Explore the Kapiti Coast

Amazing nature, 40 kilometres of unspoilt beaches, a relaxed warm community and intriguing heritage.

Attractions

Southwards Car Museum

While away some time visiting one of the world's largest private car collections. Beautiful grounds and incredible vehicles from a Model T Ford to a Delorean from "Back to the Future" movie fame.

Paekakariki Escarpment Walkway

The trail begins alongside the railway tracks near sea level. Like much of the rest of the Te Araroa Trail, this section is a different experience to backcountry tramping.

Kapiti Island Nature Tour

One of New Zealand's oldest nature reserves with a unique heritage. Abundant and diverse bird life and plant life naturally protected by the surrounding sea. Little Spotted Kiwi, Takahe, Kaka, Weka and Tui.

Paekakariki Station Museum

The Station Museum consists of 4 major sections, General History, Maori Taonga, Railway History and a section containing US Marines WW2 items. Many of the town inhabitants are still today either ex railway or come from railway families.

Did you know?

Kāpiti boasts 40kms of unspoilt beaches - Paekakariki, Raumati, Waikanae, Paraparaumu, Peka Peka, Te Horo and Otaki.

Villages and towns, beaches and forest, birds and marine life, artists and entrepreneurs. All close by and every corner has a new story for your stay.

Paraparaumu, Paekākāriki, Peka Peka, Te Horo, Waikanae, Raumati, Ōtaki, and Kāpiti Island.

The fastest direct route to the Kāpiti Coast from Auckland is with Air Chathams. With a flight time of just over an hour, you can fly from Auckland to the Kāpiti Coast Airport at Paraparaumu twice a day, Monday to Sunday.

Monday to Friday, Air Chathams flights depart Auckland at 2:30pm to arrive in the Kāpiti Coast at 3:40pm, and at 6:10pm to arrive at 7:20pm.

Saturday’s flights from Auckland to the Kāpiti Coast leave at 9:20am and 2:30pm with arrivals in Paraparaumu at 10:30am and 3:40pm respectively.

Sunday flights from Auckland to the Kāpiti Coast leave Auckland Airport at 1:45pm to arrive in Paraparaumu at 2:55pm, and 6:00pm to arrive a 7:10pm.

Explore Kāpiti’s easy, picturesque cycle and walkways from Queen Elizabeth Park on the Te Ara o Whareroa track from Paekākāriki to Raumati South or challenge yourself on mountain bike trails and escarpment walks.

The Escarpment Track runs from Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay at the most southern end of the Kāpiti Coast, taking in sweeping view of the coastline and the region’s famous Kāpiti Island.

Amble along the golden coastline on one of the many beaches or embrace the nature reserves and habitats full of native birds and plants.

Kāpiti Island is a beautiful bird sanctuary and one of New Zealand’s most accessible nature reserves.

It is a unique experience with access by approved tour operators only.

Get up close and personal with rare birds such as kākā, kokako, takahē and hihi in this tranquil paradise. Wander the tracks fringed with dense native forest or climb the 521m peak for panoramic views.

Play golf at the Paraparaumu Beach Golf Course regarded as one of the greatest links courses in the Southern Hemisphere. Visit art galleries, Southwards Car Museum and the markets or just idle the time away in a café and watch the world go by.

Top 10 things to do on the Kāpiti Coast.

Take a Kāpiti Island nature tour and eco experience – stay overnight!

Indulge in excellent food and wine from cafes, restaurants and markets.

Visit Tuatara Brewery, Duncan’s Brewery or The Independence Collective.

Walk the impressively scenic Escarpment Track.

See Southwards Car Museum.

Check out the tuatara and kiwi at the Ngā Manu Nature Reserve.

Learn the history of the U.S Marines at Queen Elizabeth Park.

Go shopping! Visit art studios or hit the full range of boutique shops.

Walk or cycle one of the many pathways or just stroll the beaches.

Go fishing! Surfcasting, fly fishing or whitebait.

Just 50 km north of Wellington with just as much history.

Steam trains and trams, community museums, Queen Elizabeth Park and the US Marine Memorial, the dramatic 14-metre-high statue of the Virgin Mary 75 metres above the streets, all part of a rich heritage trail.

Solitary enjoyment or casual relaxation with a few friends.

Adventure in the Tararua Ranges or fishing for the big ones off shore.

Home to Tuatara Brewing, Kāpiti Ice Cream and Cheese, the Kāpiti Chocolate Factory and many more artisan producers and growers.