2017

VISITOR GUIDE

Kapiti

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

i-SITE

Within Mediterranean Food WarehouseCoastlands, SH1, ParaparaumuPh: 04 298 8195Open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pmSaturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 10am – 4pm

Photo credit: Murray Short

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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, the natural beauty of Kāpiti is breath-taking. The area attracts artists and entrepreneurs who help make it a vibrant, creative area with a friendly coastal village atmosphere. Easily accessed by car, train or air, and just 35 minutes drive from Wellington on the Expressway, it is the perfect place for a relaxing break.

Climb to the top of Kāpiti Island and enjoy an incredible panoramic view from The Sounds to Taranaki.

Tramp in the Tararua Forest Park.

Walk the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ part of the national Te Araroa Trail.

Get into your groove at the family friendly day-long Coastella Music Festival held in the park–like grounds at Southward Car Museum on Saturday 25 February 2017.

Take the kids or grandkids to Marine Gardens to the playgrounds, splash pad and ride on the miniature trains.

Cycle through Queen Elizabeth Park on the Te Ara o Whareroa track from Paekākāriki to Raumati South.

Paekākāriki 2Raumati 6Paraparaumu 9Otaihanga Reserve and Waikanae Estuary 11Paraparaumu Beach 12Kāpiti Island Nature Reserve 16Waikanae 19Ōtaki 24Explore our rich history 28 Museums 30 Come to the beach 32Go up river 33 Have a go 33

TOP THINGS TO DO IN KĀPITI

WELCOME TO KĀPITI

On two wheels or two legs 34 Get closer to nature 34Taste Kāpiti 35 Play 36 Enjoy the arts 36Kāpiti in the movies 37Shop ‘til you drop 37Indulge those green fingers 38i-SITE information 40 Stay in Kāpiti 40 Getting here 42Freedom camping 44Activity Directory 46Accommodation Directory 50

CONTENTS

See the largest private collection of rare and collectible cars in the Southern Hemisphere at Southward Car Museum.

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.

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.

Enjoy a takeaway and sunset on ‘Fish 'n 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 or surf cast off the beach and enjoy your kai moana.

Experience the spectacle of hundreds of kites on the beach at the Ōtaki Kite Festival in 25-26 March 2017.

Be moved and inspired by watching some of the amazing shorts and feature films shown at the largest indigenous film festival this side of the world – Māoriland Film Festival - 15-19 March 2017.

Eel feeding at Ngā Manu Nature Reserve Photo credit: Ngā Manu

Te Araroa New Zealand’s Trail Photo credit: Martyn Cole

RAUMATI BEACH AT SUNSET

Photo credit: Grace Simmonds

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The locals set the unique and relaxed vibe in Paekākāriki. It’s infectious. Visitors are made to feel like locals. They say experience Paekākāriki for a day and it will stay with you for life. The eclectic mix of residents demonstrate their community spirit with planted berms (areas of grass outside properties going on to the road). Anyone can help themselves to the fruit and vegetables grown in what is locally known as the community orchard and garden. The parks around Paekākāriki are cared for by community groups who plant tens of thousands of trees annually.

Paekākāriki was once an important stop on the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company’s line from Wellington to Longburn, completed in 1886. When dining

The southernmost 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, bookshop, hotel, 24 seat luxury cinema, dairy, its own radio station (tune in at 88.2FM), monthly market, library, tennis court, organic greengrocer and other speciality shops.

cars were removed from passenger trains in World War 1, Paekākāriki was the main refreshment stop on the trip north. The station tea rooms were so busy, a 17 bed hostel was built nearby just for the girls serving teas. Nowadays a museum housed in the old

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 station in New Zealand) and then have a cup of tea yourself in the old tea rooms.

Paekākāriki Holiday Park is situated at the far end of the village next to Queen Elizabeth Park. It was originally a US military base in World War II and became a holiday camp in the 1950s. This tiny village was home to 15,000 Marines during the war. A memorial and historic display in Queen Elizabeth Park commemorates their part of the area’s history.

Queen Elizabeth Park can be accessed from Paekākāriki, offering lots of walking and cycling options including a popular family-friendly cycle path Te Ara o Whareroa through to Raumati South. A Visitor Hub is opening in 2017, near the entrance at Mackays Crossing.

The traditional Māori art of flax weaving – harakeke – is alive and well in Paekākāriki where the Te Rau o Te Rangi weaving collective meet in their own tiny club room in Tilley Road, on the outskirts of Queen Elizabeth Park. They run an annual event for beginners to learn about care of harakeke bushes and how to harvest the leaves to use in weaving.

The surf’s often up in Paekākāriki. When it’s not, paddle boarding in the sunset is a popular pastime.

PAEKĀKĀRIKI

Restored signal box at Paekākāriki Station Photo credit: Mark Coote

Te Ara o Whareroa cycle path Photo credit: Mark Coote

Market Day in Paekākāriki Photo credit: Mark Coote

VIEW FROM PAEKĀKĀRIKI HILL ROAD

Photo credit: Mark Coote

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Many enjoy fishing off the beach. Safe swimming is available at the north end of The Parade, where the Paekākāriki Surf Lifeguards patrol during the summer months. Campbell Park and skate park on Wellington Road is a great place for the kids to play while Mum and Dad enjoy the vast ocean views.

The village has its own art hub (usually open Friday to Sunday) upstairs in the Holtom Building. This building used to be a sewing

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 the Memorial Hall on the sea front packing in quality acts throughout the year. The Memorial Hall is home to the Mulled Wine Concerts which run throughout the winter and feature quality national and international classical performers. St Peter’s Hall has had everyone from national icon Dave Dobbyn to the wild gypsy beats of the Balkanistas.

Paekākāriki is gateway to the 10km Te Araroa walking trail coastal escarpment track featuring the popular ‘Stairway to Heaven’. Reaching 220m above sea level, walkers enjoy spectacular views

on what is considered one of the highlights of the national Te Araroa trail but be warned, it is not for the faint hearted. You need to be reasonably fit to walk it and not suffer from vertigo. Most walkers train back from the end of the trail in Pukerua Bay and then treat themselves at one of the cafés in Paekākāriki.

Close to the village is Paekākāriki Hill Road which has a lookout stop at the top of the hill where you can

View from Paekākāriki Hill Road lookout Photo credit: Mark Coote

Fun at Paekākāriki Beach Photo credit: Mark Coote

Te Rau o Te Rangi Collective working on a harakeke project Photo credit: Mark CooteCampbell Park Paekākāriki Photo credit: Mark Coote

see the Kāpiti Coast all the way to Waikanae and Kāpiti Island in silhouette.

Whareroa Farm recreation reserve near Paekākāriki offers walking, picnicking, horse riding and mountain biking activites. The reserve links to the adjoining Akatarawa Forest.

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Queen Elizabeth ParkPaekākāriki Holiday ParkTe Ara o Whareroa CyclewaySurf Lifesaving ClubWhareroa FarmCampbell Park PlaygroundSteam Inc. & Station MuseumFinn's CinemaShopsTrain StationPlaygroundToilets

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PAEKĀKĀRIKI

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The Margaret Road boutique shops are a big draw card for Wellingtonian shoppers and visitors to Kāpiti with shops offering national and international brands (some are exclusive New Zealand stockists).

