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KĀAPITI
Visitor Guide
2016
The area attracts artists and entrepreneurs
who help make Kāpiti a vibrant, creative
area with a friendly coastal village
atmosphere. Easily accessed by car, train
or air, and just 45 minutes from Wellington,
it is the perfect place for a relaxing break.
Cheeky Kākā
Kāpiti Island
WELCOME TO KĀAPITI
With 40kms of unspoilt beaches sheltered
from prevailing westerly winds by Kāpiti
Island, to the magnificent, wild landscape
of the Tararua Range and Forest Park,
Kāpiti’s natural beauty is breath-taking.
4 5
TOP THINGSTO DO IN KAPITI
•	 Climb to the top of Kāpiti Island and enjoy an
incredible panoramic view from The Sounds
to Taranaki
•	 Tramp in the Tararua Forest Park
•	 Take the kids or grandkids to Marine Gardens
to the playgrounds, splash pad and ride on the
miniature trains
•	 See the largest private collection of rare and
collectible cars in the Southern Hemisphere at
Southwards Museum
•	 Go to a craft beer tasting session at Tuatara
Brewery with matched hors d’oeuvres made from
local ingredients
•	 Enjoy a takeaway and sunset on ‘Fish and Chip
Hill’ Paraparaumu Beach
•	 Fly over Kāpiti in a plane or helicopter
•	 Follow in the footsteps of Tiger Woods and play
golf at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club
•	 Fish for whitebait and trout on Waikanae or Ōtaki
rivers, surf cast off the beach or dig for pipis and
enjoy your kai moana
•	 Experience the spectacle of hundreds of kites on
the beach at the Ōtaki Kite Festival in March
•	 Visit the birds and tuataras at Ngā Manu and feed
the eels.
Panoramic View
from Kāpiti Island
Craft beer tasting
at Tuatara Brewery
Dig for pipi
Ōtaki Kite Festival
6 7
The most southerly village in Kāpiti, Paekākāriki is
an authentic Kiwi seaside village, regarded as the
creative hub of the district with many actors, dancers,
musicians, film-makers, artists and sculptors choosing
to make their home here.
For a small village, it has great facilities with cafés, a
bar, hotel, 24 seat luxury cinema, dairy, its own radio
station, greengrocer and other speciality shops.
PAEKĀAKAĀRIKI
Paekākāriki from
Paekākāriki Hill Road
Paekākāriki shops
Heliworx Helicopter
over Paekākāriki
Paekākāriki Holiday Camp is situated at the
far end of the village next to Queen Elizabeth
Park and was originally a US military base.
It became a holiday camp in the 1950s.
1
1
Queen Elizabeth
Park
Surf Lifesaving
Club
Paekākāriki
Holiday Park
Te Ara o Whareroa
Cycleway
Campbell Park
Playground
Whareroa Farm
Steam Inc. &
Station Museum
Cinema
& Deli
Paekākāriki
= Shops
= Train Station
= Playground
= Toilets
TheParadeW
ellington
Rd
AmesSt
Tilley
Rd
PaekakarikiHillRd
TilleyRd
Ocean Rd
TheParade
8 9
Raumati Beach village has speciality fashion stores,
a bakery, cafés, restaurants, a pub, takeaways,
homeware and gift shops, pharmacy, luxury
apartment resort, arts and crafts and a book store. 
Marine Gardens is popular with families for its splash
pad waterpark, playground, free BBQs to cook
your sausages on and miniature railway running at
the weekend. 
Separated from Paekākāriki by Queen Elizabeth
Park, and two kilometres from Raumati Beach,
Raumati South has a small centre with a dairy, café,
restaurant and takeaway.  It has a relaxed, alternative
lifestyle feel to the area and attracts creative artists.
RAUMATI
Splash Pad at Marine Gardens
Running at
Raumati South
Raumati South
Beach
Poplar Ave
RosettaRd
RosettaRd
TennisCourtRd
GlenRd
HillcrestRd
RataRd
RimuRd
TheEsplanade
MataiRd
MataiRd
Kiw
iRd
MargaretRd
LeinsterAve
Raumati Rd
Raumati Rd
1
= Shops
= Train Station
= Playground
= Toilets
Weka Park
Cycle
HireMarine Gardens
Splash Pad &
Miniature Railway
Raumati
Beach
Raumati
South
10 11
The largest of the seaside villages, Paraparaumu
Beach has a wide range of shops, cafés, restaurants,
holiday accommodation, a world renown golf
course and a bustling Saturday market with local
produce, arts and crafts along with buskers.
Ferries to Kāpiti Island leave from the Paraparaumu
Boating Club. The Maclean Park playground, duck
pond and skate park are very popular with families as
are the picnic tables and benches facing the sea for
al fresco takeaways.
PARAPARAUMU BEACH
Saturday market at
Paraparaumu Beach
Maclean Park playground
Paraparaumu Beach
KapitiRd
MarineParade
Ocean Rd
Toru Rd
BluegumRd
Gray
Ave
GolfRd
Cedar Dr
TeotiSt
Regent Dr
Langdale Ave
ManlySt
KapitiRd
= Shops
= Airport
= Playground
= Toilets
Paraparaumu
Beach
Paraparaumu
Golf Course
Paraparaumu
Airport
Skatepark
& Playground
Boats to
Kāpiti Island
Boatclub
Ocean Rd
Dog Park
12 13
Waikanae includes one of the largest remaining
areas of kohekohe forests, beautiful Hemi
Matenga Memorial Park Scenic Reserve, town
centre with shops, cafés, restaurants and Kāpiti’s
public art gallery, Mahara; a relaxed beach area
with some popular cafés and a boat club and
Waikanae estuary, popular with whitebaiters and
bird watchers.
There is an open air pool enjoyed by visitors and
locals alike in the summer. Ngā Manu Nature
Reserve is a popular attraction for nature lovers with
eel feeding, tuatara and many species of birds in a
beautiful natural setting.
