Just a quick drive north from the capital, Kāpiti Coast is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The district stretches from Paekākāriki in the south to Ōtaki in the north and covers a forty kilometre stretch of the unique coastline. Famous as a nature playground that draws in city-dwellers during weekends and holidays, this is the perfect getaway destination for unwinding and relaxing.
The stunning Kāpiti Island takes centre stage along the coast, and there is nothing quite like a stroll on the beach when the sun dips behind the rolling hills of the motu, or an early morning dip in the sea with the sun rising up above the Tararua ranges.
Miles of uncrowded sandy beaches, hill walks with world class views, bush tracks that transport you to another realm, tail-wagging worthy dog-friendly trails, adrenaline inducing mountain bike tracks, gentle surf waves and more await you here.
Dotted with quaint small towns within easy reach of one another, Kāpiti Coast offers plenty to explore on top of the great outdoors. Personable cafes, quirky bars, high end restaurants, slow fashion outlets and gift stores galore are ready to be discovered within the numerous hubs.
Take the time to wander through this region, get to know its hidden gems and let it surprise you.
3 Ultimate Kāpiti Coast Weekend Escapes
Books & Co
The best stories are often found off the beaten track, and just off State Highway 1 in Ōtaki you’ll find Books & Co – one of the region’s neatest...
Cranfields
Cranfields has been making a case for buying better things since 1991.
House of Puck
Raumati Beach’s House of Puck is a treasure trove of colour, character, and curiosities, where the joy is as much in the hunt as it is in the find.
Treacle Lane
Standing proudly at the heart of the Raumati Village shopping precinct, Treacle Lane is the kind of shop that refuses to be boxed into a category.
Big Mac Slabs Creative Centre
The best kinds of creative spaces don’t ask you to admire from a distance; they invite you to wander, wonder, and see the world a little differently.
Commonsense Kāpiti
A household name in New Zealand’s organic food scene, Commonsense has been making ethical shopping feel refreshingly accessible for decades.
ATB Tattoo Studio
Nestled in a quiet corner of Ōtaki, ATB is the kind of creative space where you come in for a tattoo and end up staying for the conversation and maybe even a coffee and a...
The Big Egg Ōtaki
A dozen eggs might be what brings you through the door, but at The Big Egg, it’s rarely the only thing that makes it into the basket.
The Custard Pie
Camped neatly beside a local church with ample parking available, The Custard Pie is the kind of sweet, sugar-filled discovery that makes you sing Hallelujah.
The Hide Kāpiti
A stay at The Hide Kāpiti is an invitation to slow down, switch off, and reconnect with the things that matter - with just the right dash of luxury thrown in.
Boss Bagels
Refreshingly uninterested in taking itself too seriously, Boss Bagels arrived on the Kāpiti Coast with one mission - to turn the humble bagel into a proper meal.
Kōwhai Eatery
Bright and breezy, Kōwhai Eatery captures everything that’s good about sunny Ōtaki, from its exquisitely plated dishes to the friendly crew who deliver service with a...
48 Hours Kāpiti Coast
Panoramic views across the ocean, endless sandy beaches, delightful small villages dotted with art galleries, boutiques and cafes, plenty of outdoor activities and world-class accommodation options – it's no wonder Kāpiti Coast is turning into a holiday destination for lots of folks well beyond the capital region.
Ngā Manu Nature Reserve
On the fringes of Waikanae, you’ll find Ngā Manu Nature Reserve, a green oasis alive with birdsong, shimmering ponds, and dense native forest.
The Wobbly Pot
Housed in a once derelict 1930s building, The Wobbly Pot breathes more than a new lease of life into this corner of Paekākāriki.
Love Stomp
Coffee and fresh flowers, a combination that just makes sense, the more you think about it.
The Roastery
Who knew Paraparaumu’s coffee scene was this good. You’ll find one of the picks of the bunch at The Roastery, set in a converted warehouse on Sheffield Street.
6 Kāpiti Coast Adventures & Where to Treat Yourself Afterwards
Soul Pilates
Soul Pilates brings something fresh to the Kāpiti Coast: a studio that’s as much about good vibes as it is about strong movement.
NZ Native Oils
Hidden away in Otaihanga, NZ Native Oils is a place where the world slows down, where you’re invited to heal through the pure goodness of natural remedies.
Lustre Kitchen and Dining
Lustre Kitchen and Dining is a hidden gem in Paraparaumu that oozes class and indulgence, where rustic and contemporary flair come together for a truly special venue for any...
WineCraft
It’s instantly clear that WineCraft in Paraparaumu isn’t your usual bottle shop.
The Sauna Project Kāpiti
If there was ever a way to make the splendorous Waikanae Beach even better, the team at The Sauna Project Kāpiti have cracked it: by adding a portable sauna right by the...