Kāpiti College, also situated off Margaret Road, can lay claim to being the college where Sir Peter

Raumati is the Māori word for summer, and summer sure is good here. For a little place, Raumati Beach village has a surprising number of speciality shops selling fashion, homewares, gifts and books. There are also quality eateries with sushi, a bakery, French Patisserie, cafés, a restaurant, bar and pub to choose from. Jackson started his film making

career. A new state-of-the-art performing arts centre is being built here with the entrance off Raumati Road.

Marine Gardens is popular with families for its Splashpad waterpark, playground, free BBQs to cook your sausages on and miniature railway running at the weekend.

For the boaties, there is a boat ramp at the beach behind Marine Gardens with a tractor available

from the Raumati Sports Fishing Club. The club runs a popular annual surfcasting competition.

The Kāpiti Women’s Triathlon is held annually in Raumati (26 February 2017) starting from Marine Gardens and attracts large crowds of supporters. The triathlon is designed for any female of any ability to have a go and achieve.

RAUMATI

Specialist shops in Margaret Road, Raumati Beach Photo credit: Mark Coote

Raumati South beach walkway

Splashpad at Marine Gardens, Raumati Miniature ride on railway at Marine Gardens, Raumati

“Best park for young kids in the Wellington

region” Mell, Wellington

BRIDGE AT RAUMATI BEACH

Photo credit: Mark Coote

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The main town centre is to the west of the railway line which runs from Wellington up the North Island. There are regular trains to Wellington and daily trains to Palmerston North (Capital Connection) and Auckland as part of the scenic Overlander route.

To the east of the railway is one of the most dramatic landmarks on the Kāpiti Coast – Our Lady of Lourdes – a 14m high statue of the Virgin Mary on the 75m knoll above St Patrick’s Church. 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 statues of its kind in the world and was built by Dutch artist Martin Roestenberg.

Paraparaumu is the administrative and retail centre of Kāpiti with the Civic Centre, Coastlands Shopping Mall, Coastlands Aquatic Centre and large format stores situated here. Multiscreen Event Cinemas is here along with the shopping complex and food court. The i-SITE Visitor Information Centre is situated in the Mediterranean Food Warehouse building just off State Highway 1 at the entrance to Coastlands. Our friendly staff can help you find accommodation, activities and attractions throughout Kāpiti and New Zealand.

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Separated from Paekākāriki by Queen Elizabeth Park, Raumati South has a small centre with a dairy, café, restaurant and 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.

Raumati Beach sunset

Raumati Beach and Raumati South both have sandy beaches great for swimming, surf casting, kayaking and other water sports.

PARAPARAUMU

Our Lady of Lourdes, Paraparaumu Photo credit: Mark Coote

Weka ParkMarine Gardens & Splashpad, Miniature RailwayCycle HireShopsPlaygroundToilets

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VIEW FROM LOOKOUT AT OUR LADY OF LOURDES

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When floodlit at night, its sparkling halo is visible for kilometres. To get a great bird’s eye view of the town centre and coast, climb the steep path and visit ‘our’ Lady.

Not far from Our Lady of Lourdes in Maungakotukutuku Road, you can experience the thrill of quad biking through unspoilt native bush with Kāpiti Four x 4 Adventures.

Follow State Highway 1 through Kāpiti Lights half a kilometre and you will reach the Barry Hadfield Nikau Reserve which connects to the Bright Ridge Skyline Track to Valley Road. The Nikau Reserve is an easy, shady 1.2 km bush loop walk with streams and small waterfalls, perfect for families on a hot summer day.

Banded dotteral, variable oystercatcher, pukeko and dabchicks breed here. Other resident species include white-fronted tern, Caspian tern, pied stilt, scaup, brown teal, grey duck and shoveler. Royal spoonbills nesting on Kāpiti Coast regularly visit to feed in the shallow waters of the estuary. Over 77 species of birds can be found here. No wonder the Kāpiti Coast is known as the bird capital of New Zealand. Mik Peryer of Kāpiti Bird Tours runs regular tours and has extensive knowledge of the local birdlife (see activity listings at the end of the guide).

Middens, observation posts, pā and burial grounds are reminders

Follow the road past Southward Car Museum and take the turning for Otaihanga. The Otaihanga Reserve is a popular spot for picnics, family cricket games and playing in the water. Cross the Waikanae River over the swing bridge and turn left for a walk along the Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve passing lagoons and through what is one of the most important bird spotting areas in New Zealand.

of early Māori who moved through the area. Ngāti Apa, Rangitāea and Muaūpoko were followed by Ngāti Toa, Te Āti Awa and Ngāti Raukawa. The estuary is the site of a significant battle in 1839 known as Te Kuititanga. The area is sacred to the people of Te Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai who are tāngata whenua of this area.

A few kilometres north is the turnoff to Otaihanga and Southward Car Museum, one of the largest private car collections in the southern hemisphere (described in our Museums section).

Entrance to Southward Car Museum

OTAIHANGA RESERVE AND WAIKANAE ESTUARY

Royal Spoonbills

“Quad biking with Kapiti Four x 4 was the cherry on top of my whole trip to New Zealand”

Bethany, UK

WAIKANAE ESTUARY

Photo credit: Mark Coote

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Mazengarb Reserve, Hockey Turf & Playground

Southward Car Museum

Paraparaumu Scenic Reserve

Nikau Scenic Walk

Ten Pin Bowling

Aquatic Centre

Cycle Hire

Coastlands Shoppingtown, Event Cinema & i-SITE

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Paraparaumu Beach is a wide expanse of sand leading to Raumati to the south and Waikanae to north. It is popular for fishing, boating, kayaking and you will often see people with crab nets or collecting shellfish here.

The largest of the seaside villages, Paraparaumu Beach has a wide range of shops, cafés, restaurants, holiday accommodation and a bustling Saturday market with local produce, arts and crafts along with buskers. The Maclean Park playground and skate park are very popular with families as are the picnic tables and benches facing the sea for al fresco takeaways.

For the little ones, have an adventure and find the 16 fairy doors around the main shopping area and parks http://paraparaumubeach.org.nz/eventspromos?p=6 Remember though, only fairies have the magical powers to open the doors!

For our four-legged friends there is a popular, fully fenced dog park, Wesley Knight Park, accessed from Ocean Road or Toru Road.

Paraparaumu Beach is also home to the course that tamed the Tiger – internationally acclaimed Paraparaumu Beach Golf Course – where caddie Steve Williams started his career.

Leading New Zealand oil artist Shona Moller has been working at her beachfront studio at

PARAPARAUMU BEACH

FISH 'N CHIP HILL

One of the fairy doors at Paraparaumu Beach Photo credit: Sharon Hunter

One of the many pieces of beach art that appear on Kāpiti beaches

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 - at 3 Seaview Road, which holds four week exhibitions of different artists including photographers, sculptors and jewellers open on Saturdays 10 – 2pm.

Boating at Paraparaumu Beach Maclean Park Playground

You will often see people with crab nets or collecting shellfish here.

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PARAPARAUMU BEACH GOLF COURSE

Kāpiti Coast Airport is situated close to Paraparaumu Beach in Toru Road and has daily flights to and from Auckland with Air New Zealand. Flights also go to Nelson and Blenheim with Air 2 There and Sounds Air. The airport was the main passenger airport for Wellington in the 1940s when Wellington Airport was being redeveloped. There is a small museum devoted to aviation history near the air traffic control

tower on Kāpiti Road usually open Sunday 10am – 4pm. Visitors can take a scenic helicopter ride from Kāpiti Coast Airport with Heliworx or take the controls themselves and have a trial flight in a Cessna 152/172 with Kāpiti Aero Club.

