlight of spotted here including kaka, hihi ever hear on the mainland just on freshwater Okupe Lagoon with
their New Zealand vacation and (stitchbird), kōkako, takahē, pāteke these lower tracks. Or you could possible sightings of the majestic
Wellingtonians are amazed this (brown teal), weka and tīeke take one of the two tracks to the kōtuku-ngutupapa (royal spoonbill).
treasure is on their doorstep. (saddleback).
Just 10km long and 2km wide, Beware of the mischievous and
Kāpiti Island was made a bird clever kaka (mountain parrot) who
sanctuary in 1897. The Department will swoop down and open the
of Conservation took over zips on your bag with their beaks
administration for the island in 1987 in search of food, and the weka
and efforts began to return the who seems to work in cahoots with
island to its natural state. Possums the kaka. The flightless weka is a
and rats were eradicated and the master at swiping things from your
flora and fauna are now recovering bag if you leave it on the ground.
free from farming, fire and pests
Rangatira Point, in the middle of
which once decimated the native
the island, has lowland walks and
bush. The island was declared
tracks to the summit. The Rangatira
predator-free in 1998.
Loop is an easy walk with highlights Try pot from the whaling days on Kāpiti Island Photo credit: Jennie Gutry
16 17Whichever part of the island you the island. The Barrett whanau
explore, you will come back inspired, ancestors first arrived on the island
relaxed and enthusiastic about the in 1820 and have been welcoming
jewel in the Kāpiti Coast crown. visitors for generations. They offer
a unique Māori welcome to the
Bring togs and a snorkel for a
island so close to their hearts. For
refreshing swim off the beach in the
breakfast, they might even serve
Kāpiti Island Marine Reserve before
you some of their unique Kāpiti
your return trip to the mainland.
Island Honey.
Boats depart daily for a 15 minute
Trips and overnight stays can be
boat ride from Paraparaumu Beach VIEW FROM HEMI MATENGA WALK
booked at the Kāpiti i-SITE or online
by the Kāpiti Boating Club after
through the Kāpiti Eco Tours or
biosecurity checks to keep the
Kāpiti Island Nature Tours websites
island predator, weed and disease
(details at the back of this guide).
free (and no one wants to have a
Day fares include boat travel,
rat in their backpack!)
Day trips are available through
two operators, Kāpiti Eco Tours
the Department of Conservation
permit and an introductory talk
on arrival. Trips to the island are
WAIKANAE
and Kāpiti Island Nature Tours. weather dependent and usually do
Contact details for both are not run in July and August.
included in our activities listings Waikanae is considered the garden and bird
at the end of this guide. Advance capital of Kāpiti and deserved winner of New
bookings are recommended but
are not always necessary.
Zealand’s most beautiful large town in the
Keep New Zealand Beautiful 2015 awards. Some
Overnight stays include guided
kiwi spotting. Guests at the family-
of the many beautiful private gardens are open
owned Kāpiti Island Nature Tours to the public during the annual Lions Super
lodge at the northern end of the Garden Trail.
island are frequently rewarded
by seeing a little spotted kiwi or
brown kiwi or, at the very least,
The town centre, Mahara Place, exhibitions year round. (Free;
hearing their call throughout the Glamping on Kāpiti Island Photo credit: is a unique gathering place. Sit in open Tues to Sat 10am–4pm and
night. For the ultimate couple Kāpiti Island Nature Tours
the pretty square with a coffee or Sundays 1–4pm). In the adjacent
experience, you can glamp under
one of the town’s famous pies and library, friendly local information
the stars on the north end of
watch the world go by. Here are office volunteers will tell you where
historic Whakarongotai Marae, to hire a bike, catch a bus, in fact
shops, cafes, a luxury boutique where to track down anything you
“Experience nature as it was before Shoreline Cinema (open daily) need to know.
man arrived – a glimpse of paradise” and Artel Gallery which sells New
A collection of ethnic restaurants,
Zealand-made art and gifts (open
Johanna, Auckland cafes and the local brewery in and
seven days). Mahara Gallery is the
around the square cater for the
district’s art gallery and hosts quality
Whakarongotai Marae
18 19WAIKANAE OPEN AIR POOL
inner person. North End Brewery is commemorated in its glorious of the produce they use in their
sits next to The Salt and Wood stained glass windows) for the new “Nga Manu must be about dishes and also make their own
Collective BBQ Restaurant and Parata Village which was the the only place on the baked goods in their Olde Beach
Brewpub. Enjoy live music here on genesis of Waikanae. coast where you can see Bakery. Next door to Long Beach
Sundays from 3pm. Maison 8 is a tuatara, kiwi, kakariki, is The Front Room, a café by
Next door is the Kapiti Coast kaka, native ducks and
welcome stop before the start of day and restaurant by night and a
Museum, once Parata Village long-finned eels up close
the Waikanae River Track. lovely garden area with wood-fired
Post Office, with its nostalgic and personal. oven. At Waimea, with its prime
Five minutes’ walk away is the train treasure trove of bygone days. Such good value!”
