A retro pink and red building on a cloudy day.

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.

48 Hours Kāpiti Coast

Interior view of a white-walled art gallery.

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.

Falcon Ridge

Outside view of Falcon Ridge.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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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

Weaved bags and mats on display inside a gallery.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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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

A large gallery full of colourful works of art.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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Toi Matarau is a gallery within the Māoriland Hub in the heart of Ōtaki village.

Montfoort

A Dutch Pancakes caravan.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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Montfoort has a simple yet exciting mission: to showcase the very best of sweet Dutch street food.

Dreamscape Glamping

Black bath tubs and a small hut.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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Perched on a hill overlooking Waikanae and the Kāpiti Island, a unique accommodation experience awaits.

Joe & Joy

A large glass cabinet at the counter of Joe and Joy cafe.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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Joe & Joy is a husband-wife-run bakery and cafe in the heart of Waikanae village.

Long Beach Tavern

Graffiti art on an exterior wall.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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The ultimate community restaurant, Long Beach, is a Waikanae institution.

The Lockup

The outdoor seating are at the Lock Up in Kapiti.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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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.

Hendrix Lifestyle Store

A woman working behind a white counter in a beautifully decorate store.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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Located just minutes from the beach at Waikanae, Hendrix Home & Lifestyle Store is a one-stop shop for all your seaside living needs.

Bus Stop Cafe

A vintage living room sitting next to large windows.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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Bus Stop Cafe is a hidden secret, a stone's throw away from Te Horo Beach.

The Salt and Wood Collective

Loaded fries and other plates of food on an outdoor table.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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A self-acclaimed carnivore haven, The Salt and Wood Collective in Waikanae is all about big, bold, meaty meals.

Penray Gardens

A fruit and vegetable display inside a large barn.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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Penray Gardens is a pick-your-own paradise located in Ōtaki on the Kāpiti Coast.

A Beaches, Brews and Views Guide to Kāpiti Coast

The ocean view along Kāpiti Coast.
Kāpiti Coast is renowned for its stunning views, beautiful coastline and petite villages brimming with interesting discoveries. Tucked between the mountainous Tararua Range and the Pacific Ocean, this narrow strip of land is home to creative communities, bakers and brewers, nature lovers and ocean enthusiasts, culinary aficionados, and those in search of a slower pace of life.

Duncan's Brewing Company

A decorative wall behind beer taps at Duncan's.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu Editor's Pick
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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

The exterior of Raumati Social Club.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu
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Everything from an early risers' coffee stop to a late-night live music venue.

The Wilderness

Flowers and candles on display on white shelves inside The Wilderness.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu Editor's Pick
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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.

Passo

A colourful mural on the wall inside Passo.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu
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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.

Beach Boutiques & Village Vibes of Raumati and Paraparaumu Beach

The green, pink and grey exterior of The Wilderness florist store in Paraparaumu.
Take a leisurely stroll around the neat boutiques of Raumati and Paraparaumu Beaches.

Dark Horse

Customers chatting at tables outside the cafe.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu
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Dark Horse artisan coffee roaster is committed to sustainable practices; its ethos is to Leave Less Hoofprints.

Beach Road Deli

The brightly lit interior of Beach Road Deli on a sunny day.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paekākāriki Editor's Pick
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A bright and beachy café offering great coffee and quality kai in the cute seaside town of Paekākāriki.

Sunday Cantina

A close up of a falafel bowl on a white table.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu
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A delightful café in Raumati South providing customers with healthy, fresh food in a cheerful environment.

Milk + Ginger

Clothes, shoes and bottles hung on wooden display racks and shelves.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu
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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.

Salty's Diner

A close up of a burger on a table.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu Editor's Pick
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A hybrid between a pub and a restaurant, Salty's is an experience not to be missed while visiting the Kāpiti Coast.

50-50

A woman sitting at the counter inside a dimly lit restaurant.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu Editor's Pick
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Located in the heart of Paraparaumu Beach township, 50-50 is a destination restaurant with a dining experience not to be missed.

Olde Beach Bakery

A view of the inside of Olde Beach Bakery on sunny day.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paekākāriki
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Olde Beach Bakery pumps out delicious baked goods in the heart of Paekākāriki for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike.