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Things to Do with Kids on the Kāpiti Coast

Two children running on the boardwalk in and amongst native bush.
Story Kāpiti Coast
Filled with family-friendly outings, the Kāpiti Coast is perfect for little explorers, curious teens and grown-ups who still know how to have fun.

Paekākāriki to Ōtaki: Your Guide to the Villages of Kāpiti

Pink heritage buildings on the main street of Paekākāriki.
Story Kāpiti Coast

One of the Kāpiti Coast’s greatest strengths is that it never quite feels like one place.

An Insider’s Guide to Waikanae

A red bench among native plantings at Ngā Manu Nature Reserve.
Story Kāpiti Coast

Is there a more relaxed, easygoing spot in the country than Waikanae?

The Shopkeepers of the Kāpiti Coast

Racquel Thomson holding flowers inside Treacle Lane, Raumati Beach.
Story Kāpiti Coast

Sometimes the biggest joy in shopping isn’t browsing the shelves, but learning more about the people who keep them stocked.

Mikey Hurman of ATB: His Guide to Ōtaki

Mikey Hurman in the studio at ATB Tattoo, Ōtaki.
Story Kāpiti Coast

For Mikey Hurman, creativity has never really been a choice – it’s simply how he sees the world.

The Best Cafes for Coffee & Cabinet Treats on the Kāpiti Coast

Customers at the outdoor tables outside Tom Thumb, Paraparaumu Beach.
Story Kāpiti Coast
There are few better combinations than a strong coffee paired with a sweet or savoury cabinet treat.

8 Christmas Destinations to Book Now Across New Zealand

Friends sharing lunch and wine at Crawford Road Kitchen, Gisborne.
Story Central Otago

A summer guide to eight of New Zealand's best holiday destinations, featuring the best places to make a pit stop, pull up a chair, have a mosey or unwind.

Creative Spaces Around New Zealand to Inspire Your Next Mindful Hobby
Story Central Otago

In a world increasingly dominated by screen time, many New Zealanders are seeking out something more tangible. Pottery classes are filling up months in advance, knitting needles are clicking back into fashion, and creative workshops are becoming social occasions in their own right.

Coastin' Through Summer: Your Kāpiti Hotlist

People on the sand beside the water at Paraparaumu Beach.
Story Kāpiti Coast

There are few better places in the lower North Island to spend summer than on the Kāpiti Coast.

The Brewers, Bakers, Roasters and Picklers of the Kāpiti Coast

Man standing at coffee bean roaster.
Story Kāpiti Coast

Craft beer, pickles, coffee, pies, and more, the Kāpiti Coast is humming with fantastic food and beverage makers.

6 Kāpiti Coast Adventures & Where to Treat Yourself Afterwards

A group of people are walking on a track with the ocean in the background.
Story Kāpiti Coast
The Kāpiti Coast is a wild, wonderful section of the Lower North Island, where rivers, bush tracks, and coastal escarpments beckon you out into the fresh air and native habitat. Whether you find yourself at one with the coast, river, forest, or mountain, there’s more than a handful of spots here where you can connect with the beauty of New Zealand's nature.

Plan Your Kāpiti Coast Getaway: 7 Neat Stays

Table and chairs on a balcony overlooking the coastline.
Story Kāpiti Coast
Whether you’re after glamping luxury, off-grid escapes, or boutique hideaways, there’s something to suit every mood and moment on the Kāpiti Coast.

Dining Your Way Around the Kāpiti Coast

Chef finishing plating a dish on the kitchen at 50-50.
Story Kāpiti Coast
Chill community vibes, stunning beaches, and mouthwatering eateries, the Kāpiti Coast has it all.

3 Ultimate Kāpiti Coast Weekend Escapes

Bedroom view of Dreamscape Glamping.
Story Kāpiti Coast

One of the most naturally beautiful parts of the Wellington region, the Kāpiti Coast is blessed with some fantastic attractions - and top-notch accommodation options - for a fun weekend escape.

One of a Kind Finds on the Kāpiti Coast

Artwork exhibition in Artel Gallery & Store.
Story Kāpiti Coast

Looking for that special gift for that special someone? Head on over to the Kāpiti Coast and check out these one-of-a-kind stores.

Places to Recharge & Reflect on the Kāpiti Coast

Outside view of Dreamscape Glamping accommodation.
Story Kāpiti Coast
Whether it’s an art gallery paying homage to local Māori, unique eateries, or a splendid spot of nature, there are plenty of inspiring places on the Kāpiti Coast.