beachside location, Greek and
station (regular trains to/from (Open Fridays 1pm–4pm, Jean, Dunedin Sicilian chefs use local ingredients
Wellington) with its fascinating Weekends 2pm–4pm and most
with cured meats, cheeses, olives
history board. Then on to beautiful public holidays. Check before
and oils from Italy with new world
St. Luke’s Anglican church visiting. Groups by arrangement.) where the owners for 50 years, cooking techniques to make tapas,
brought from its original Greenaway And opposite is the 100 year old internationally famed potters and pizza, pasta and main meals.
Road site in 1898, and given dairy, once the post office store, local history buffs, will regale you
to the Diocese by Paramount with its evocative mural. The with coffee, scones and tales.
Chief Rangatira Wi Parata (who history of the buildings in this Getting close to the eels at Ngā Manu
street is recorded on four history Waikanae Beach area is down Nature Reserve Photo credit: Ngā Manu
plaques. Te Moana Road (‘the road to the
sea’ which is awash with cherry
Five kilometres up the road is the blossoms in spring), and renowned
pastoral Reikorangi Valley where for its international cuisine in
tiny St. Andrew’s Church is several cafes and restaurants
nestled, adjacent to the even staffed by chefs from around the
older community hall, complete world who have chosen this idyllic
with musket ports from the early spot. Locally grown produce and
turbulent years before its relocation local seafood hold court here all
from Parewanui near Tangimoana. year round a stone’s throw from the
Round the corner down Ngatiawa sea. In Tutere Street Long Beach
Road is the charming Reikorangi Café and Tavern grow much
Mahara District Art Gallery Pottery, Farm Park and Cafe,
The wide expanse of uncrowded
beach is home to the Landsailing
Kāpiti Club who regularly offer
‘have a go’ days when you can try
one of their Blokarts and have a
blast landsailing down the beach
(wind dependent).
Open from November to Easter,
the Waikanae Pool is a 33.3m lane
pool heated to 29ºC with a smaller
toddler’s pool heated to 32ºC and
You may see a kiwi at Ngā Manu a hydroslide. It is a mecca for locals
Landsailing at Waikanae Beach Nature Reserve Photo credit: Ngā Manu throughout the summer who bring
20 21their picnics and often combine it Waikanae Estuary and Scenic
with a trip to the nearby Waikanae Reserve offers another opportunity FRIENDLY KAKA AT NGĀ MANU NATURE RESERVE
Park with skate park and two to enjoy Waikanae’s birdlife. Enjoy
playground layouts to suit all ages. stories from Mik Peryer of Kāpiti
Bird Tours as he points out up to
Set in the largest remnant of
77 different species of birds on his
coastal lowland swamp forest in
world-renowned bird tours around
Kāpiti, Ngā Manu Nature Reserve
the lagoons and estuary walks.
is a popular attraction for nature
lovers with eel feeding, tuatara
and many species of birds in a
beautiful natural setting. If you are
lucky, you can see New Zealand’s
rare brown kiwi in the nocturnal
Nga Manu Nature
house and meet native birds in the Reserve is a popular
walk-through aviaries. Open daily
10am – 5pm. If you are coming with
attraction for
a group, you can book exclusive nature lovers with
use of BBQ island in the main pond, eel feeding, tuatara
cook on the covered gas BBQ and
enjoy eating your lunch at the picnic and many species of
tables there. You can even stay the birds in a beautiful
night here in Theo’s Cottage set
inside the reserve, and awake to an natural setting.
unforgettable dawn chorus.
NG
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1 Ngā Manu Nature Reserve
1 2 Waikanae Park
3 Waikanae Pool
4 Mahara Gallery
5 Kapiti Equestrian Centre
Shops
Train Station
Playground
Toilets
PEKA PEKA
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Waikanae River
BUTTERFLY GARDEN AT NGĀ MANU NATURE RESERVE
22 23ŌTAKI KITE FESTIVAL
ŌTAKI with shoppers all over the lower
North Island. This street also
includes an art and craft co-
operative, Artscape, housed
in the historic building used as a
The cultural capital of Kāpiti, Ōtaki has a strong Courthouse in Ōtaki from 1891
until the 1960s. The Ōtaki Māori
Māori identity and history. Since the early 19th Racing Club, the last remaining
century, the area has been home to Māori of Māori racing club in the country, is
the Ngāti Raukawa iwi who had migrated from situated close to State Highway 1
and holds regular race meets.