WAIKANAE
Paraparaumu is the administrative and retail
centre of Kāpiti with the Civic Centre, Coastlands
Shoppingtown, Coastlands Aquatic Centre and
large format stores situated here. Downtown
Cinemas are within the shopping complex and Kāpiti
i-Site for visitor information is situated close by.
PARAPARAUMU
Ngā
Manu
Te Moana Rd
Ngaio Rd
Kapanui Rd
NgararaRd
NgararaRd
NgararaRd
Belvedere Ave
ParataSt
Kohekohe Rd
Rimu StPark Ave
Elizabeth St
Te
M
oana
Rd
1
1
= Shops
= Train Station
= Playground
= Toilets
Nga Manu
Nature Reserve
To the Beach,
Golf Course
& Boatclub
Summer
Swimming Pool
Mahara
Gallery
Waikanae
Park
Waikanae River
1
1
M
azengarb
Rd
M
akariniSt
Waterstone Ave
Arawhata Rd
AorangiRd
RuahineSt
NikauPalmRd
RuapehuSt
Rim
u
Rd
KapitiRd
= Shops
= Train Station
= Playground
= Toilets
Southwards Car
Museum
Coastlands
Shoppingtown
Downtown Cinema
& i-Site
Ten Pin Bowling
Aquatic Centre
Cycle Hire
Nikau Scenic
Walk
Paraparaumu
Scenic Reserve
Mazengarb Reserve
Hockey Turf &
Playground
14 15
The oldest settled town in Kāpiti, Ōtaki is
also made up of three distinctly different areas.
There are outlet and speciality shops along
State Highway One which are popular with
Wellingtonians.
The administrative centre of Ōtaki is west of the
highway and includes many sites of historic interest,
a playground and swimming pool, the only civic
theatre in Kāpiti and Māori tertiary education centre
Te Wānanga o Raukawa. Finally there is the beach
area with Byron’s Holiday Resort and beachside
pavilion housing the Surf Life Saving Club and a
surf school.
The only remaining Māori racing club is situated
close to State Highway One in Ōtaki and holds
regular race meets. The surrounding areas around
Ōtaki include Te Horo with its lavender farm and
Ruth Pretty’s Cookery School, and Ōtaki Gorge
– gateway to the Tararua Forest Park. Just a short
distance from Ōtaki on State Highway One is the
Loco miniature railway and landscaped gardens.
OTAKI
Photo credit: Mark Coote
Ōtaki estuary
Ōtaki Maori
Racing Club
Te Horo Beach Rd
Addington Rd
Rahui Rd
Mill Rd
W
aerenga
Rd
Riverbank
Rd
Tasman Rd
Rangiuru RdRangiuru Rd
MarineParade
TeRauparahaSt
Otaki River
Otaki River
Otaki Gorge
Rd
OtakiGorgeRd
Old Hautere Rd
TeWakaRd
1
1
Ōtaki
Beach
Ōtaki
Loco Miniature
Railway
(summer only)
Ōtaki
Māori
Racecourse
Outlet
Shops
Tararua
Forest Park
Lavender Farm &
Ruth Pretty Cookery School
Swimming PoolSkatepark
Cycle Hire
Surf
School
= Shops
= Train Station
= Playground
= Toilets
16 17
Before 1822, the Muaūpoko iwi lived on the rich
marine, coastal, wetland and forest resources of
the Kāpiti Coast and southern North Island. The iwi
were so named because they lived at the ūpoko
(head) of Te Ika-a-Māui – the fish of Māui.
In the early 1820s, Te Rauparaha, a chief of Ngāti
Toa, led his people on a great migration south from
Kāwhia, using muskets to defeat traditionally armed
local tribes. When the Muaūpoko tried to assassinate
Te Rauparaha, he took terrible revenge on them and
established Kāpiti Island as his fortress.
Sometimes called the 'Napoleon of the Southern
Hemisphere', Te Rauparaha ruled the lower end of
the North Island from his island stronghold.
Te Rauparaha’s allies settled on the mainland:
Ngāti Raukawa of Waikato moved to areas of the
Manawatū and Horowhenua while Te Āti Awa
occupied several locations around the Kāpiti Coast
before finally settling in what is now Waikanae.
EXPLORE OUR RICH HISTORY
Sketch of Te Rauparaha in 1847
by William Bambridge
In the 1830s, Kāpiti Island was one of the largest
whaling stations in New Zealand run by Europeans
with up to 2,000 people living and working on the
island. Try pots which were used for boiling down
blubber lay abandoned on the shores of the island
as a reminder of this short-lived industry.
Jillett's whaling station on Kāpiti Island, 1844
Bowring, Walter Armiger 1874-1931
Alexander Turnbull Library reference: QMS-0122-140A
Interior of
St Mary’s Church
In 1839 Rev Octavius Hadfield set up a mission
station at Kenakena Pā near the Waikanae river
mouth and Christianity, literacy and farming spread
rapidly among Māori of the region. Hadfield built
Anglican churches at Waikanae and Ōtaki. A Roman
Catholic mission was set up at Ōtaki in 1844 and the
oldest Catholic Church still in use in New Zealand,
St Mary's, was built there in 1859.
Photo credit: Mark Coote
Lavender Farm
Te Horo
1918
During World War II, three camps housing up
to 15,000 US Marines were set up at MacKay’s
Crossing in Queen Elizabeth Park, Paekākāriki and
Whareroa Farm. There is a memorial to the Marines
in the park and annual commemoration.
Photo credit Alexander Turnbull Library Reference:
F 8226 71/2 Photographer: John Pascoe
US Marines line up with their mess gear at
Camp McKay (or Mackay), near Paekākāriki,
15 September 1943
Heritage trail brochures are
available from the i-Site and
libraries in the district.