“A flight with Heliworx was an amazing experience and a must-do

when you visit the area” Vicky, Auckland

Flying over Kāpiti in a Heliworx helicopter

Paraparaumu Beach Saturday Market

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Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club

Boat Club & Boats to Kāpiti Island

Skatepark & Playground

Ocean Road Dog Park

Paraparaumu Airport

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KĀPITI ISLANDNATURE RESERVE

Paraparaumu Beach is the gateway to Kāpiti Island, New Zealand’s oldest nature reserve, and home to some of our rarest and most endangered birds which you can see in their natural habitat. Just 50 minutes by train or 35 minutes by car from Wellington, Kāpiti Island feels like a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the capital city.

“The highlight of my time in

New Zealand; I saw more birds in a day than in my entire life!”

Hana from London

Here you can experience the beauty of New Zealand as it was, in times gone by, and where the birds are most definitely the stars. Many international visitors describe this as the highlight of their New Zealand vacation and Wellingtonians are amazed this treasure is on their doorstep.

Just 10km long and 2km wide, Kāpiti Island was made a bird sanctuary in 1897. The Department of Conservation took over administration for the island in 1987 and efforts began to return the island to its natural state. Possums and rats were removed and the flora and fauna are now recovering free from farming, fire and pests which once decimated the native bush. The island was declared predator-free in 1998.

Through fostering the restoration of the once giant rainforests, today the island is one of the most important sites for bird recovery. Over 60 species of birds can be spotted here including kaka, hihi (stitchbird), kōkako, takahē, pāteke (brown teal), weka and tīeke (saddleback).

Beware of the mischievous and clever kaka (mountain parrot) who will swoop down and open the zips on your bag with their beaks in search of food, and the weka who seems to work in cahoots with the kaka. The flightless weka is a master at swiping things from your bag if you leave it on the ground.

Rangatira Point, in the middle of the island, has lowland walks and tracks to the summit. The Rangatira Loop is an easy walk with highlights

including whaling try pots, remnants of the island’s whaling history, and the historic whare built around 1860, the oldest building associated with nature conservation in the country.

You may well meet many of the endangered bush birds and be astounded by the bird chorus, which is unlike anything you would ever hear on the mainland just on these lower tracks. Or you could take one of the two tracks to the

highest point on the island at 521m, a spot with incredible views to the South Island and Mount Taranaki that gives you the feeling you are on top of the world.

Walking tracks on the northern end of the island pass through grassland, shrub land, regenerating forest and the coastline and provide fantastic views of freshwater Okupe Lagoon with possible sightings of the majestic kōtuku-ngutupapa (royal spoonbill).

Cheeky Kaka on Kāpiti Island Photo credit: Jennie Gutry

Photo credit: Jennie Gutry

VIEW FROM TUTEREMOANA AT THE TOP OF KĀPITI ISLAND

Try pot from the whaling days on Kāpiti Island Photo credit: Jennie Gutry

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“Experience nature as it was before man arrived – a glimpse of paradise”

Johanna, Auckland

Whichever part of the island you explore, you will come back inspired, relaxed and enthusiastic about the jewel in the Kāpiti Coast crown.

Bring togs and a snorkel for a refreshing swim off the beach in the Kāpiti Island Marine Reserve before your return trip to the mainland.

Boats depart daily for a 15 minute boat ride from Paraparaumu Beach by the Kāpiti Boating Club after biosecurity checks to keep the island predator, weed and disease free (and no one wants to have a rat in their backpack!)

Day trips are available through two operators, Kāpiti Explorer and Kāpiti Island Nature Tours. Contact details for both are included in our activities listings at the end of this guide. Advance bookings are recommended but are not always necessary.

Overnight stays include guided kiwi spotting. Guests at the family-owned Kāpiti Island Nature Tours lodge at the northern end of the island are frequently rewarded by seeing a little spotted kiwi or brown kiwi or, at the very least, hearing their call throughout the night. For the ultimate couple experience, you can glamp under the stars on the north end of

the island. The Barrett whanau ancestors first arrived on the island in 1820 and have been welcoming visitors for generations. They offer a unique Māori welcome to the island so close to their hearts. For breakfast, they might even serve you some of their unique Kāpiti Island Honey.

Trips and overnight stays can be booked at the Kāpiti i-SITE or online through the Kāpiti Explorer or Kāpiti Island Nature Tours websites (details at the back of this guide). Day fares include boat travel, the Department of Conservation permit and an introductory talk on arrival. Trips to the island are weather dependent and usually do not run in July and August.

WAIKANAE

Waikanae is considered the garden and bird capital of Kāpiti and deserved winner of New Zealand’s most beautiful large town in the Keep New Zealand Beautiful 2015 awards. Some of the many beautiful private gardens are open to the public during the annual Lions Super Garden Trial.

Waikanae is backed by the Hemi Matenga Memorial Park Scenic Reserve overlooking the township and climbing up to over 500m, including the most extensive areas of kohekohe woodland left in New Zealand. The Reserve is named after its former owner Hemi Matenga Waipunahau of Ngāti Toa. It is accessed via Tui Crescent and is well signposted. There are

several walking options. The easy Kohekohe bush walk can be done in 30 minutes. The Parata Track leads up to a lookout with stunning views of the Kāpiti Coast. This can be combined with the Te Au loop track to offer a challenging tramping experience. As it has uneven surfaces, it is only suitable for more active trampers. This tramp will take around three hours to do.

Glamping on Kāpiti Island Photo credit: Kāpiti Island Nature Tours

Whakarongotai Marae

VIEW FROM HEMI MATENGA WALK

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The town centre at Mahara Place with its historic Whakarongotai marae, shops, supermarkets, post office, BBQ restaurant, brewery and cafés, also has a luxury two screen cinema, Shoreline (open seven days a week), and the district’s art gallery, Mahara Gallery, which houses quality exhibitions throughout the year. Free to visit, the gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 4pm and Sundays 1pm to 4pm. Mahara Place is also home to Artel Art Gallery and Store selling affordable art works, ceramics, glass, wood, pounamu (greenstone),

and jewellery made only in New Zealand and predominantly on the Kāpiti Coast. Artel is open seven days a week from 10am.

Across the railway line from the town centre is the Kāpiti Coast Museum with its varied exhibits of the life of our early settlers (open weekends 2pm – 4pm). Some of our early settler and Māori history is recorded on plaques along Elizabeth Street (once known as Parata Village). One can be found outside St Luke’s Anglican Church, gifted by Wi Parata to the Wellington Diocese at the turn of the 20th century. He is buried in the church graveyard and is commemorated in a stained glass window in the church.

Waikanae Beach is a local secret. This upmarket beach village is lined with attractive homes belonging to retirees and holiday houses of Wellingtonians, almost deserted beach and eateries serving the quality of food you would expect in international tourist cities.