the Kāwhia area from about 1819, under the
leadership of Rangatira (Chief) Te Rauparaha. They Ōtaki township is west of the
supplanted the Rangitāne and Muaūpoko people. highway and includes many sites of
historic interest including Rangiātea
Monument to Te Rauparaha, Ōtaki
township Photo credit: Mark Coote Church, Raukawa marae, the
1940s Art Deco civic theatre, Ōtaki
At the request of Te Rauparaha, In the 1890s, the area became several historic buildings including Museum housed in what was the
missionaries Henry Williams and popular with Chinese market a marae dedicated to Hine Nui ote Bank of New Zealand built in 1918,
Octavius Hadfield visited the area gardeners. Their contribution over Ao Katoa – Mary, great woman of Haruatai playground and swimming
and Hadfield opened the first many years to Ōtaki is honoured the whole world, woman of light; pool and Māori tertiary education
mission in the Wellington Region with some of the street names in and Presbytery built in 1897. centre Te Wānanga o Raukawa.
at the Rangiātea Church, the the area being bilingual – English
Ōtaki is made up of three distinctly Haruatai Park contains Ōtaki's
original of which was completed in and Cantonese.
different areas – around State recently renovated Swimming Pool
1851. Burnt down in 1995, it was
The oldest Catholic Church still Highway 1 and the railway station, and a new Splashpad. A new pump
completely rebuilt by 2003 and is
in use in New Zealand, St Mary’s, Ōtaki township and Ōtaki Beach. track has just opened in the park.
the oldest Māori Anglican Church
is situated in a little settlement
site in New Zealand. The design of There are speciality shops along Ngā Purapura, which is opposite
close to Ōtaki. This beautiful
the church is unique, combining State Highway 1 which are popular the main Te Wānanga o Raukawa
wooden church has an image of
ideas from English and Māori
Kāpiti Island behind the altar and
church design.
Ōtaki Māori Racing Club Photo credit: Ōtaki Māori Racing Club Biking along Ōtaki river Photo credit: Mark Coote
24 25Several tramping tracks head Ōtaki Forks is also the base for
into the Tararua Forest Park rafting down the river with
from Ōtaki Forks including the Captivate Adventures including
Southern Crossing, a three day a unique night raft guided by
tramping track recommended for glow worms. For land lovers, they
experienced trampers only. The also offer climbing and abseiling
crossing of the alpine tops section adventures and a challenge
from Table Top to Mount Alpha ropes course.
various venues around the town. (1361m) involves about 6-8 hours
Celebrating indigenous voices of travel, with superb views to
and storytelling in film, Māoriland the south of Wellington Harbour,
presents a selection of the most the Marlborough Sounds and the
distinctive indigenous works from Kaikoura Mountains.
around the globe. It has unique
screening venues including
Raukawa Marae, Rangiātea Church
Lookout at Ōtaki Estuary Photo credit: and the Civic Theatre.
Mark Coote
You can hire a bike or tandem
from Kāpiti Cycles in Riverbank
campus in Tasman Road, offers
Road and enjoy an easy cycle ride
fitness classes and a gym open to
along the river to the estuary
all at $10 for a casual visit. It also
and lookout.
has a café open 7.30am – 3pm
Monday to Friday. Ōtaki has some great easy walks
for the whole family, including
Finally there is the beach area
Chrystalls Bend Walkway
with Byron’s Holiday Resort
accessed from State Highway 1,
and beachside pavilion housing Rafting down Ōtaki River Photo credit: Captivate Adventures
just north of the bridge. Chrystalls
the Surf Life Saving Club and the
Lagoon is very picturesque
Epic Surf School. The estuary is a
surrounded by native bush.
popular spot for fishing and is one ŌTAKI
E
AD
of the easiest places for children to The surrounding areas around
AR
ŌTAKI
EP
catch their first fish. Ōtaki include Te Horo with a
RIN
BEACH
MA
monthly craft and produce market, 2
The beach is the venue for the
beautiful lavender farm and Ruth 1
ST
annual Ōtaki Kite Festival. TA
A
Pretty’s Cookery School where
SM
AH
AN
International kite makers and flyers
PAR
RD
you can get a coffee and slice of
RAU
come to this popular event which 1
cake (open every day) and browse
TE
features kite fighting, music, stalls RAN 4 RU RD
the extensive kitchen shop. Just a GIUR
U RD RANGIU MIL
LR
3
and hundreds of kites on display. D
short distance from Ōtaki on State
RI
VE
RB
Ōtaki is home to the annual Highway 1 is Loco Miniature
AN
W
K
AE
Māoriland Film festival held in Railway and landscaped gardens.