THINGS TO DO
20 21
Kāpiti’s history and culture can be explored at one
of the seven museums in the area –
Southwards Car Museum
Housing some of the world’s rarest and most
valuable vehicles, Southwards is considered the
premier privately owned automotive collections in
the southern hemisphere.
Open daily 9am – 4.30pm
MUSEUMS
Museum of Aviation at Kāpiti Landing
This small museum traces the development of
aviation in New Zealand mainly through photographs
and models.
Open Sundays 10am-4pm
Paekākāriki Rail and Heritage 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
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 in the movie
King Kong.
Open weekends 11am – 3pm
Photo credit: Southwards Museum
Steam Incorporated at Paekākāriki
Railway enthusiasts rebuild and maintain heritage
railway equipment as they were in the 1950s. 
Mainly open on Thursdays and Saturdays and
running steam train excursions in the North Island
throughout the year
Ōtaki Museum
Small local museum showing the town’s rich history
through photos, newspapers and exhibits.
Open Thursday to Saturday 10am – 2pm during
exhibits
Kāpiti Coast Museum in Waikanae
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 & Sunday
1pm – 4pm
22 23
Whether it is making sandcastles, dens out of
driftwood, horse riding, surf casting, sailing, surfing,
digging for pipis or just watching the waves, with our
40km of sandy beaches you will be spoilt for choice.
There are safe swimming beaches at Raumati,
Paraparaumu, Peka Peka and Waikanae. Surf
Lifesaving Clubs patrol Ōtaki and Paekākāriki
beaches in the summer.
Ōtaki River runs from the mighty Tararuas through
Ōtaki Forks where there is a Department of
Conservation camp ground with basic amenities, a
legendary swing bridge across the river, beautiful
picnic spots and gateway to some of the best tramps
in the North Island, to the sea.
Waikanae River, accessed through Otaihanga
Domain, is a popular spot for walking,
kayaking and floating down to the estuary
on tubes. Fly fishing for brown trout on Ōtaki
river is possible all year round and Waikanae
river from 1 October to 30 April. Both are
beautiful rivers which are easy to fish. You
will need a licence which can be obtained from
Hunting and Fishing in Ōtaki or online from
Fish and Game New Zealand.
Photo credit: Brian Dobbie
Fly fishing
on Ōtaki RiverHorse riding at
Peka Peka Beach
Tararua
Southern Crossing
Photo credit: Mark Coote
COME TO THE BEACH GO UP RIVER
Photo credit: Atahuri
Tramping
Ōtaki Forks
Surfing school
on Ōtaki Beach
Photo credit: Epic Surf School
Photo credit: Mark Coote
Photo credit: Capitivate Adventures
24 25
There are lots of options for adventure in Kāpiti... 
You could horse ride on the beach, learn to surf in
Ōtaki, try land sailing in Waikanae, raft down the
Ōtaki river at night guided by the light of glow worms,
mountain bike through Queen Elizabeth Park, drive
4 x 4s through rivers and native bush, fly a plane
with the Kāpiti Aero Club, see Kāpiti Island by
helicopter or enjoy a game of golf at one of the four
clubs in the area including internationally recognised
links course at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, a
challenging nine holes in the valley at Kapiti Golf
Club, and beautiful courses in Waikanae and Ōtaki.
We also have a modern ten bin bowling centre with
mini golf.
Kāpiti has a great network of easy, family friendly
cycleways and walkways, as well as challenging
mountain bike trails. The spectacular Paekākāriki
Coastal Escarpment Trail is part of the Te Arahoa
walking trail – a 3000km route stretching from Cape
Reinga in the North to Bluff in the South.
HAVE A GO ON TWO WHEELS OR TWO LEGS
Land Sailing
Waikanae Beach
Rafting
Ōtaki river
26 27
Kāpiti is home to a number of special nature
reserves and conservation areas, including
Kāpiti Island.
New Zealand’s oldest nature reserve, Kāpiti Island
is home to some of our rarest and most endangered
birds which you can see in their natural habitat. You
can stay overnight in Waiorua Bay and enjoy local
hospitality and a guided kiwi spotting adventure
after dark. Over 120 species of birds can be seen on
the island including rare takehē, kaka and kereru.
The Waikanae river and estuary is a tidal home and
airport to a variety of waders and sea birds. More
than 60 species of birds breed there, including
banded dotterel, dabchick, royal spoonbill and
variable oystercatcher.
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 meeting the kakas and tuataras.
The warm climate and fertile soils help make Kāpiti
a great place to grow produce and we are proud
of our many artisan food and drink producers. 
Kāpiti products include olive oil, cordials, artisan
breads, cheeses, ice cream, coffee, limoncello,
chocolate, candies, brandy and fruit liqueurs, pies,
Waikanae crab, wine, organic juices and cider
vinegar. Local supermarkets and some of the cafes
and restaurants serve Kāpiti food and drink. You can
also sample them at the various markets. Chocolate
or cheese? We have factory shops for each – Nyco
Chocolates in Raumati off State Highway One open
seven days and Fonterra with the famous Kapiti
Cheeses at Te Roto Drive, Paraparaumu open
Monday to Friday 10am – 3pm.
There are two boutique breweries in Kāpiti
producing exceptional craft beers – Tuatara and
North End Brewery. We have a wide variety of
eating out options too, from quality cafés to upmarket
restaurants. Being so close to the sea, of course we
also have awesome fish and chips.
GET CLOSER TO NATURE TASTE KAPITI
Royal Spoonbills
on Kāpiti Island
Yummy breads
from Kapiti
Artisan Bread
Tuatara beer
Photo credit: Kāpiti Island Nature Tours
Photo credit: Kapiti Artisan Bread
28 29
Visit one of the 48 playgrounds in Kāpiti including
Marine Gardens in Raumati with its splash pad water
park and miniature railway (weekends). Maclean
Park playground and skate park in Paraparaumu
Beach features a life sized motor boat and tractor.