This is not a coincidence as the owners or chefs have worked in European, Australian or American restaurants. For a small beach community, there is such a range to choose from. In Tutere Street Long Beach Café and Tavern grow much of the produce they use in their dishes and also make their own baked goods in their Olde Beach Bakery. Not content with veggies and bread, they then went on to open their own brewery, North End, in Waikanae town centre to make their own beer. Next door, The Front Room is a café by day and restaurant by night and a lovely garden area

Mahara District Art Gallery

with wood-fired oven. At Waimea, with its prime beachside location, Greek and Sicilian chefs use local ingredients with cured meats, cheeses, olives and oils from Italy with new world cooking techniques to make tapas, pizza, pasta and main meals. Waimea often has musicians on Friday nights and Sundays. Meals are also available from the Galley and Bar at the Waikanae Boating Club, Thursday to Sunday nights.

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 a hydroslide. It is a mecca for locals throughout the summer who bring their picnics and often combine it

WAIKANAE OPEN AIR POOL

Landsailing at Waikanae BeachYou may see a kiwi at Ngā Manu Nature Reserve Photo credit: Ngā Manu

“Nga Manu must be about the only place on the

coast where you can see tuatara, kiwi, kakariki, kaka, native ducks and long-finned eels up close

and personal. Such good value!”

Jean, Dunedin

Getting close to the eels at Ngā Manu Nature Reserve Photo credit: Ngā Manu

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with a trip to the nearby Waikanae Park with skate park and two playground layouts to suit all ages. Waikanae Park is also the venue of a popular Saturday morning market.

Set in the largest remnant of coastal lowland swamp forest in Kāpiti, 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. If you are lucky, you can see New Zealand’s rare brown kiwi in the nocturnal house and meet native birds in the walk-through aviaries. Open daily 10am – 5pm. If you are coming with a group, you can book exclusive use of BBQ island in the main pond, cook on the covered gas BBQ and enjoy eating your lunch at the picnic tables there. You can even stay the night here in Theo’s Cottage set inside the reserve, and awake to an unforgettable dawn chorus.

Waikanae Estuary and Scenic Reserve offers another opportunity to enjoy Waikanae’s birdlife. Enjoy stories from Mik Peryer of Kāpiti Bird Tours as he points out up to 77 different species of birds on his world-renowned bird tours around the lagoons and estuary walks.

FRIENDLY KAKA AT NGĀ MANU NATURE RESERVE

BUTTERFLY GARDEN AT NGĀ MANU NATURE RESERVE

Nga Manu Nature Reserve is a popular attraction for nature lovers with eel feeding, tuatara and many species of birds in a beautiful natural setting.

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Ngā Manu Nature ReserveWaikanae ParkWaikanae PoolMahara GalleryShopsTrain StationPlaygroundToilets

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At the request of Te Rauparaha, missionaries Henry Williams and Octavius Hadfield visited the area and Hadfield opened the first mission in the Wellington Region at the Rangiātea Church, the original of which was completed in 1851. Burnt down in 1995, it was completely rebuilt by 2003 and is the oldest Māori Anglican Church in New Zealand. The design of the

The cultural capital of Kāpiti, Ōtaki has a strong Māori identity and history. Since the early 19th century, the area has been home to Māori of the Ngāti Raukawa iwi who had migrated from the Kāwhia area from about 1819, under the leadership of Rangatira (Chief) Te Rauparaha. They supplanted the Rangitāne and Muaūpoko people.

church is unique, combining ideas from English and Māori church design.

In the 1890s, the area became popular with Chinese market gardeners. Their contribution over many years to Ōtaki is honoured with some of the street names in the area being bilingual – English and Cantonese.

The oldest Catholic Church still in use in New Zealand, St Mary’s, is situated in a little settlement close to Ōtaki. This beautiful wooden church has an image of Kāpiti Island behind the altar and several historic buildings including a marae dedicated to Hine Nui ote Ao Katoa – Mary, great woman of the whole world, woman of light; and Presbytery built in 1897.

Ōtaki is made up of three distinctly different areas – around State Highway 1 and the railway station, Ōtaki township and Ōtaki Beach.

There are speciality shops along State Highway 1 which are popular 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 Courthouse in Ōtaki from 1891 until the 1960s. The Ōtaki Māori Racing Club, the last remaining Māori racing club in the country, is situated close to State Highway 1 and holds regular race meets.

Ōtaki township is west of the highway and includes many sites of historic interest including Rangiātea Church, Raukawa marae, the 1940s Art Deco civic theatre, a Museum housed in what used to be the town hall, Haruatai playground and swimming pool and Māori tertiary education centre Te Wānanga o Raukawa.

ŌTAKI

Otaki Maori Racing Club Photo credit: Otaki Maori Racing Club Biking along Otaki river Photo credit: Mark Coote

Monument to Te Rauparaha, Ōtaki township Photo credit: Mark Coote

ŌTAKI KITE FESTIVAL

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Ngā Purapura, which is opposite the main Te Wānanga o Raukawa campus in Tasman Road, offers fitness classes and gym open to all at $10 for a casual visit. It also has a café open 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday in the summer months.

Finally there is the beach area with Byron’s Holiday Resort and beachside pavilion housing the Surf Life Saving Club and the Epic Surf School. The estuary is a popular spot for fishing and is one of the easiest places for children to catch their first fish.

The beach is the venue for the annual Ōtaki Kite Festival 25-26 March 2017. International kite makers and flyers come to this popular event which features kite fighting, music, stalls and hundreds of kites on display.

Ōtaki is home to the Māoriland Film festival 15-19 March 2017 held in various venues around the town. Celebrating indigenous voices and storytelling in film, Māoriland presents a selection of the most distinctive indigenous works from around the globe. It has unique screening venues including Raukawa Marae, Rangiātea Church and the Civic Theatre.

You can hire a bike or tandem from Kāpiti Cycles in Riverbank Road and enjoy an easy cycle ride along the river to the estuary and lookout.

Ōtaki has some great easy walks for the whole family, including Chrystalls Bend Walkway accessed from State Highway 1, just north of the bridge. Chrystalls Lagoon is very picturesque surrounded by native bush.

The surrounding areas around Ōtaki include Te Horo with a monthly craft and produce market, beautiful lavender farm and Ruth Pretty’s Cookery School where you can get a coffee and slice of cake (open every day) and browse the extensive kitchen shop. Just a short distance from Ōtaki on State Highway 1 is Loco Miniature Railway and landscaped gardens.

Several tramping tracks head into the Tararua Forest Park from Ōtaki Forks including the Southern Crossing, a three day tramping track recommended for experienced trampers only. The crossing of the alpine tops section from Table Top to Mount Alpha (1361m) involves about 6-8 hours of travel, with superb views to the south of Wellington Harbour, the Marlborough Sounds and the Kaikoura Mountains.

Loco Miniature Railway and Gardens

Lookout at Ōtaki Estuary Photo credit: Mark Coote

Rafting down Ōtaki River Photo credit: Captivate Adventures

Ōtaki Forks is also the base for rafting down the river with Captivate Adventures including a unique night raft guided by glow worms. For land lovers, they also offer climbing and abseiling adventures and a challenge ropes course.

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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.

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.

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 lie abandoned on the shores of the island as a reminder of this short-lived industry.

In 1839 Reverend 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.