RD
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1 Loco Miniature 7
Railway (summer only)
2 Surf School
3 Swimming Pool & Haruatai Park
4 Skatepark
ADD
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5 Cycle Hire TON
RD OT
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6 Outlet Shops IG TARARUA
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OR
7 Ōtaki Māori Racecourse GE FOREST PARK
RD
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AKA
Shops
TE W
Train Station
Playground
Toilets
OTAKI GO
1 RD
TERE
HAU
OLD
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TE H
ORO
BEAC
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Loco Miniature Railway and Gardens TE HORO RUTH PRETTY COOKERY SCHOOL
26 27EXPLORE OUR
EXPLORE OUR RICH HISTORY
RICH HISTORY
Before 1822, the Muaūpoko iwi lived on the rich
marine, coastal, wetland and forest resources
of the Kāpiti Coast and southern North Island. Whare at St Mary’s Church Photo credit: Mark Coote
The iwi were so named because they lived at the
ūpoko (head) of Te Ika-a-Māui – the fish of Māui. In the 1830s, Kāpiti Island was one During World War II, three
In the early 1820s, Te Rauparaha, a chief of Ngāti of the largest whaling stations in camps housing up to 15,000 US
New Zealand run by Europeans Marines were set up at Mackay’s
Toa, led his people on a great migration south
with up to 2,000 people living and Crossing in Queen Elizabeth
from Kāwhia, using muskets to defeat traditionally working on the island. Try pots Park, Paekākāriki and Whareroa
armed local tribes. When the Muaūpoko tried which were used for boiling down Farm. There is a memorial to the
to assassinate Te Rauparaha, he took terrible blubber lie abandoned on the Marines in the park and an annual
shores of the island as a reminder commemoration held.
revenge on them and established Kāpiti Island as of this short-lived industry.
his fortress. Heritage trail brochures are
In 1839 Reverend Octavius available from the i-SITE and
Hadfield set up a mission station libraries in the district.
at Kenakena Pā near the Waikanae
Sometimes called the 'Napoleon river mouth and Christianity,
of the Southern Hemisphere', Te literacy and farming spread
Rauparaha ruled the lower end of rapidly among Māori of the region.
the North Island from his island Hadfield built Anglican churches
stronghold. at Waikanae and Ōtaki. A Roman
Catholic mission was set up at
Te Rauparaha’s allies settled on Ōtaki in 1844 and the oldest
the mainland: Ngāti Raukawa of Catholic Church still in use in New
Waikato moved to areas of the Zealand, St Mary's, was built there
Manawatū and Horowhenua in 1859.
while Te Āti Awa occupied several
locations around the Kāpiti Coast
before finally settling in what is
now Waikanae. Sketch of Te Rauparaha in 1847 by
William Bambridge
Alexander Turnbull Library reference:
QMS-0122-140A
View looking down over buildings of Jillett’s whaling station spread out along the US Marines line up with their mess gear at Camp McKay or Mackay, near
Waiorua beach at Kāpiti Island. Bowring, Walter Armiger 1874-1931 [Jillett’s whaling Paekākāriki, 15 September 1943 Photo credit Alexander Turnbull Library Reference:
station on Kāpiti Island, 1844] F 8226 71/2 Photographer: John Pascoe
28 29MUSEUMS STEAM INCORPORATED at Paekākāriki
MUSEUMS
Railway enthusiasts rebuild and maintain heritage railway equipment
as they were in the 1950s and 1960s. Mainly open on Thursdays and
Saturdays and running steam train excursions in the North Island
throughout the year.
The rich history and culture of Kāpiti can be
explored at any of the seven museums in the area.
SOUTHWARD CAR MUSEUM
Housing some of the world’s rarest and most valuable vehicles, Southward
is considered the premier privately owned automotive collection in the
southern hemisphere. Open daily 9am – 4.30pm.
Steam train leaving the station at Steam Incorporated Paekākāriki
ŌTAKI MUSEUM
Small local museum showing the town’s rich history through photos,
newspapers and exhibits. Open Thursday to Saturday 10am – 2pm
during exhibits.
One of the many cars at Southward Car Museum Photo credit: Mark Coote
MUSEUM OF AVIATION at Kapiti Landing
This small museum traces the development of aviation in New Zealand
mainly through photographs and models. Open Sundays 10am - 4pm.
Ōtaki Museum Photo credit Mark Coote
TRAMWAY MUSEUM at Paekākāriki
Take a trip through Queen Elizabeth Park in an original tram from
Wellington and explore the display including a film showing the tram used KĀPITI COAST MUSEUM in Waikanae
in the movie King Kong. Open weekends 11am – 3pm. Home to extensive displays of everyday life from the pioneering era, in the
old Waikanae Post Office. Open weekends 2pm – 4pm.
MAHARA GALLERY in Waikanae
The district’s public art gallery has at least six different exhibitions a year in a
wide range of media reflecting contemporary arts and cultural heritage-based
projects. Open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 4pm and Sunday 1pm – 4pm.