Teach the little ones the Road Code at our mini road
layout complete with traffic signs in Ōtaki. You can
also visit the farm animals at Lindale or Reikorangi
Potteries Park. There are swimming pools in
Paraparaumu and Ōtaki and an open air summer
pool in Waikanae.
The beautiful landscape attracts artists of all kinds
to live and create in Kāpiti. You can see their work
during the annual Arts Trail in November or by
visiting artists in their studios. Pick up a Kāpiti Arts
brochure for listings. Artists include contemporary
oil painter Shona Moller, funky furniture creator
Alan Wehipeihana and sculptor Bodhi Vincent.
Exhibitions are held regularly in Paraparaumu
Library, Waikanae Mahara Gallery and Ngā
Purapura in Ōtaki.
Glass sculptures by
Graeme Hitchcock
Kia Ora Picasso by Shona Moller
PLAY ENJOY THE ARTS
Road layout for
learners at the
Ōtaki Skate Park
Miniature Railway
at Raumati Beach Photo credit: Mark Coote
30 31
Kāpiti has been used as the location for films
including Lord of the Rings, King Kong and New
Zealand film Second Hand Wedding which was
filmed entirely in Kāpiti, written and produced by
Kāpiti creatives.
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 Downtown
Cinemas at Coastlands, Paraparaumu. The unique
annual Māoriland Film Festival is held in Ōtaki in
March showing over 140 films.
One of the first shopping malls to open in New
Zealand, Coastlands Shoppingtown, is situated
in the centre of Paraparaumu with over 80 shops.
Raumati village has speciality, fashion and home
design shops. Paraparaumu Beach has a variety of
small shops and a busy Saturday market. Waikanae
has a compact shopping centre with a variety of
shops. Ōtaki is known for its outlet and speciality
shops along State Highway One. There are monthly
markets of crafts and produce in Paekākāriki and Te
Horo and a weekly Sunday market in summer
in Ōtaki.
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. 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.
KAPITI IN THE MOVIES SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP
Easter 23 – 27 March 2016
Hobbiton Woods
STAY IN KAPITI
Photo credit: Mark Coote
Ōtaki outlet shops
32 33
There are nine Kāpiti Coast District Council
designated sites.
Non self-contained freedom campers can use the
Department of Conservation facility at Ōtaki Forks
which costs $5 per person.
FREEDOM CAMPING
No. Location
Freedom Camping Parking
& Time Restrictions
1 North Bank, Ōtaki
River, Ōtaki Beach.
Maximum parking for 6 freedom
camping vehicles at any one time.
Maximum 48 hour time limit for
each vehicle.
2 Field Way, Waikanae
Beach - car park
on north side of
Waimeha Stream.
Maximum parking for 2 freedom
camping vehicles at any one time.
Maximum 24 hour time limit for
each vehicle.
3 Waimea Road beach
car park, Waikanae
Beach.
Maximum parking for 2 freedom
camping vehicles at any one time.
Maximum 24 hour time limit for
each vehicle.
4 Waikanae Park, Park
Avenue, Waikanae.
Maximum parking for 2 freedom
camping vehicles at any one time.
Maximum 24 hour time limit for
each vehicle.
5 Waikanae River
Mouth at the end
of Tutere Street,
Waikanae Beach.
Maximum parking for 4 freedom
camping vehicles at any one time.
Maximum 24 hour time limit for
each vehicle.
6 Marine Parade,
Paraparaumu Beach
- car park opposite
54 Marine Parade.
Maximum parking for 1 freedom
camping vehicle at any one time.
Maximum 24 hour time limit for
each vehicle.
7 Marine Parade,
Paraparaumu Beach
- car park opposite
62 Marine Parade.
Maximum parking for 2 freedom
camping vehicles at any one time.
Maximum 24 hour time limit for
each vehicle.
8 Marine Parade,
Paraparaumu Beach
- car park opposite
69 Marine Parade.
Maximum parking for 2 freedom
camping vehicles at any one time.
Maximum 24 hour time limit for
each vehicle.
9 Garden Rd/Matatua
Rd car park, Raumati
Beach.
Maximum parking for 3 freedom
camping vehicles at any one time.
Maximum 24 hour time limit for
each vehicle.
Paekākāriki
Raumati South
Raumati Beach
Paraparaumu
Beach
Waikanae Beach
Peka Peka
Te Horo Beach
Ōtaki Beach
Ōtaki
Te Horo
Waikanae
Paraparaumu
Kāpiti Island
0 5 10km
1
1
1
2
3 4
5
6
7
8
9
34 35
Paekākāriki
Raumati South
Raumati Beach
Paraparaumu
Beach
Waikanae Beach
Peka Peka
Te Horo Beach
Ōtaki Beach
Ōtaki
Te Horo
Waikanae
Paraparaumu
Kāpiti Island
0 5 10km
1
1
Flights
•	 Air New Zealand fly daily to Paraparaumu from
Auckland, and Christchurch (no flight Wednesdays)
•	 Air 2 There fly to Paraparaumu from Nelson
and Blenheim
•	 Sounds Air fly to Paraparaumu from Blenheim
and Nelson
Car hire
There are two hire companies within easy reach
of Kāpiti Coast airport – Rent Me Rentals and Can
Do Rentals.
Driving times
•	 Auckland to Paraparaumu – 7 hours 20 mins
•	 Wellington to Paraparaumu – 45 mins
•	 Tāupo to Paraparaumu – 3 hours 30 mins
•	 Gisborne to Paraparaumu – 5 hours 40 mins
•	 Napier to Paraparaumu – 3 hours
•	 New Plymouth to Paraparaumu – 3 hours 30 mins
Trains
•	 Metlink trains to Paekākāriki, Paraparaumu and
Waikanae regularly throughout the day from
Wellington
•	 Weekday daily service to Ōtaki with the Capital
Connection
•	 The Northern Explorer travels from Auckland
to Paraparaumu on Mondays, Thursdays and
Saturdays. Paraparaumu to Auckland
on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Buses and coaches
Intercity and Naked Bus coaches have services
to Paraparaumu.
