Coastin' Through Summer: Your Kāpiti Hotlist

People on the sand beside the water at Paraparaumu Beach.
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.
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.
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.
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.

From Playgrounds to Pancakes: Your Kid-Friendly Kāpiti Coast Guide

Two children running on the boardwalk in and amongst native bush.
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.

Dining Your Way Around the Kāpiti Coast

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

The Kāpiti Coast Businesses Leading the Way in Sustainability

Choose To Reuse Crates at The Bond Store.
Kāpiti Coast

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

One of a Kind Finds on the Kāpiti Coast

Artwork exhibition in Artel Gallery & Store.
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.

3 Ultimate Kāpiti Coast Weekend Escapes

Bedroom view of Dreamscape Glamping.
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.

Places to Recharge & Reflect on the Kāpiti Coast

Outside view of Dreamscape Glamping accommodation.
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.

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.

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

A woman wearing a stripped top smiling.
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.

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.

Helen Turnbull’s Kāpiti Coast Culinary Vision

A female chef in a restaurant smiling to camera.
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.

Paraparaumu

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

Take a leisurely stroll around the neat boutiques of Raumati and Paraparaumu Beaches.

Paekākāriki

A t-shirt with 'Paekākāriki' printed on the front.
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.
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.

Raumati

A colourfully decorated building that houses 'Sunday Cantina' cafe.
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.