Trams at the Tramway Museum Paekākāriki
PAEKĀKĀRIKI STATION MUSEUM
Constructed in 1910, the railway station was once so busy a nearby 17
room hostel was built just for the girls serving teas. Now the museum
has railway memorabilia displayed in the old refreshment rooms. Open
weekends 11am – 3pm. Mahara Gallery Waikanae
30 31COME TO GO UP
THINGS TO DO
THE BEACH RIVER
Whether it is making sandcastles, dens out of Ōtaki River runs from the mighty fish. You will need a licence which
Tararua Ranges through Ōtaki can be obtained from Hunting and
driftwood, horse riding, surf casting, sailing, Forks where there is a Department Fishing in Ōtaki or online from Fish
surfing or just watching the waves, with our 40km of Conservation camp ground with & Game New Zealand.
of sandy beaches you will be spoilt for choice. basic amenities, a legendary swing
There are safe swimming beaches at Paekākāriki, bridge across the river, beautiful
picnic spots and gateway to some
Raumati, Paraparaumu, Peka Peka and Waikanae. of the best tramps in the North
Surf Lifesaving Clubs patrol Ōtaki and Paekākāriki Island, to the sea.
beaches in the summer. Waikanae River, accessed
through Otaihanga Domain, is a
popular spot for walking, kayaking
You can try out landsailing on Waikanae Beach or surfing at Ōtaki Beach. and floating down to the estuary on
Kayaking is great fun from any of the beaches. Dive Kāpiti, on Milne tubes. Fly fishing for brown trout
Drive (off Kāpiti Road) hires out snorkeling and diving gear. A sunset horse on Ōtaki river is possible all year
ride on the beach is unforgettable. Stables on the Park at the Te Horo round and Waikanae river from
Equestrian Centre offers horseriding treks to the beach, and Beachbrook 1 October to 30 April. Both are Fly fishing on the Ōtaki River
Photo credit: Mark Coote
Stables can take you for a ride on Ōtaki Beach. Horse riding is also beautiful rivers which are easy to
available at the Kāpiti Equestrian Centre in Waikanae.
HAVE A GO
Riding on the beach is a beautiful way Driftwood dens appear up and down
to end the day the coast all year
Learning to surf on Ōtaki Beach Photo credit: Epic Surf School
If you like to be active, there are recognised links course at
lots of options for adventure in Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club,
Kāpiti. You could horse ride on a challenging nine holes in the
the beach, learn to surf on Ōtaki valley at Kāpiti Golf Club, and
Beach, try land sailing in Waikanae, beautiful courses in Waikanae and
kayak down the Ōtaki river at night Ōtaki. We also have a modern ten
guided by the light of glow worms pin bowling centre with mini golf.
with Captivate Adventures, or
See the Activities section for details
bike through Queen Elizabeth
of who to contact to arrange your
Park, fly a plane with the Kāpiti
adventure, or come in to the i-SITE
Aero Club or enjoy a game of
and we will book everything for you.
golf at one of the four clubs in
Kayaking from Paraparaumu Beach Photo credit: Mark Coote the area including internationally
32 33ON TWO WHEELS The Waikanae river and estuary is a tidal home and airport to a variety of
THINGS TO DO
waders and sea birds. More than 60 species of birds breed there, including
banded dotterel, dabchick, royal spoonbill and variable oystercatcher.
OR TWO LEGS Kāpiti Bird Tours run regular guided walks around the estuary.
Ngā Manu Nature Reserve in Waikanae contains the largest single
remaining remnant of original coastal lowland swamp forest on the Kāpiti
Coast and attracts native birds and geckos. Visitors enjoy eel feeding and
Kāpiti has a great network of easy, family-friendly meeting the kaka and tuatara.
cycleways and walkways, as well as challenging
mountain bike trails.
The spectacular Paekākāriki Coastal Escarpment Trail featuring the
popular ‘Stairway to Heaven’ is part of the Te Araroa walking trail – a
3000km route stretching from Cape Reinga in the North to Bluff in the
South. The Te Ara o Whareroa cycle path through Queen Elizabeth
Park is very popular with cyclists of all ages. Every part of the district has
cycleways and walkways showcasing the magnificent natural beauty of
the Kāpiti Coast, with over 100 kms of trails, there is something for every
level of fitness. Bikes can be hired from several companies across Kāpiti,
including electric bikes. See activity directory at the back for details. Pick up Tieke or Saddlebacks on Kāpiti Island Morepork
Photo credit: Kāpiti Island Nature Tours Photo credit: Ngā Manu Nature Reserve
a map of the walking, cycling or bridleway trails at the iSITE.