Metlink run regular bus services throughout Kāpiti.
GETTING HERE
Gisborne
Napier
Tāupo
New Plymouth
Wellington
Auckland
Kāpiti
i-Site information
Our information centre is located at Paraparaumu,
next to AMI Insurance at the rear of Coastlands
Mall. 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.
Disclaimer: information in this guide was correct to
the best of our knowledge at the time of printing.
Photo credit: Grace Simmonds
i-Site
Coastlands, Rimu Road, Paraparaumu
Ph: 04 298 8195
Open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 10am – 2pm

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Kapiti Visitors Guide 2016 Final Website

  • 2. The area attracts artists and entrepreneurs who help make Kāpiti a vibrant, creative area with a friendly coastal village atmosphere. Easily accessed by car, train or air, and just 45 minutes from Wellington, it is the perfect place for a relaxing break. Cheeky Kākā Kāpiti Island WELCOME TO KĀAPITI With 40kms of unspoilt beaches sheltered from prevailing westerly winds by Kāpiti Island, to the magnificent, wild landscape of the Tararua Range and Forest Park, Kāpiti’s natural beauty is breath-taking.
  • 3. 4 5 TOP THINGSTO DO IN KAPITI • Climb to the top of Kāpiti Island and enjoy an incredible panoramic view from The Sounds to Taranaki • Tramp in the Tararua Forest Park • Take the kids or grandkids to Marine Gardens to the playgrounds, splash pad and ride on the miniature trains • See the largest private collection of rare and collectible cars in the Southern Hemisphere at Southwards Museum • Go to a craft beer tasting session at Tuatara Brewery with matched hors d’oeuvres made from local ingredients • Enjoy a takeaway and sunset on ‘Fish and Chip Hill’ Paraparaumu Beach • Fly over Kāpiti in a plane or helicopter • Follow in the footsteps of Tiger Woods and play golf at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club • Fish for whitebait and trout on Waikanae or Ōtaki rivers, surf cast off the beach or dig for pipis and enjoy your kai moana • Experience the spectacle of hundreds of kites on the beach at the Ōtaki Kite Festival in March • Visit the birds and tuataras at Ngā Manu and feed the eels. Panoramic View from Kāpiti Island Craft beer tasting at Tuatara Brewery Dig for pipi Ōtaki Kite Festival
  • 4. 6 7 The most southerly village in Kāpiti, Paekākāriki is an authentic Kiwi seaside village, regarded as the creative hub of the district with many actors, dancers, musicians, film-makers, artists and sculptors choosing to make their home here. For a small village, it has great facilities with cafés, a bar, hotel, 24 seat luxury cinema, dairy, its own radio station, greengrocer and other speciality shops. PAEKĀAKAĀRIKI Paekākāriki from Paekākāriki Hill Road Paekākāriki shops Heliworx Helicopter over Paekākāriki Paekākāriki Holiday Camp is situated at the far end of the village next to Queen Elizabeth Park and was originally a US military base. It became a holiday camp in the 1950s. 1 1 Queen Elizabeth Park Surf Lifesaving Club Paekākāriki Holiday Park Te Ara o Whareroa Cycleway Campbell Park Playground Whareroa Farm Steam Inc. & Station Museum Cinema & Deli Paekākāriki = Shops = Train Station = Playground = Toilets TheParadeW ellington Rd AmesSt Tilley Rd PaekakarikiHillRd TilleyRd Ocean Rd TheParade
  • 5. 8 9 Raumati Beach village has speciality fashion stores, a bakery, cafés, restaurants, a pub, takeaways, homeware and gift shops, pharmacy, luxury apartment resort, arts and crafts and a book store.  Marine Gardens is popular with families for its splash pad waterpark, playground, free BBQs to cook your sausages on and miniature railway running at the weekend.  Separated from Paekākāriki by Queen Elizabeth Park, and two kilometres from Raumati Beach, Raumati South has a small centre with a dairy, café, restaurant and takeaway.  It has a relaxed, alternative lifestyle feel to the area and attracts creative artists. RAUMATI Splash Pad at Marine Gardens Running at Raumati South Raumati South Beach Poplar Ave RosettaRd RosettaRd TennisCourtRd GlenRd HillcrestRd RataRd RimuRd TheEsplanade MataiRd MataiRd Kiw iRd MargaretRd LeinsterAve Raumati Rd Raumati Rd 1 = Shops = Train Station = Playground = Toilets Weka Park Cycle HireMarine Gardens Splash Pad & Miniature Railway Raumati Beach Raumati South
  • 6. 10 11 The largest of the seaside villages, Paraparaumu Beach has a wide range of shops, cafés, restaurants, holiday accommodation, a world renown golf course and a bustling Saturday market with local produce, arts and crafts along with buskers. Ferries to Kāpiti Island leave from the Paraparaumu Boating Club. The Maclean Park playground, duck pond and skate park are very popular with families as are the picnic tables and benches facing the sea for al fresco takeaways. PARAPARAUMU BEACH Saturday market at Paraparaumu Beach Maclean Park playground Paraparaumu Beach KapitiRd MarineParade Ocean Rd Toru Rd BluegumRd Gray Ave GolfRd Cedar Dr TeotiSt Regent Dr Langdale Ave ManlySt KapitiRd = Shops = Airport = Playground = Toilets Paraparaumu Beach Paraparaumu Golf Course Paraparaumu Airport Skatepark & Playground Boats to Kāpiti Island Boatclub Ocean Rd Dog Park