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View looking down over buildings of Jillett’s whaling station spread out along the Waiorua beach at Kāpiti Island. Bowring, Walter Armiger 1874-1931 [Jillett’s whaling station on Kāpiti Island, 1844]

US Marines line up with their mess gear at Camp McKay or Mackay, near Paekākāriki, 15 September 1943 Photo credit Alexander Turnbull Library Reference: F 8226 71/2 Photographer: John Pascoe

Whare at St Mary’s Church Photo credit: Mark Coote

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 an annual commemoration held.

Heritage trail brochures are available from the i-SITE and libraries in the district.

Sketch of Te Rauparaha in 1847 by William BambridgeAlexander Turnbull Library reference: QMS-0122-140A

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SOUTHWARD CAR MUSEUMHousing 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.

MUSEUM OF AVIATION at Kapiti LandingThis small museum traces the development of aviation in New Zealand mainly through photographs and models. Open Sundays 10am - 4pm.

TRAMWAY MUSEUM at PaekākārikiTake 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.

PAEKĀKĀRIKI RAIL AND HERITAGE MUSEUMConstructed 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.

The rich history and culture of Kāpiti can be explored at any of the seven museums in the area.

STEAM INCORPORATED at PaekākārikiRailway 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.

ŌTAKI MUSEUMSmall 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 WaikanaeHome to extensive displays of everyday life from the pioneering era, in the old Waikanae Post Office. Open weekends 2pm – 4pm.

MAHARA GALLERY in WaikanaeThe 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.

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One of the many cars at Southward Car Museum Photo credit: Mark Coote

Trams at the Tramway Museum Paekākāriki

Steam train leaving the station at Steam Incorporated Paekākāriki

Ōtaki Museum Photo credit Mark Coote

Mahara Gallery Waikanae

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You can try out landsailing on Waikanae Beach or surfing at Ōtaki Beach. Kayaking is great fun from any of the beaches. Dive Kāpiti, on Milne Drive (off Kāpiti Road) hires out sea kayaks complete with rod holders for you to try catching a snapper for dinner. A sunset horse ride on the beach is unforgettable. Stables on the Park in Queen Elizabeth Park offers horseriding treks to the beach, and Beachbrook Stables can take you for a ride on Ōtaki Beach.

Ōtaki River runs from the mighty Tararua Ranges 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

If you like to be active, there are lots of options for adventure in Kāpiti. You could horse ride on the beach, learn to surf on Ōtaki Beach, try land sailing in Waikanae, kayak down the Ōtaki river at night guided by the light of glow worms with Captivate Adventures, mountain bike through Queen Elizabeth Park, drive 4 x 4s through rivers and native bush with Kāpiti Four by 4 Adventures, fly a plane with the Kāpiti Aero Club or enjoy a game

COME TO THE BEACH

Whether it is making sandcastles, dens out of driftwood, horse riding, surf casting, sailing, surfing or just watching the waves, with our 40km of sandy beaches you will be spoilt for choice. There are safe swimming beaches at Paekākāriki, Raumati, Paraparaumu, Peka Peka and Waikanae. Surf Lifesaving Clubs patrol Ōtaki and Paekākāriki beaches in the summer.

Kayaking from Paraparaumu Beach Photo credit: Mark Coote

Learning to surf on Ōtaki Beach Photo credit: Epic Surf School

Driftwood dens appear up and down the coast all year

Riding on the beach is a beautiful way to end the day

GO UP RIVER

Fly fishing on the Ōtaki River Photo credit: Mark Coote

HAVE A GO

fish. You will need a licence which can be obtained from Hunting and Fishing in Ōtaki or online from Fish & Game New Zealand.

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 Kāpiti Golf Club, and beautiful courses in Waikanae and Ōtaki. We also have a modern ten pin bowling centre with mini golf.

See the Activities section for details of who to contact to arrange your adventure, or come in to the i-SITE and we will book everything for you.

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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. Pick up a brochure on these from the i-SITE. 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.

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, fruit ice cream, cordials, artisan breads, cheeses, ice cream, coffee, limoncello, chocolate, candies, brandy and fruit liqueurs, pies, Kāpiti line caught smoked tuna, 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.

There are two boutique breweries in Kāpiti producing exceptional craft beers Tuatara and North End Brewery. Chocolate or cheese? We have factory shops for each – Nyco Chocolates in Raumati off State Highway 1 open seven days and Fonterra with the famous Kāpiti Cheeses at Te Roto Drive, Paraparaumu open Monday to Friday 10am – 3pm (when the sign is out on the pavement).

Kāpiti is home to a number of special nature reserves and conservation areas, including Kāpiti Island. New Zealand’s oldest nature reserve, the 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 60 species of birds can be seen on the island including rare takahē, kaka and kereru. There are two operators who can organise your DoC permit and ferry crossing to the island, Kāpiti Island Nature Tours and Kāpiti Explorer. Both offer guided walks and have very knowledgeable guides who can tell you all about the rich history of the island and the birdlife.

ON TWO WHEELS OR TWO LEGS

Kāpiti has a great network of easy, family-friendly cycleways and walkways, as well as challenging mountain bike trails.

There are great cycle paths around Kāpiti to suit all Photo credit: Mark Coote

Morepork Photo credit: Ngā Manu Nature Reserve

Chilli picking at Penray Gardens Photo credit: Mark Coote

Tararua Forest ParkPhoto credit: Gavin Marshall

Tieke or Saddlebacks on Kāpiti Island Photo credit: Kāpiti Island Nature Tours

GET CLOSER TO NATURE

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. 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 meeting the kaka and tuatara.

TASTE KĀPITI

There are 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. Open every day Penray Gardens on State Highway 1 in Te Horo offer pick your own fruit and veggies including a huge range of chillis. Nearby Windsor Park specialises in berries and plums and is open weekends in December and January.

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Visit one of the 22 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. 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, glass and bronze artist Graeme Hitchcock and sculptor Bodhi Vincent. Exhibitions are held regularly in Paraparaumu Library, Waikanae Mahara Gallery and Ngā Purapura in Ōtaki.

The district gallery, Mahara is situated in Waikanae town centre and has regular exhibitions and events. Close to Mahara Gallery is Artel Gallery and shop which only sells New Zealand made arts and crafts, predominently Kāpiti made.

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.

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 annual Māoriland Film Festival is held in Ōtaki in 15-19 March 2017 showing over 140 films.

One of the first shopping malls to open in New Zealand, Coastlands, is situated in the centre of Paraparaumu with over 80 shops.

Margaret Road in Raumati village has speciality, fashion and home design shops. You can buy fashion labels here that you can’t buy anywhere else in New Zealand. You can also do a furniture upcycling course at Fenwick Interiors or a French Patisserie class at L’amour en Cage Deli.

Paraparaumu Beach has a variety of small shops and a busy Saturday market. Waikanae has a compact shopping centre with a variety of shops including home interiors, clothing and crafts.

PLAY

Kāpiti has playgrounds to suit all ages Photo credit: Mark Coote

Artel Gallery and Store, Waikanae Artscape Art Collective, Ōtaki

Boutique shopping in Raumati village

Trying out the road layout at Ōtaki Skate Park Photo credit: Mark Coote

ENJOY THE ARTS

In Paekākāriki, upstairs in the Holtom Building, a number of artists share the space and exhibit their work including Alan Wehipeihana who has the main space exhibiting and working on his unique furniture made from old books, painting and other works in wood.