TASTE KĀPITI
The warm climate and fertile soils to upmarket restaurants. Being
help make Kāpiti a great place to so close to the sea, of course
grow produce and we are proud we also have awesome fish and
of our many artisan food and drink chips. Open every day Penray
producers. Kāpiti products include Gardens on State Highway 1 in
olive oil, fruit ice cream, cordials, Te Horo offer pick your own fruit
Tararua Forest Park There are great cycle paths around artisan breads, cheeses, ice cream, and veggies including a huge
Photo credit: Gavin Marshall Kāpiti to suit all Photo credit: Mark Coote
coffee, limoncello, chocolate, range of chillis. Nearby Windsor
candies, brandy and fruit liqueurs, Park specialises in berries and
GET CLOSER pies, Kāpiti line caught smoked
tuna, Waikanae crab, wine, organic
juices and cider vinegar. Local
plums and is open weekends in
December and January.
TO NATURE supermarkets and some of the
cafes and restaurants serve Kāpiti
food and drink. You can also sample
them at the various markets.
Kāpiti is home to a number of special nature reserves and conservation There are three boutique breweries
areas, including Kāpiti Island. New Zealand’s oldest nature reserve, the in Kāpiti producing exceptional
island is home to some of our rarest and most endangered birds which craft beers Tuatara, North End
you can see in their natural habitat. Brewery and Duncan's. There is
You can stay overnight in Waiorua Bay and enjoy local hospitality and a a factory shop at Fonterra with the
guided kiwi spotting adventure after dark. Over 60 species of birds can be famous Kāpiti Cheeses at Te Roto
seen on the island including rare takahē, kaka and kereru. There are two Drive, Paraparaumu open Monday
operators who can organise your DoC permit and ferry crossing to the to Friday 10am – 3pm (when the
island, Kāpiti Island Nature Tours and Kāpiti Eco Tours. Both offer sign is out on the pavement).
guided walks and have very knowledgeable guides who can tell you all There are a wide variety of eating Chilli picking at Penray Gardens
Photo credit: Mark Coote
about the rich history of the island and the birdlife. out options too, from quality cafés
34 35PLAY
THINGS TO DO
Visit one of the 48 playgrounds in Kāpiti including Marine Gardens in
Raumati with its splashpad water park and miniature railway (weekends).
Maclean Park playground and skate park in Paraparaumu Beach features
a lighthouse, life sized motor boat and trailer. Teach the little ones the
Road Code at our mini road layout complete with traffic signs in Ōtaki.
Haruatai Park in Ōtaki also has a Splashpad and a new pump track.
There are swimming pools in Paraparaumu and Ōtaki and an open air Artel Gallery and Store, Waikanae Artscape Art Collective, Ōtaki
summer pool in Waikanae.
KĀPITI IN
THE MOVIES
Kāpiti has been used as the location for films including Lord of the Rings,
King Kong and the New Zealand film Second Hand Wedding which was
filmed entirely in Kāpiti, written and produced by Kāpiti creatives.
Trying out the road layout at Ōtaki Kāpiti has playgrounds to suit all ages
Skate Park Photo credit: Mark Coote Photo credit: Mark Coote Art house films can be enjoyed at the 24 seat theatre Finn’s in Paekākāriki,
two luxury theatres at the Shoreline, Waikanae and Gold Lounge at Event
Cinemas at Coastlands, Paraparaumu. The unique Māoriland Film
ENJOY THE Festival is held in Ōtaki annually in March showing over 100 films.
ARTS SHOP ‘TIL
The beautiful landscape attracts In Paekākāriki, upstairs in the
YOU DROP
artists of all kinds to live and create Holtom Building, a number of artists
in Kāpiti. You can see their work share the space and exhibit their
One of the first shopping malls to Ōtaki is known for its outlet and
during the annual Kāpiti Arts work including Alan Wehipeihana
open in New Zealand, Coastlands, speciality shops along State
Trail 27/28 October and who has the main space exhibiting
is situated in the centre of Highway 1. There are monthly
3/4 November or by visiting artists and working on his unique furniture
Paraparaumu with over 80 shops. markets of crafts and produce in
in their studios. Pick up a Kāpiti made from old books, painting and
Paekākāriki and Te Horo, a weekly
Arts brochure for listings. Artists other works in wood. Margaret Road in Raumati village
Sunday market in summer in Ōtaki
include contemporary oil painter has speciality, fashion and home
Paraparaumu Beach has two and a weekly market in Waikanae
Shona Moller, glass and bronze design shops. You can buy fashion
galleries, internationally acclaimed Park on Saturday mornings.
artist Graeme Hitchcock and labels here that you can’t buy
oil artist Shona Moller’s beach front
sculptor Bodhi Vincent. Exhibitions anywhere else in New Zealand.
studio and gallery and Basement
are held regularly in Paraparaumu You can also do a furniture
Art Works Gallery in Seaview Road.
Library, Waikanae Mahara Gallery upcycling course at Fenwick
and Ngā Purapura in Ōtaki. In Ōtaki State Highway 1, Interiors or a French Patisserie
Artspace Art Collective in the class at L’amour en Cage Deli.
