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
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.
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...
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...
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.
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.
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...
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.
Montfoort
Montfoort has a simple yet exciting mission: to showcase the very best of sweet Dutch street food.
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.
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.
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.
A Beaches, Brews and Views Guide to Kāpiti Coast
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.
The Salt and Wood Collective
A self-acclaimed carnivore haven, The Salt and Wood Collective in Waikanae is all about big, bold, meaty meals.
Penray Gardens
Penray Gardens is a pick-your-own paradise located in Ōtaki on the Kāpiti Coast.
The Raumati Social Club
Everything from an early risers' coffee stop to a late-night live music venue.
Dark Horse
Dark Horse artisan coffee roaster is committed to sustainable practices; its ethos is to Leave Less Hoofprints.
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.
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.
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.
Sunday Cantina
A delightful café in Raumati South providing customers with healthy, fresh food in a cheerful environment.
Salty's Diner
A hybrid between a pub and a restaurant, Salty's is an experience not to be missed while visiting the Kāpiti Coast.
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.
50-50
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
Olde Beach Bakery pumps out delicious baked goods in the heart of Paekākāriki for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike.