  • 7. 12 13 Waikanae includes one of the largest remaining areas of kohekohe forests, beautiful Hemi Matenga Memorial Park Scenic Reserve, town centre with shops, cafés, restaurants and Kāpiti’s public art gallery, Mahara; a relaxed beach area with some popular cafés and a boat club and Waikanae estuary, popular with whitebaiters and bird watchers. There is an open air pool enjoyed by visitors and locals alike in the summer. Ngā Manu Nature Reserve is a popular attraction for nature lovers with eel feeding, tuatara and many species of birds in a beautiful natural setting. WAIKANAE Paraparaumu is the administrative and retail centre of Kāpiti with the Civic Centre, Coastlands Shoppingtown, Coastlands Aquatic Centre and large format stores situated here. Downtown Cinemas are within the shopping complex and Kāpiti i-Site for visitor information is situated close by. PARAPARAUMU Ngā Manu Te Moana Rd Ngaio Rd Kapanui Rd NgararaRd NgararaRd NgararaRd Belvedere Ave ParataSt Kohekohe Rd Rimu StPark Ave Elizabeth St Te M oana Rd 1 1 = Shops = Train Station = Playground = Toilets Nga Manu Nature Reserve To the Beach, Golf Course & Boatclub Summer Swimming Pool Mahara Gallery Waikanae Park Waikanae River 1 1 M azengarb Rd M akariniSt Waterstone Ave Arawhata Rd AorangiRd RuahineSt NikauPalmRd RuapehuSt Rim u Rd KapitiRd = Shops = Train Station = Playground = Toilets Southwards Car Museum Coastlands Shoppingtown Downtown Cinema & i-Site Ten Pin Bowling Aquatic Centre Cycle Hire Nikau Scenic Walk Paraparaumu Scenic Reserve Mazengarb Reserve Hockey Turf & Playground
  • 8. 14 15 The oldest settled town in Kāpiti, Ōtaki is also made up of three distinctly different areas. There are outlet and speciality shops along State Highway One which are popular with Wellingtonians. The administrative centre of Ōtaki is west of the highway and includes many sites of historic interest, a playground and swimming pool, the only civic theatre in Kāpiti and Māori tertiary education centre Te Wānanga o Raukawa. Finally there is the beach area with Byron’s Holiday Resort and beachside pavilion housing the Surf Life Saving Club and a surf school. The only remaining Māori racing club is situated close to State Highway One in Ōtaki and holds regular race meets. The surrounding areas around Ōtaki include Te Horo with its lavender farm and Ruth Pretty’s Cookery School, and Ōtaki Gorge – gateway to the Tararua Forest Park. Just a short distance from Ōtaki on State Highway One is the Loco miniature railway and landscaped gardens. OTAKI Photo credit: Mark Coote Ōtaki estuary Ōtaki Maori Racing Club Te Horo Beach Rd Addington Rd Rahui Rd Mill Rd W aerenga Rd Riverbank Rd Tasman Rd Rangiuru RdRangiuru Rd MarineParade TeRauparahaSt Otaki River Otaki River Otaki Gorge Rd OtakiGorgeRd Old Hautere Rd TeWakaRd 1 1 Ōtaki Beach Ōtaki Loco Miniature Railway (summer only) Ōtaki Māori Racecourse Outlet Shops Tararua Forest Park Lavender Farm & Ruth Pretty Cookery School Swimming PoolSkatepark Cycle Hire Surf School = Shops = Train Station = Playground = Toilets
  • 9. 16 17 Before 1822, the Muaūpoko iwi lived on the rich marine, coastal, wetland and forest resources of the Kāpiti Coast and southern North Island. The iwi were so named because they lived at the ūpoko (head) of Te Ika-a-Māui – the fish of Māui. In the early 1820s, Te Rauparaha, a chief of Ngāti Toa, led his people on a great migration south from Kāwhia, using muskets to defeat traditionally armed local tribes. When the Muaūpoko tried to assassinate Te Rauparaha, he took terrible revenge on them and established Kāpiti Island as his fortress. Sometimes called the 'Napoleon of the Southern Hemisphere', Te Rauparaha ruled the lower end of the North Island from his island stronghold. Te Rauparaha’s allies settled on the mainland: Ngāti Raukawa of Waikato moved to areas of the Manawatū and Horowhenua while Te Āti Awa occupied several locations around the Kāpiti Coast before finally settling in what is now Waikanae. EXPLORE OUR RICH HISTORY Sketch of Te Rauparaha in 1847 by William Bambridge In the 1830s, Kāpiti Island was one of the largest whaling stations in New Zealand run by Europeans with up to 2,000 people living and working on the island. Try pots which were used for boiling down blubber lay abandoned on the shores of the island as a reminder of this short-lived industry. Jillett's whaling station on Kāpiti Island, 1844 Bowring, Walter Armiger 1874-1931 Alexander Turnbull Library reference: QMS-0122-140A Interior of St Mary’s Church In 1839 Rev Octavius Hadfield set up a mission station at Kenakena Pā near the Waikanae river mouth and Christianity, literacy and farming spread rapidly among Māori of the region. Hadfield built Anglican churches at Waikanae and Ōtaki. A Roman Catholic mission was set up at Ōtaki in 1844 and the oldest Catholic Church still in use in New Zealand, St Mary's, was built there in 1859. Photo credit: Mark Coote
  • 10. Lavender Farm Te Horo 1918 During World War II, three camps housing up to 15,000 US Marines were set up at MacKay’s Crossing in Queen Elizabeth Park, Paekākāriki and Whareroa Farm. There is a memorial to the Marines in the park and annual commemoration. Photo credit Alexander Turnbull Library Reference: F 8226 71/2 Photographer: John Pascoe US Marines line up with their mess gear at Camp McKay (or Mackay), near Paekākāriki, 15 September 1943 Heritage trail brochures are available from the i-Site and libraries in the district. THINGS TO DO
  • 11. 20 21 Kāpiti’s history and culture can be explored at one of the seven museums in the area – Southwards Car Museum Housing some of the world’s rarest and most valuable vehicles, Southwards is considered the premier privately owned automotive collections in the southern hemisphere. Open daily 9am – 4.30pm MUSEUMS Museum of Aviation at Kāpiti Landing This small museum traces the development of aviation in New Zealand mainly through photographs and models. Open Sundays 10am-4pm Paekākāriki Rail and Heritage 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 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 in the movie King Kong. Open weekends 11am – 3pm Photo credit: Southwards Museum Steam Incorporated at Paekākāriki Railway enthusiasts rebuild and maintain heritage railway equipment as they were in the 1950s.  Mainly open on Thursdays and Saturdays and running steam train excursions in the North Island throughout the year Ōtaki Museum Small local museum showing the town’s rich history through photos, newspapers and exhibits. Open Thursday to Saturday 10am – 2pm during exhibits Kāpiti Coast Museum in Waikanae 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 & Sunday 1pm – 4pm