The district gallery, Mahara is
old Courthouse, has regular guest
situated in Waikanae town centre Paraparaumu Beach has a variety
artists and sells a range of arts
and has regular exhibitions and of small shops and a busy Saturday
and crafts.
events. Close to Mahara Gallery is market. Waikanae has a compact
Artel Gallery and shop which only shopping centre with a variety of
sells New Zealand made arts and shops including home interiors,
Boutique shopping in Raumati village
crafts, predominently Kāpiti made. clothing and crafts.
36 37INDULGE THOSE
INDULGE THOSE GREEN FINGERS
GREEN FINGERS
The Kāpiti Coast has a temperate climate and
great soil making it perfect for growing and it is not
surprising that we have some of the most beautiful
gardens in the Wellington Region.
Trinity Farm Gardens
We also have some specialist commercially for over 45 years and Nursery in Waikanae offers a Just outside Ōtaki, Loco Miniature
nurseries and growers offering have a wide variety of them for huge range of ornamental, native Railway has two acres of beautiful
a range of plants. Trinity Farm sale, as well as trees, shrubs and and perennial plant varieties which gardens where you can also get
Gardens in Ōtaki specialises in grasses. Talisman Native Plant they grow from cuttings or seed. a woodfired pizza on Sundays
heritage, spray-free roses and Nursery, also in Ōtaki, is one of Hyde Park Garden Centre in to enjoy in the gardens. The
has a beautiful three acre garden the only plant nurseries in the Te Horo has some hard to find owners of Long Beach Tavern in
with rose arbours, English-style lower North Island that specialises plant varieties and also has a café Waikanae Beach wanted to provide
box hedges, walkways, pond and in New Zealand native plants. and small retail complex. Canna the freshest possible produce so
a pottage garden. The garden The nursery has an established fans will be spoilt for choice at a bought a patch of land behind
is open from October to March, arboretum with over 1000 New little specialist nursery just outside their restaurant and grow their
Wednesday to Saturday 10am to Zealand native trees and shrubs Waikanae heading north on State own. It is a cute, productive veggie
4pm. Because all the roses are and exhibit gardens that are open Highway 1. Look out for a sign garden which visitors are welcome
spray-free, the petals are perfect to the public Tuesday – Thursday simply saying Cannas. If the sign is to browse, and shows you how to
for using in cooking and teas. Rose 1-4pm and Friday – Saturday out, they are open. make the best of beach gardening.
petal dark chocolate is divine. 10am-4pm.
As well as Trinity Farm Gardens, If you love trees, the Woodland
South Pacific Roses, also in Ōtaki Harrisons Gardenworld in the gardens at Springfield, Garden in Old Hautere Road,
sells over 390 varieties of roses, Peka Peka grow most of the trees Ruth Pretty’s home and cookery Ōtaki is a great place to visit. Open
so if you are after a particular and shrubs they sell in their own school are worth a visit. Close by, by appointment, you can enjoy
colour and style of modern rose nursery. The garden centre sells Lavender Creek Farm is home wandering in the four acres of
varieties, South Pacific Roses are everything you might need for your to 7,000 lavender plants with woodland with Totara and Maples.
likely to have it. They are closed on garden including garden décor and 330 different types of lavender. Telephone 06 364 2414.
Sundays. water features. They also have a The lavender oil which they make
popular café on site and music in themselves at the farm has won
Watson’s Garden in Ōtaki
their café garden on Sundays in 30 awards. The lavender is in full
have been growing vegetables
the summer months. Gus Evans flower mid-summer to mid-January.
Trinity Farm Gardens Lavender Creek Farm, Te Horo
38 39i-SITE
I-SITE & STAY IN KĀPITI
'STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN' TE ARAROA TRAIL
INFORMATION
Our information centre is located at Paraparaumu, just off the main road
at the entrance to Coastlands Mall, co-located with Mediterranean Foods.
While you are in Kāpiti, come in and talk to our knowledgeable staff. We’ll
make bookings for you and offer friendly advice on things to see and do in
the area.
OPENING HOURS
DAYS TIMES
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am – 2pm
Public Holidays Closed
WAIKANAE COMMUNITY
INFORMATION CENTRE
This is a community information centre providing information on local
transport timetables, accommodation and events. It is in the Waikanae
Library and is staffed by volunteers. There are no booking facilities
available at this centre. Open Monday to Friday 10am–3pm and Saturday
10am–12pm.
STAY IN
KĀPITI
There is so much to see and do in Kāpiti and plenty
of places to stay – holiday parks, motels, hotels,
bed and breakfast and luxury accommodation –
which are listed at the back of this guide.
The i-SITE can find the perfect solution for you or check out the many
online review sites including TripAdvisor, Booking.com, AA Traveller and
Wotif. There are also lots of holiday homes and baches available for longer
stays listed through Airbnb, Bachcare, Book a Bach, Holiday Houses and
GLAMPING KĀPITI ISLAND
NZ Holiday Homes.