Paraparaumu Beach has two galleries, internationally acclaimed oil artist Shona Moller’s beach front studio and gallery and Basement Art Works Gallery in Seaview Road.

In Ōtaki State Highway 1, Artspace Art Collective in the old Courthouse, has regular guest artists and sells a range of arts and crafts.

KĀPITI IN THE MOVIES

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP

Ōtaki is known for its outlet and speciality shops along State Highway 1. There are monthly markets of crafts and produce in Paekākāriki and Te Horo, a weekly Sunday market in summer in Ōtaki and a weekly market in Waikanae Park on Saturday mornings.

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We also have some specialist nurseries and growers offering a range of plants. Trinity Farm Gardens in Ōtaki specialises in heritage, spray-free roses and has a beautiful three acre garden with rose arbours, English-style box hedges, walkways, pond and a pottage garden. The garden is open from October to March, Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. Because all the roses are spray-free, the petals are perfect for using in cooking and teas. Rose petal dark chocolate is divine. South Pacific Roses, also in Ōtaki sells over 390 varieties of roses, so if you are after a particular colour and style of modern rose varieties, South Pacific Roses are likely to have it. They are closed on Sundays.

Watson’s Garden in Ōtaki have been growing vegetables commercially for over 45 years and

INDULGE THOSE 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

Trinity Farm Gardens

have a wide variety of them for sale, as well as trees, shrubs and grasses. Talisman Native Plant Nursery, also in Ōtaki, is one of the only plant nurseries in the lower North Island that specialises in New Zealand native plants. The nursery has an established arboretum with over 1000 New Zealand native trees and shrubs and exhibit gardens that are open to the public Tuesday – Thursday 1-4pm and Friday – Saturday 10am-4pm.

Harrisons Gardenworld in Peka Peka grow most of the trees and shrubs they sell in their own nursery. The garden centre sells everything you might need for your garden including garden décor and water features. They also have a popular café on site and music in their café garden on Sundays in the summer months. Gus Evans Nursery in Waikanae offers a

huge range of ornamental, native and perennial plant varieties which they grow from cuttings or seed. Hyde Park Garden Centre in Te Horo has some hard to find plant varieties and also has a café and small retail complex. Canna fans will be spoilt for choice at a little specialist nursery just outside Waikanae heading north on State Highway 1. Look out for a sign simply saying Cannas. If the sign is out, they are open.

As well as Trinity Farm Gardens, the gardens at Springfield, Ruth Pretty’s home and cookery school are worth a visit. Close by, Lavender Creek Farm is home to 7,000 lavender plants with 330 different types of lavender. The lavender oil which they make themselves at the farm has won 30 awards. The lavender is in full flower mid-summer to mid-January.

Just outside Ōtaki, Loco Miniature Railway has two acres of beautiful gardens where you can also get a woodfired pizza on Sundays to enjoy in the gardens. The owners of Long Beach Tavern in Waikanae Beach wanted to provide the freshest possible produce so bought a patch of land behind their restaurant and grow their own. It is a cute, productive veggie garden which visitors are welcome to browse, and shows you how to make the best of beach gardening.

If you love trees, the Woodland Garden in Old Hautere Road, Ōtaki is a great place to visit. Open by appointment, you can enjoy wandering in the four acres of woodland with Totara and Maples. Telephone 06 364 2414.

Kath Irvine’s Edible Backyard in Ōtaki Gorge Road will get you excited about growing food. Enjoy a guided walk and tour of her one acre permaculture inspired edible gardens with potager, chooks, subtropicals, veggie beds and berry house. Tours take about an hour and have a minimum number of 12. There is a charge for the tours and talk.

Lavender Creek Farm, Te Horo

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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 NZ Holiday Homes.

Our information centre is located at Paraparaumu, just off the main road at the entrance to Coastlands Mall, co-located with the Mediterranean Food Warehouse. 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.

i-SITE INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS

DAYS TIMES

Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

Weekends and public holidays 10am - 4pm

Christmas Day Closed

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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.

'STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN' TE ARAROA TRAIL

GLAMPING KĀPITI ISLAND

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FLIGHTSAir New Zealand 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 HIREThere are two hire companies within easy reach of Kāpiti Coast Airport – Rent Me Rentals and Can Do Rentals.

DRIVING TIMESTO PARAPARUMU

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Auckland to Paraparaumu 7 hours 20 minutes

Wellington to Paraparaumu via Expressway

35 minutes

Taupō to Paraparaumu 3 hours 30 minutes

Gisborne to Paraparaumu 5 hours 40 minutes

Napier to Paraparaumu 3 hours

New Plymouth to Paraparaumu 3 hours 30 minutes

TRAINSMetlink 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 and from Paraparaumu to Auckland on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

GETTING HERE

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BUSES AND COACHESIntercity and Naked Bus coaches have services to Paraparaumu.

Metlink run regular bus services throughout Kāpiti.

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There are nine Kāpiti Coast District Council designated sites.

FREEDOM CAMPING

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.

NO. LOCATIONFREEDOM 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.

2Field 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.

3Waimea 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.

5Waikanae 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.

6Marine 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.

7Marine 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.

8Marine 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.

9Garden 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.

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ACTIVITY DIRECTORY

BUSINESS NAME DESCRIPTION ADDRESS LOCATION PHONE WEBSITE

Artel Art gallery and shop 9 Mahara Place Waikanae 04 297 0937 http://www.artelgallery.net

Artscape Collective Arts and crafts Old Courtroom, SH1 Ōtaki 0274 350 408 https://www.facebook.com/Artscape.TeHoro/

Adrenalin Paintball Paintball Lindale Tourist Centre, SH 1 Paraparaumu 0800 237362 www.adrenalinpaintballsports.co.nz

Adventure Kāpiti Rafting, high ropes, climbing and abseiling 81 Renown Road Raumati 027 440 2388 www.adventureKapiti.co.nz

Basement Art Works Art gallery 3 Seaview Road Paraparaumu Beach 04 904 9288 https://www.facebook.com/basementArtWorks/

Coastlands Aquatic Centre Swimming pool 10 Brett Ambler Place Paraparaumu 04 296 4746 www.Kapitiaquatics.co.nz

Avanti Plus Kāpiti Bike hire 33 Epiha Street Paraparaumu 04 297 2597 www.avantiplus.co.nz/KapiticoastAwarua Hunt & Hot Shots Clay Target Shooting

Hunting and clay bird shooting 10 Ratadale Road Waikanae 04 293 3277 www.awaruahunts.com

Beachbrook Stables Horse riding 98 Rangiuru Road Ōtaki Beach 06 364 0302 www.freewebs.com/gem74/

Bush Craft & Wild Living Bush craft, surviving in the wild, wild food 57 Parenga Road Ōtaki 06 364 3337 www.human.org.nz

Captivate Adventures Bike hire, mountain biking Ōtaki Gorge Road Ōtaki 04 299 1595 www.captivate.net.nz

Dive Kāpiti Diving, kayak and electric bike hire 27 Milne Drive Paraparaumu 04 297 0075 www.diveKapiti.co.nz

Event Cinemas Cinema Coastlands, State Highway 1 Paraparaumu 04 298 6175 www.eventcinemas.co.nz/cinema/coastlands

Finn's Cinema Cinema Finn's Hotel, Ocean Road Paekākāriki 04 292 8081 www.finnshotel.co.nzGus Evans Nursery Plant nursery 12 Utauta Street Waikanae 04 293 2501 www.gusevans.co.nz