  • 12. 22 23 Whether it is making sandcastles, dens out of driftwood, horse riding, surf casting, sailing, surfing, digging for pipis or just watching the waves, with our 40km of sandy beaches you will be spoilt for choice. There are safe swimming beaches at Raumati, Paraparaumu, Peka Peka and Waikanae. Surf Lifesaving Clubs patrol Ōtaki and Paekākāriki beaches in the summer. Ōtaki River runs from the mighty Tararuas through Ōtaki Forks where there is a Department of Conservation camp ground with basic amenities, a legendary swing bridge across the river, beautiful picnic spots and gateway to some of the best tramps in the North Island, to the sea. Waikanae River, accessed through Otaihanga Domain, is a popular spot for walking, kayaking and floating down to the estuary on tubes. Fly fishing for brown trout on Ōtaki river is possible all year round and Waikanae river from 1 October to 30 April. Both are beautiful rivers which are easy to fish. You will need a licence which can be obtained from Hunting and Fishing in Ōtaki or online from Fish and Game New Zealand. Photo credit: Brian Dobbie Fly fishing on Ōtaki RiverHorse riding at Peka Peka Beach Tararua Southern Crossing Photo credit: Mark Coote COME TO THE BEACH GO UP RIVER Photo credit: Atahuri
  • 13. Tramping Ōtaki Forks Surfing school on Ōtaki Beach Photo credit: Epic Surf School Photo credit: Mark Coote Photo credit: Capitivate Adventures 24 25 There are lots of options for adventure in Kāpiti...  You could horse ride on the beach, learn to surf in Ōtaki, try land sailing in Waikanae, raft down the Ōtaki river at night guided by the light of glow worms, mountain bike through Queen Elizabeth Park, drive 4 x 4s through rivers and native bush, fly a plane with the Kāpiti Aero Club, see Kāpiti Island by helicopter or enjoy a game of golf at one of the four clubs in the area including internationally recognised links course at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, a challenging nine holes in the valley at Kapiti Golf Club, and beautiful courses in Waikanae and Ōtaki. We also have a modern ten bin bowling centre with mini golf. Kāpiti has a great network of easy, family friendly cycleways and walkways, as well as challenging mountain bike trails. The spectacular Paekākāriki Coastal Escarpment Trail is part of the Te Arahoa walking trail – a 3000km route stretching from Cape Reinga in the North to Bluff in the South. HAVE A GO ON TWO WHEELS OR TWO LEGS Land Sailing Waikanae Beach Rafting Ōtaki river
  • 14. 26 27 Kāpiti is home to a number of special nature reserves and conservation areas, including Kāpiti Island. New Zealand’s oldest nature reserve, Kāpiti Island is home to some of our rarest and most endangered birds which you can see in their natural habitat. You can stay overnight in Waiorua Bay and enjoy local hospitality and a guided kiwi spotting adventure after dark. Over 120 species of birds can be seen on the island including rare takehē, kaka and kereru. The Waikanae river and estuary is a tidal home and airport to a variety of waders and sea birds. More than 60 species of birds breed there, including banded dotterel, dabchick, royal spoonbill and variable oystercatcher. 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 meeting the kakas and tuataras. The warm climate and fertile soils help make Kāpiti a great place to grow produce and we are proud of our many artisan food and drink producers.  Kāpiti products include olive oil, cordials, artisan breads, cheeses, ice cream, coffee, limoncello, chocolate, candies, brandy and fruit liqueurs, pies, Waikanae crab, wine, organic juices and cider vinegar. Local supermarkets and some of the cafes and restaurants serve Kāpiti food and drink. You can also sample them at the various markets. Chocolate or cheese? We have factory shops for each – Nyco Chocolates in Raumati off State Highway One open seven days and Fonterra with the famous Kapiti Cheeses at Te Roto Drive, Paraparaumu open Monday to Friday 10am – 3pm. There are two boutique breweries in Kāpiti producing exceptional craft beers – Tuatara and North End Brewery. We have a wide variety of eating out options too, from quality cafés to upmarket restaurants. Being so close to the sea, of course we also have awesome fish and chips. GET CLOSER TO NATURE TASTE KAPITI Royal Spoonbills on Kāpiti Island Yummy breads from Kapiti Artisan Bread Tuatara beer Photo credit: Kāpiti Island Nature Tours Photo credit: Kapiti Artisan Bread
