The Kapiti Coast
Stunning beaches, bush clad hills, and an island nature reserve, the Kapiti Coast stretches 40 km from Otaki in the north to Paekakariki in the south. Within an hours drive from Wellington and the Hutt Valley, you can explore the towering Tararua Ranges to the east and within 30 minutes be swimming at one of the many beaches in the west.
The region has a rich heritage of produce growing, high quality manufacturing and providing sea, sand and sun for many of the nation's holiday-makers. Enjoying a central location, excellent transport links, a skilled workforce, and a cost-effective and stable business environment, the Kapiti Coast is a thriving community of over 46,000 people. It is a great place to bring up children and considered by many a great place to retire. It's estimated that there will be over 51,000 "Coasters" by 2021.
Several townships make up the Kapiti Coast including Paekakariki, known for its resident artists; the rural town of Otaki; Waikanae, a peaceful yet growing town, and Paraparaumu, the region's largest town with excellent facilities.
Paekakariki
Known for its artists, crafts people and coastline, Paekakariki is an interesting place for both residents and visitors. The tiny community creates a charming village atmosphere with cafes, boutique galleries, the Steam Museum plus the sea right outside the door for many residents.
It provides any number of activities from fishing, boating and swimming to walks and picnics in Queen Elizabeth Park with its wetlands and spectacular dune formations.
Just 10 minutes drive from Paraparaumu, Paekakariki is also only a short distance from Porirua, Wellington and the Hutt Valley, with many residents commuting to work by car or train.
Raumati
The two small communities of Raumati South and Raumati Beach lie off State Highway One, just a few minutes drive south of the region's main centre, Paraparaumu. Take a dip in the sea or the indoor pools, then relax in the boutique atmosphere of Raumati's shops, cafes and restaurants; or stroll through the Marine Gardens and watch the miniature steam trains.
Paraparaumu
Paraparaumu is the largest town on the Kapiti Coast. It is located in a stunning setting and boasts excellent facilities for both residents and visitors. Surrounded by hills to the east and Kapiti Island to the west, it generally experiences mild weather, a few degrees higher on average than the rest of the greater Wellington region.
Where once Paraparaumu had a reputation solely as a holiday location and tourist destination; now it is predominantly occupied by full-time residents with lifestyle as the main focus of many.
Paraparaumu is a popular shopping centre with the quaint village atmosphere by the beach complementing the vast range of products on offer at Coastlands Shoppingtown. It has a wonderful beach with a real carnival atmosphere and is the venue for many events throughout the year.
Kapiti Island and Paraparaumu Beach Golf Links: two very different attractions but both world renowned. The famous island landmark is home to some of the most endangered native birds, yet it is one of the few relatively accessible island nature reserves in New Zealand. The Paraparaumu Beach Links Golf Course is the only New Zealand course in the world top 100.
Waikanae
Once just a place for holidays or retirement; Waikanae is now a growing community. Its beautiful homes and gardens still attract many people to retire to the town and holiday homes still feature along the beach front, but there are now also many young families there.
Safe surf and wide sweeping sand are perfect for lazy days on the beach. Or for a great family day out, the Waikanae Outdoor Pools offer something for everyone. The Waikanae River, running to the south of the town, is a landmark for the locals, providing swimming holes, walkways and popular whitebaiting spots.
For art lovers, the Mahara Gallery showcases the work of many local artists, and nature lovers can get amongst rare and endangered flora and fauna at the Nga Manu Reserve. Or satisfy both passions at the Reikorangi Pottery Park.
Te Horo
Between Waikanae and Otaki lies Te Horo; comprising two distinct residential communities - one rural and one beach. The fertile soil and many micro-climates beneath the foothills of the Tararua Ranges host everything from babacos to grapes, cattle to alpaca. The magnificent beach at Te Horo is ideal for surfcasting, boating and swimming. Many Te Horo residents not living off the land commute to either Wellington or Palmerston North.
Visitors to Te Horo can pick their own fresh fruit and vegetables, visit the Hyde Park Museum or relax in one of the excellent cafes or winery on the main highway. The Ruth Pretty Cooking School attracts international guest chefs and students from all over the world.
Otaki
Otaki is one of the oldest urban settlements in the country and is now an attractive town flanked by the hills on one side and the ocean on the other. It services the rural community as well as providing a refreshment stop for many people passing through on the highway - just as in the days of the stagecoach runs between Wellington and Foxton when the beaches were used as roads.
For shoppers, Otaki has a thriving outlet shopping precinct on State Highway 1 that includes many national and international brands. There a number of cafes to frequent while out shopping.
Otaki is the site of both the oldest Catholic Church still in use in New Zealand, St Mary's Pukekaraka Church built in 1851; and Rangiatea, the oldest surviving Anglican Maori Church. Rangiatea was started by the famous Maori Chief of Kapiti, Te Rauparaha, but he died in 1849 before the church was completed. It was tragically destroyed by fire in 1995 but has now been rebuilt.
The Otaki economy is enjoying a period of growth thanks to Te Wananga-o-Raukawa, a unique centre of higher learning devoted to the world of Maori knowledge (Matauranga Maori). This large and growing educational facility promotes group learning with a teaching method based upon knowledge and wisdom passed on by their ancestors.
The dramatic Otaki River Gorge offers views of native bush, walking tracks as well as the more energetic river activities like rafting. You can enjoy pleasant riverside picnic spots or embark on one of several challenging tramps including the Southern Crossing along the Tararua Peaks to Upper Hutt.