Harrison's Gardenworld Garden centre and café 23 Peka Peka Road Waikanae 04 293 5437 www.harrisons.co.nz

Hyde Park Village Garden centre, shops and café Hyde Park Ōtaki 04 298 4515

Jenny's Journeys Guided walks Paraparaumu Beach 04 905 6610 www.jennysjourneys.co.nzKath Irvine's Edible Backyard

Garden tours and talks Ōtaki Gorge Road Ōtaki http://www.ediblebackyard.co.nz

Kāpiti Aero Club Flying lessons and trial flights 25 Dakota Rd Paraparaumu Beach 04 902 6536 www.Kapitiaeroclub.co.nz

Kāpiti Bird Tours Guided bird tours 04 905 1001 www.Kapitibirdtours.co.nzKāpiti Coast Museum Museum 9 Elizabeth St Waikanae 04 905 6313 www.Kapiticoastmuseum.org.nzKāpiti Cycles Bike hire 2/50 Riverbank Rd Ōtaki 06 364 5644 www.Kapiticycles.co.nzKāpiti Explorer Tours of Kāpiti Island Kāpiti Boating Club Paraparaumu Beach 0800 443 779 www.Kapitiexplorer.nzKāpiti Four x 4 4x4 bush adventures 334 Maugakotukutuku Road Paraparaumu 0800 368 794 www.Kapitifourx4.co.nzKāpiti Golf Club Golf course 104 Valley Road Paraparaumu 04 298 6151 www.nzgolfcourses.co.nz/Kapiti/Kāpiti Heliworx Helicopter rides Kāpiti Airport Paraparaumu 0508 435 49679 www.Kapitiheliworx.co.nzKāpiti Island Nature Tours

Tours of Kāpiti Island and overnight stays Kāpiti Island Paraparaumu 0800 527484 www.Kapitiisland.com

Kāpiti Miniature Railway

Miniature ride on railway Marine Gardens Raumati 04 902 3231 www.Kapitirail.org

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BUSINESS NAME DESCRIPTION ADDRESS LOCATION PHONE WEBSITE

Kāpiti Ten Pin Ten pin bowling 1 Te Tupe Road Paraparaumu 04 298 3674 www.Kapiti10pin.co.nzLandsailing Kāpiti Landsailing (Blokarts) Waikanae 04 293 4865 www.landsailingKapiti.co.nz

Lavender Creek Farm Lavender Farm and oil producer 123 Settlement Road Te Horo 06 364 3682 www.lavendercreek.co.nz

Loco Miniature Railway & Garden

Miniature railway, gardens & petting zoo

State Highway 1 Ōtaki 06 364 6506 www.loco.co.nz

Mahara Gallery District art gallery 20 Mahara Place Waikanae 04 902 6242 www.maharagallery.org.nzMuseum of Aviation Museum 227 Kāpiti Road Paraparaumu 04 905 4847Ngā Manu Nature Reserve Nature Reserve 281 Ngarara Rd Waikanae 04 293 4131 www.ngamanu.co.nz

Nyco Chocolates Ltd Chocolate Factory Cnr SH1 and Raumati Road Paraparaumu 04 299 8098 www.chocolatesnewzealand.comŌtaki Golf Club Golf Club Old Coach Road Ōtaki 06 364 8260 www.Ōtakigolfclub.co.nz

Ōtaki Indoor Pool Swimming pool Haruatai Park, 200 Mill Road Ōtaki 06 364 5542www.Kapiticoast.govt.nz/whats-on/Kapiti-coast-aquatics/

Ōtaki Museum Museum Main Street Ōtaki 06 364 6886 www.Ōtakimuseum.co.nz/Ōtaki Surf School Surf School Ōtaki Beach Ōtaki 027 787 3464 www.Ōtakisurfschool.co.nzPaekākāriki Railway Museum Museum Paekākāriki Railway Station Paekākāriki 04 904 9970

Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club Golf club 376 Kāpiti Road

Paraparaumu Beach

04 902 8200www.paraparaumubeachgolfclub.co.nz

Penray Gardens Pick your own fruit and veggies 1199 State Highway 1 Te Horo 06 364 5302

Reikorangi Potteries Park Pottery and farm 27 Ngatiawa Road Waikanae 04 293 5146 www.reikorangi.com

Ruth Pretty Cookery School

Cookery school, kitchen shop & gardens

Settlement Road Te Horo 06 364 3161 www.ruthpretty.co.nz

Shoreline Cinema Waikanae Cinema 10 Mahara Place Waikanae 04 902 8070 www.shorelinecinema.co.nz

Southward Car Museum Museum Otaihanga Road Otaihanga 04 297 1221 www.southwardcarmuseum.co.nz

South Pacific Roses Specialist rose nursery State Highway 1 Ōtaki 06 364 8797 www.southpacificroses.co.nz

Stables on the Park Horse riding Queen Elizabeth Park Paraparaumu 06 364 3336 www.stablesonthepark.co.nzTalisman Nursery Native plant nursery 135 Ringawhati Road Ōtaki 06 364 5893 www.talismanplants.weebly.comThe Engine Shed - Steam Incorporated Steam train workshop State Highway 1 Paekākāriki 0800 783 26462 www.steaminc.org.nz

Trinity Farm Roses Garden and heritage rose nursery 202 Waitohu Valley Road Ōtaki 0800 955 555 www.trinityfarm.co.nz

Tuatara Brewing Company Ltd

Brewery with tasting room 7 Sheffield Street Paraparaumu 0508 882 8272 www.tuatarabrewing.co.nz

Vintage Peddler Vintage bike hire 81 Reknown Road Raumati South 027 440 2388 www.vintagepeddler.co.nzWaikanae Estuary Bird Tours Bird tours 20 Barrett Drive Waikanae Beach 04 905 1001 www.Kapitibirdtours.co.nz

Waikanae Golf Club Golf club 97 Te Moana Road Waikanae 04 293 6399 www.waikanaegolfclub.co.nzWaikanae Outdoor Pool Swimming pool 52 Ngarara Road Waikanae 04 296 4789 www.Kapiticoast.govt.nz/whats-on/

Kapiti-coast-aquatics/

Watson's Garden Garden centre and nursery 17 Bell Street Ōtaki 06 364 8758 www.watsonsgarden.co.nz

Wellington Tramway Museum Inc Museum Queen Elizabeth Park Paraparaumu 04 292 8361 www.wellingtontrams.org.nz