40 41GETTING
GETTING HERE
KĀPITI
HERE
ŌTAKI BEACH
FLIGHTS
ŌTAKI
Air Chathams fly daily to Paraparaumu from Auckland
Air 2 There fly to Paraparaumu from Nelson and Blenheim
Sounds Air fly to Paraparaumu from Blenheim and Nelson
CAR HIRE AND DRIVING
TE HORO BEACH
There are two hire companies within easy reach of Kāpiti Coast Airport
– Rent Me Rentals and Can Do Rentals.
TE HORO
DRIVING TIMES TIME
TO PARAPARUMU
1
Auckland to Paraparaumu 7 hours 20 minutes PEKA PEKA
Wellington to Paraparaumu via 45 minutes
KĀPITI ISLAND
Expressway
AY
SW
ES
PR
Taupō to Paraparaumu 3 hours 30 minutes
EX
WAIKANAE BEACH
Gisborne to Paraparaumu 5 hours 40 minutes
WAIKANAE
Napier to Paraparaumu 3 hours
New Plymouth to Paraparaumu 3 hours 30 minutes PARAPARAUMU
BEACH
TRAINS AIRPORT
Metlink trains to Paekākāriki, Paraparaumu and Waikanae regularly
SWAY
throughout the day from Wellington.
EXPRES
Weekday daily service to Ōtaki with the Capital Connection. RAUMATI BEACH PARAPARAUMU
The Northern Explorer travels through the Kāpiti Coast from Auckland
to Wellington on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays and from
RAUMATI SOUTH
Wellington to Auckland on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. You need
to book in advance to ensure the train stops at Paraparaumu Station.
BUSES AND COACHES NORTH
Intercity coaches have services to ISLAND
Paraparaumu. 1
Metlink run regular bus services AUCKLAND PAEKĀKĀRIKI
throughout Kāpiti.
Uzabus will run bus services in TAUPŌ
GISBORNE
Kāpiti from mid 2018. NEW PLYMOUTH
NAPIER
KĀPITI 0 5 10km
WELLINGTON
42 43FREEDOM
FREEDOM CAMPING
FREEDOM CAMPING
CAMPING PARKING
ŌTAKI BEACH
There are nine Kāpiti Coast District Council 1
designated sites. ŌTAKI
Non self-contained freedom campers can use the Department of
Conservation facility at Ōtaki Forks which costs $5 per person. DoC passes
are sold at the i-SITE.
TE HORO BEACH
FREEDOM CAMPING PARKING TE HORO
NO. LOCATION
& TIME RESTRICTIONS
Maximum parking for 6 freedom
North Bank, Ōtaki camping vehicles at any one time.
1 River, Ōtaki Beach. Maximum 48 hour time limit for
each vehicle. 1
PEKA PEKA
Field Way, Waikanae Maximum parking for 2 freedom
Beach - car park on camping vehicles at any one time.
2 north side of Waimeha Maximum 24 hour time limit for
KĀPITI ISLAND
AY
Stream. each vehicle.
SW
ES
2
PR
WAIKANAE BEACH
EX
Maximum parking for 2 freedom
Waimea Road beach
camping vehicles at any one time.
3 car park, Waikanae
Maximum 24 hour time limit for
3 4 WAIKANAE
Beach.
each vehicle.
5
Maximum parking for 2 freedom PARAPARAUMU
Waikanae Park, Park camping vehicles at any one time.
4 Avenue, Waikanae. Maximum 24 hour time limit for
BEACH
each vehicle. 6
Waikanae River Maximum parking for 4 freedom 7
SWAY
Mouth at the end of camping vehicles at any one time.
5
EXPRES
Tutere Street, Waikanae Maximum 24 hour time limit for RAUMATI BEACH 8 PARAPARAUMU
Beach. each vehicle. 9
Marine Parade, Maximum parking for 1 freedom RAUMATI SOUTH
Paraparaumu Beach camping vehicle at any one time.
6 - car park opposite 54 Maximum 24 hour time limit for
Marine Parade. each vehicle.
Marine Parade, Maximum parking for 2 freedom
Paraparaumu Beach camping vehicles at any one time.
7 - car park opposite 62 Maximum 24 hour time limit for
Marine Parade. each vehicle. 1
PAEKĀKĀRIKI
Marine Parade, Maximum parking for 2 freedom
Paraparaumu Beach camping vehicles at any one time.
8 - car park opposite 69 Maximum 24 hour time limit for
Marine Parade. each vehicle.
Maximum parking for 3 freedom
Garden Rd/Matatua
camping vehicles at any one time.
9 Rd car park, Raumati
Maximum 24 hour time limit for 0 5 10km
Beach.
each vehicle.
44 45You can also read