  • 15. 28 29 Visit one of the 48 playgrounds in Kāpiti including Marine Gardens in Raumati with its splash pad water park and miniature railway (weekends). Maclean Park playground and skate park in Paraparaumu Beach features a life sized motor boat and tractor. Teach the little ones the Road Code at our mini road layout complete with traffic signs in Ōtaki. You can also visit the farm animals at Lindale or Reikorangi Potteries Park. There are swimming pools in Paraparaumu and Ōtaki and an open air summer pool in Waikanae. The beautiful landscape attracts artists of all kinds to live and create in Kāpiti. You can see their work during the annual Arts Trail in November or by visiting artists in their studios. Pick up a Kāpiti Arts brochure for listings. Artists include contemporary oil painter Shona Moller, funky furniture creator Alan Wehipeihana and sculptor Bodhi Vincent. Exhibitions are held regularly in Paraparaumu Library, Waikanae Mahara Gallery and Ngā Purapura in Ōtaki. Glass sculptures by Graeme Hitchcock Kia Ora Picasso by Shona Moller PLAY ENJOY THE ARTS Road layout for learners at the Ōtaki Skate Park Miniature Railway at Raumati Beach Photo credit: Mark Coote
  • 16. 30 31 Kāpiti has been used as the location for films including Lord of the Rings, King Kong and New Zealand film Second Hand Wedding which was filmed entirely in Kāpiti, written and produced by Kāpiti creatives. 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 Downtown Cinemas at Coastlands, Paraparaumu. The unique annual Māoriland Film Festival is held in Ōtaki in March showing over 140 films. One of the first shopping malls to open in New Zealand, Coastlands Shoppingtown, is situated in the centre of Paraparaumu with over 80 shops. Raumati village has speciality, fashion and home design shops. Paraparaumu Beach has a variety of small shops and a busy Saturday market. Waikanae has a compact shopping centre with a variety of shops. Ōtaki is known for its outlet and speciality shops along State Highway One. There are monthly markets of crafts and produce in Paekākāriki and Te Horo and a weekly Sunday market in summer in Ōtaki. 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. 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. KAPITI IN THE MOVIES SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP Easter 23 – 27 March 2016 Hobbiton Woods STAY IN KAPITI Photo credit: Mark Coote Ōtaki outlet shops
  • 17. 32 33 There are nine Kāpiti Coast District Council designated sites. Non self-contained freedom campers can use the Department of Conservation facility at Ōtaki Forks which costs $5 per person. FREEDOM CAMPING No. Location Freedom Camping Parking & Time Restrictions 1 North Bank, Ōtaki River, Ōtaki Beach. Maximum parking for 6 freedom camping vehicles at any one time. Maximum 48 hour time limit for each vehicle. 2 Field Way, Waikanae Beach - car park on north side of Waimeha Stream. Maximum parking for 2 freedom camping vehicles at any one time. Maximum 24 hour time limit for each vehicle. 3 Waimea Road beach car park, Waikanae Beach. Maximum parking for 2 freedom camping vehicles at any one time. Maximum 24 hour time limit for each vehicle. 4 Waikanae Park, Park Avenue, Waikanae. Maximum parking for 2 freedom camping vehicles at any one time. Maximum 24 hour time limit for each vehicle. 5 Waikanae River Mouth at the end of Tutere Street, Waikanae Beach. Maximum parking for 4 freedom camping vehicles at any one time. Maximum 24 hour time limit for each vehicle. 6 Marine Parade, Paraparaumu Beach - car park opposite 54 Marine Parade. Maximum parking for 1 freedom camping vehicle at any one time. Maximum 24 hour time limit for each vehicle. 7 Marine Parade, Paraparaumu Beach - car park opposite 62 Marine Parade. Maximum parking for 2 freedom camping vehicles at any one time. Maximum 24 hour time limit for each vehicle. 8 Marine Parade, Paraparaumu Beach - car park opposite 69 Marine Parade. Maximum parking for 2 freedom camping vehicles at any one time. Maximum 24 hour time limit for each vehicle. 9 Garden Rd/Matatua Rd car park, Raumati Beach. Maximum parking for 3 freedom camping vehicles at any one time. Maximum 24 hour time limit for each vehicle. Paekākāriki Raumati South Raumati Beach Paraparaumu Beach Waikanae Beach Peka Peka Te Horo Beach Ōtaki Beach Ōtaki Te Horo Waikanae Paraparaumu Kāpiti Island 0 5 10km 1 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
  • 18. 34 35 Paekākāriki Raumati South Raumati Beach Paraparaumu Beach Waikanae Beach Peka Peka Te Horo Beach Ōtaki Beach Ōtaki Te Horo Waikanae Paraparaumu Kāpiti Island 0 5 10km 1 1 Flights • Air New Zealand fly daily to Paraparaumu from Auckland, and Christchurch (no flight Wednesdays) • Air 2 There fly to Paraparaumu from Nelson and Blenheim • Sounds Air fly to Paraparaumu from Blenheim and Nelson Car hire There are two hire companies within easy reach of Kāpiti Coast airport – Rent Me Rentals and Can Do Rentals. Driving times • Auckland to Paraparaumu – 7 hours 20 mins • Wellington to Paraparaumu – 45 mins • Tāupo to Paraparaumu – 3 hours 30 mins • Gisborne to Paraparaumu – 5 hours 40 mins • Napier to Paraparaumu – 3 hours • New Plymouth to Paraparaumu – 3 hours 30 mins Trains • Metlink trains to Paekākāriki, Paraparaumu and Waikanae regularly throughout the day from Wellington • Weekday daily service to Ōtaki with the Capital Connection • The Northern Explorer travels from Auckland to Paraparaumu on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Paraparaumu to Auckland on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Buses and coaches Intercity and Naked Bus coaches have services to Paraparaumu. Metlink run regular bus services throughout Kāpiti. GETTING HERE Gisborne Napier Tāupo New Plymouth Wellington Auckland Kāpiti
  • 19. i-Site information Our information centre is located at Paraparaumu, next to AMI Insurance at the rear of Coastlands Mall. 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. Disclaimer: information in this guide was correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of printing. Photo credit: Grace Simmonds i-Site Coastlands, Rimu Road, Paraparaumu Ph: 04 298 8195 Open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 10am – 2pm