Windsor Park Pick your own fruit 961 State Highway 1 Te Horo 06 364 3163

Woodland Garden Garden 149 Old Hautere Road Te Horo 06 364 2414

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ACCOMMODATION DIRECTORY

MOTELS & HOTELS ADDRESS LOCATION PHONE WEBSITE

Ariki Lodge Motel 4 Omahi Street Waikanae 0800 800 578 www.arikilodgemotel.co.nzAsure Kāpiti Court Motel 341 Kāpiti Road Paraparaumu Beach 0800 526 683 www.Kapiticourtmotel.co.nzBelvedere Motel State Highway 1 Paekākāriki 0800 780 781Byrons Resort 20 Tasman Road Ōtaki 0800 800 122 www.byronsresort.co.nzCopperfield Seaside Motel 7-13 Seaview Road Paraparaumu Beach 0800 666 414 www.seasidemotel.co.nzCottage Park Motor Lodge 272 State Highway 1 Ōtaki 06 364 6228 www.cottageparkmotorlodge.co.nzElliotts Motor Lodge 33 Amohia Street Paraparaumu 0800 936 070 www.elliottsmotorlodge.co.nzFinns Paekākāriki 2 Beach Road Paekākāriki 04 292 8081 www.finnshotel.co.nzGolf View Motel 16 Golf Road Paraparaumu Beach 04 902 6085 www.golfviewmotel.co.nzKāpiti Gateway Motel 114 Main Road Waikanae 0800 429 360 www.Kapitigateway.co.nzLindale Lodge Motel 3-7 Ventnor Drive Paraparaumu North 04 298 7933 www.lindalelodge.co.nzOcean Motel 42-44 Ocean Road Paraparaumu 0508 668 357 www.oceanmotel.co.nzŌtaki Motel 260 Main Highway Ōtaki 0800 662 243 www.Ōtakimotel.co.nzParaparaumu Motel 65 Amohia Street Paraparaumu 0800 74 6000 www.paraparaumu.co.nzRaumati Sands Resort 4-8 Matatua Road Raumati Beach 0800 941 733 www.raumatisands.co.nzSandcastle Motel 20 Paetawa Road Waikanae 0800 293 6072 www.sandcastlemotel.co.nzWaikanae Beach Motel 95 Te Moana Rd Waikanae 0800 486 533 www.Kapitimotel.co.nzWrights by the Sea Motel 387 Kāpiti Road Paraparaumu Beach 0508 902 7600 www.wrightsmotel.co.nz

BACKPACKERS

Hilltop Hideaway 11 Wellington Road Paekākāriki 04 902 5967 www.wellingtonbeachbackpackers.co.nz

The Telegraph Hotel 284 Rangiuru Rd Ōtaki 06 364 0634 www.thetele.co.nz

HOLIDAY PARKS

El Rancho 58 Weggery Drive Waikanae 04 902 6287 www.elrancho.co.nzKāpiti Holiday Resort 16 Beach Haven Place Paraparaumu Beach 04 233 1965 www.Kapitiholidayresort.co.nzLindale Motor Park Ventnor Drive (SH1) Paraparaumu 04 298 8046 www.holidayparks.co.nz/lindalePaekākāriki Holiday Park 180 Wellington Road Paekākāriki 04 292 8292 www.Paekākārikiholidaypark.co.nz

BED & BREAKFAST

Abbey Rose B & B 70 Te Moana Road Waikanae Beach 04 905 9729 www.abbeyrose.co.nzAmmara B & B & Homestay 96A Arcus Road Te Horo 06 364 3357 www.ammara.co.nzArtStay 37 Kensington Drive Waikanae 04 293 5956 www.artstay.co.nzAwatea Lodge 19 Hadfield Road Waikanae 04 293 2404 www.awatealodge.co.nzBeach Getaway 102 Manly Street Paraparaumu Beach 04 298 7498 www.beachgetaway.co.nzCountry Patch B & B 18 Kea Street Waikanae 04 293 5165 www.countrypatch.co.nzGreenolive Homestead 68 Ōtaki Gorge Road Te Horo 06 364 0664 www.greenolive.co.nzHelen's Waikanae Beach B & B 115 Tutere Street Waikanae Beach 04 902 5829 www.waikanaebeachbandb.co.nzKameni Cottage 11 Te Waka Road Te Horo 021 577 091 www.kamenicottage.co.nz

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BED & BREAKFAST ADDRESS LOCATION PHONE WEBSITE

Killara Homestay 70 Ames Street Paekākāriki 04 292 8242 www.killarahomestay.co.nzKonini Cottage 26 Konini Cres Waikanae 04 904 6610 www.konini.co.nzPaekākāriki Beachfront B & B 136 The Parade Paekākāriki 04 905 8595 www.Paekākārikibnb.co.nz

Paraparaumu B & B 1 Tudor Court Paraparaumu Beach 04 298 7706www.paraparaumubednbreakfast.co.nz

Riverstone Cottage 111 Ngatiawa Road Waikanae 04 293 1936 www.riverstone.co.nzSea Haven B & B Homestay 325 Rosetta Rd Raumati Beach 04 902 0047Seascape B & B Apt 8/1 Marine Parade Paraparaumu Beach 04 905 4543 www.seascapebnb.comThe Garden Shed 6 Eatwell Ave Paraparaumu 04 905 7945 www.bookabach.co.nzThe Sand Pit 8 Ara Kuaka Waikanae Beach 04 905 5611Top Floor B & B 3 Seaview Road Paraparaumu Beach 04 904 9288 www.topfloorKapiti.co.nzTudor Manor B & B 10 Tudor Court Paraparaumu Beach 04 298 3436 www.tudormanor.co.nz

LUXURY

Atahuri Luxury Lodge 51 Pingao Lane Peka Peka Beach 04 293 5555 www.atahuri.co.nz

Cottage 103 103 Te Hapua Road Ōtaki 06 364 3064www.sudbury.co.nz/accommodation

Great Seas 27 Tainui Street Raumati Beach 04 299 8835Greenmantle 214 Main Rd North Paraparaumu 04 298 5555 www.greenmantle.co.nz SoleMer Beach House 76 Paetawa Road Waikanae 04 293 7120 www.pekapekabeach.comTe Nikau Forest Retreat 1B Tui Crescent Waikanae 04 293 2005 www.tenikauforestretreat.co.nz

The Manor 1 Maple Lane Waikanae 04 293 2920www.bnb.co.nz/The%20Manor.html

The Milk Station 35 Rahui Rd Ōtaki 04 473 0334Vista del Sol 20 Derham Road, RD 1 Te Horo 06 364 2173 www.vistadelsol.co.nzWaimoana 63 Kākariki Grove Waikanae 04 293 2005

COTTAGES & HOLIDAY HOMES

Bach 53 53 The Esplanade Raumati South 04 902 1931 www.bach53.co.nzFairway Cottage Paraparaumu Beach 04 298 3616 www.fairwaycottage.comKefalonia 226 Te Moana Road Waikanae 04 293 4933 www.kefalonia.co.nzMakoha Beach House Manly Street Paraparaumu Beach 04 478 5840Manaaki Apartment 357A Kāpiti Rd Paraparaumu Beach 04 904 4076Oceanus 66 Ocean Road Paraparaumu 04 297 1949Pukeko Cottage Ōtaki 06 364 0015Raumati Beach Holiday Home Raumati Beach 04 479 1793Rose Cottage Guest House Raumati South 022 482 2884 www.bookabach.co.nz

Serenity by the Sea Raumati Beach 04 905 8866www.holidayhouses.co.nz/properties/1372.asp

Sunny Glen Cottage 13 Sunny Glen Waikanae 04 293 6372Waikanae Beach Holiday Home PO Box 272 Waikanae 04 904 6444

RETREATS

Riverslea Retreat 733 Ōtaki Gorge Road Ōtaki 06 364 3388 www.riverslearetreat.co.nzWaihoanga Centre Ltd 32 Waihoanga Road Ōtaki 06 364 3202 www.waihoanga.co.nz

Disclaimer: The information in this guide was correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of printing.

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