Te Hāpua Coastal Glamping
Nestled on a secluded slice of the stunning Kāpiti coastline, Te Hāpua Coastal Glamping is a serene retreat that brings Mediterranean flair to the outskirts of Wellington.
Artel Gallery & Store
Is this the most colourful corner in Waikanae? It could well be, and a visit to Artel Gallery + Store is sure to be a treat for art lovers from around the Kāpiti Coast and...
Tom Thumb
Blending a tight-knit community space with unique local retail offerings and fantastic food and drink, Tom Thumb on the Kāpiti Coast is so much more than your local coffee spot.
VVITCHMOUNTAIN
Venture into the depths of Ōtaki in the Kāpiti Coast and you’ll discover VVITCHMOUNTAIN, a one-of-a-kind boutique that welcomes all those exploring the world of...
Olde Beach Bakery Waikanae
It didn’t take long for Olde Beach Bakery to find a winning formula: a lively, community vibe coupled with some of the best baked goods you’ll find on the Kāpiti...
Seaside Skates
Get your skates on and head along to Paraparaumu’s Seaside Skates, a quirky little outfit that’s easily one of the hippest shops on the Kāpiti Coast.
The Bond Store
Nestled in the heart of Paraparaumu’s industrial precinct, The Bond Store is a quirky distillery that brings a splash of colour, energy, and irresistibly good spirits...
8 Christmas Destinations to Book Now Across New Zealand
Seriously Pickled
A nod to the sheer social power of good food and its ability to bring people together, Seriously Pickled is a small but mighty food business that’s based in...
Falcon Ridge
Just 45 minutes from central Wellington, perched high atop the hills behind Paraparaumu, you’ll find Falcon Ridge - a classy, cosy getaway that immerses you in the...
Toi MAHARA
Toi MAHARA is the district public gallery for the Kāpiti Coast. It stands in pride of place in the heart of Waikanae in a purpose-built building designed by Athfield Architects.
Toi Matarau
Toi Matarau is a gallery within the Māoriland Hub in the heart of Ōtaki village.
A Beaches, Brews and Views Guide to Kāpiti Coast
Montfoort
Montfoort has a simple yet exciting mission: to showcase the very best of sweet Dutch street food.
Dreamscape Glamping
Perched on a hill overlooking Waikanae and the Kāpiti Island, a unique accommodation experience awaits.
Joe & Joy
Joe & Joy is a husband-wife-run bakery and cafe in the heart of Waikanae village.
Salt and Wood BBQ
A self-acclaimed carnivore haven, Salt and Wood BBQ in Waikanae is all about big, bold, meaty meals.
Bus Stop Cafe
Bus Stop Cafe is a hidden secret, a stone's throw away from Te Horo Beach.
Hendrix Lifestyle Store
Located just minutes from the beach at Waikanae, Hendrix Home & Lifestyle Store is a one-stop shop for all your seaside living needs.
Long Beach Tavern
The ultimate community restaurant, Long Beach, is a Waikanae institution.
The Lockup
Situated a stone's throw away from the beach at Paraparaumu, The Lockup is the ultimate ocean-side cafe, complete with a large outdoor area and a chilled vibe.
Penray Gardens
Penray Gardens is a pick-your-own paradise located in Ōtaki on the Kāpiti Coast.
The Wilderness
Stunning seasonal blooms, dried floral installations, indoor plants, terrariums, candles, chocolate… it’s well worth popping in to admire all the lovely items in The Wilderness.
Duncan's Brewing Company
Known for dessert-style beers of sours and stouts, Duncan’s is on a mission to create wacky and interesting flavours that surprise and arouse curiosity.
The Raumati Social Club
Everything from an early risers' coffee stop to a late-night live music venue.
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Dark Horse
Dark Horse artisan coffee roaster is committed to sustainable practices; its ethos is to Leave Less Hoofprints.
Passo
You wouldn’t expect to stumble upon an authentic Sicilian restaurant serving up mouthwatering dishes in the heart of Paraparaumu, but Passo is here to challenge your expectations.
50-50
Located in the heart of Paraparaumu Beach township, 50-50 is a destination restaurant with a dining experience not to be missed.
Milk + Ginger
A hub of quality, affordable fashion and lifestyle in the heart of Raumati Beach, Milk + Ginger is a store well worth visiting when in town.
Beach Boutiques & Village Vibes of Raumati and Paraparaumu Beach
Beach Road Deli
A bright and beachy café offering great coffee and quality kai in the cute seaside town of Paekākāriki.
Olde Beach Bakery Paekākāriki
Olde Beach Bakery Paekākāriki pumps out delicious baked goods in the heart of Paekākāriki for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike.