The Kāpiti Coast Businesses Leading the Way in Sustainability

Choose To Reuse Crates at The Bond Store.
Story Kāpiti Coast

Whether it’s clothing, coffee, or glamping, more businesses on the Kāpiti Coast are adopting a sustainability-centric approach.

A Beaches, Brews and Views Guide to Kāpiti Coast

The ocean view along Kāpiti Coast.
Story 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.

Lydia Harfield of Apostle Hot Sauce - Her Guide to Kāpiti Coast

A woman wearing a stripped top smiling.
Story Kāpiti Coast

Meet Kāpiti Coast local Lydia Harfield. She runs Apostle Hot Sauce with her partner Mat; they make a range of noteworthy small-batch chilli-based condiments. Lydia also works as a graphic designer for One & Only Agency, a Kāpiti-based design agency. Here are her picks of the best places to experience on Kāpiti Coast.

48 Hours Kāpiti Coast

Interior view of a white-walled art gallery.
Story 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. Travelling with little ones? See our guide to things to do with kids on the Kāpiti Coast.

Helen Turnbull’s Kāpiti Coast Culinary Vision

A female chef in a restaurant smiling to camera.
Story Kāpiti Coast

Passionate about creating dining experiences that drive connection and inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals, wāhine chef Helen Turnbull is shaping the future of Aotearoa’s food scene.

Paekākāriki

A t-shirt with 'Paekākāriki' printed on the front.
Story Kāpiti Coast
Nestled between the ocean and the hills, Paekākāriki is the southernmost township of the Kāpiti Coast. The offerings of this quaint village are dotted along its main street, aptly named Beach Road. As one end of the popular Escarpment Track, plus a variety of other tracks of various lengths, the village bustles with walkers during the weekends throughout the year, and over the summer months, it attracts herds of beach holidaymakers. The locals of this tiny town are a creative bunch, and if you happen to visit when the monthly market is on, you’ll get to glance at a variety of products and produce from the area. Another way to appreciate its inhabitants is to take the Paekākāriki Arts Walk, which showcases poetry and visual arts by the people who call this special spot home.

The People Behind the Places: Meet the Food & Drink Heroes of Kāpiti Coast

A woman holding Dutch pancakes in front of a white caravan.
Story Kāpiti Coast
While Kāpiti Coast might be more commonly associated with a holiday destination where the classic fish 'n’ chips on the beach scenario is a fit-for-purpose culinary experience, scratch the surface, and you’ll find the region brimming with food and drink locations that will have you toss away the thought of eating off paper.

Paraparaumu

A street in Paraparaumu on a cloudy day.
Neighbourhood Kāpiti Coast

The beating heart of Kāpiti Coast, Paraparaumu, is the unofficial capital of the region. Everything you might need can be found here, from essentials such as banks, supermarkets and cinemas, to back alley breweries, local roasters and authentic dining experiences. True to the nature of the coast, there are also plenty of walks, bike tracks and other outdoor activities to keep visitors entertained.

Paraparaumu Beach is home to a number of quality boutiques, specialty plant stores and destination restaurants. The heart of the village sits right on the seaside, and walking along the streets, you can feel the salt in the air and catch glimpses of the glistening ocean with the silhouette of Kāpiti Island in the distance. Paraparaumu is also the launching spot for tours to Kāpiti Island, one of Aotearoa’s oldest nature reserves.

Beach Boutiques & Village Vibes of Raumati and Paraparaumu Beach

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

Raumati

A colourfully decorated building that houses 'Sunday Cantina' cafe.
Story Kāpiti Coast
Raumati is the Te Reo Māori word for summer, and this is a town that truly shines in the sunshine. The beach, while not directly in view from the village centre, is within reach, and a few minutes stroll will have you walking on golden sand.While the drawcard of this coastal town is naturally the beach itself, the village offers an impressive array of boutiques, gift stores, restaurants and cafeé to keep visitors intrigued. Local artists’ studios give glimpses into the creative side of the town, and the kids can be kept entertained at the Marine Gardens, complete with a water play area. A few minutes' drive from the beach sits Raumati South, a tiny settlement known for its charming eateries. This is where you’ll find live music and chilled vibes most weekends, or a place to grab a coffee to enjoy while strolling through the beach side streets of this unique place.