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

Need the kids to burn off some energy? The freshly redeveloped Maclean Park is the perfect place to take them. The skate park now boasts a flow bowl, mini-ramp with spine, jump-box, street features, and smaller obstacles for beginners, meaning there’s plenty to explore for skaters of all levels. Meanwhile, the marine-themed playground and open green spaces make it easy to combine skating or scootering with a picnic and gentler play for the littler ones. Wedged between Paraparaumu Beach and the Marine Parade eateries, it’s a good base for a family day out.

A natural wonderland for adventurers young and old, who love wildlife and plants. Ngā Manu is a 14-ha reserve in Waikanae preserving coastal swamp forest and home to many native bird species, including kākā, tūī, scaup, and more. You’ll also find enclosures for tuatara; a nocturnal house with kiwi and morepork, lakes, ponds, forest walks, and a visitor centre. It’s educational, relatively compact, and full of surprises in the form of bridges, bird hides, and lookouts, ideal for a half-day adventure. Great for all ages, and especially for those who like spotting birds or learning about the bush.

A shining green jewel in the Kāpiti Coast’s crown, there’s plenty to do at Queen Elizabeth Park to fill a day trip. An array of dunes, wetlands, forest, picnic areas, and beaches means there’s a wide range of terrain to explore. One of the highlights is the Te Ara o Whareroa shared path: a sealed track winding from Paekākāriki through Queen Elizabeth Park up to Raumati. It’s a perfect way to take in the natural diversity and views of the Coast, whether you’re on a bike or more keen for a gentle stroll.

Photo credit: Capture Studios

In fact, there really is no shortage of top-notch walking tracks on the Kāpiti Coast, and the Waikanae River Trail is one of the picks of the bunch. A secluded, picturesque track that takes you along the banks of the Waikanae River, it’s a good option if you’re after something gentle, scenic, and of varying lengths to suit your family. It’s a popular trail for horse riders, so keep an eye out for the gentle creatures along the way, and take advantage of the safe swimming spots where you can cool off.

One of the most popular swimming spots in the region, Paekākāriki Beach has that relaxed coastal vibe: plenty of space for the kids to run, picnic, swim, or dig in the sand. With a low tide, it’s incredibly safe for swimming, and the soft sand is practically tailor-made for building sand castles. There are also nearby walks to explore, and you can refuel and recharge at one of the cafes or restaurants at Paekākāriki village. 

Photo credit: Capture Studios

Keen to splash around a bit, but away from the beach? These two fantastic pools will have you sorted. Coastlands Aquatic Centre boasts heated indoor pools, toddler pools, and of course, a hydroslide, providing loads of fun for kids of all ages. Meanwhile, the outdoor Waikanae Pool is a summer classic, featuring its own hydroslide and lush green areas for parents to unwind while keeping an eye on the kids. Top tip: you can book a gazebo (along with tables and bean bags) in advance for the ultimate comfort and relaxation.

A lovely little treat stop for those with a sweet tooth. Montfoort is a family-owned Dutch sweets caravan in Paraparaumu that whips up delicious poffertjes (Dutch pancakes), stroopwafels, and other sweet bites made from scratch. Kids will love watching the treats being made and choosing their own toppings (think fresh lemon curd, salted caramel, and more). The ideal reward after a long walk, or a sugary morning-pick-me-up.

A real institution in the Wellington region’s pick-your-own (PYO) fruit and vege scene. There’s plenty to pick and explore at Penray Gardens depending on the season, from strawberries, plums, apples, and pears to courgettes, red onions, tomatoes and chillies. After they’re done trawling through the rows of fresh, tantalising produce, kids can tuck into that quintessential Kiwi classic: a cone of real fruit ice cream.

A fun, quirky little spot with plenty to see (and eat and drink), Bus Stop Cafe is a hit with families. It’s a mere stone’s throw from Te Horo Beach, so the perfect place to grab a snack after soaking in the sea vibes. Wander through the luscious garden, coffee in hand, and you might even spot the cafe owner’s alpacas chilling in the paddock over the fence. Dogs are welcome too, so feel free to bring them along for the ride.

A Kāpiti Coast icon, Southward Car Museum is home to one of the southern hemisphere’s largest private car collections, with over 400 vintage and classic vehicles housed in a striking purpose-built space. Beyond the cars, there’s a café, gardens and kids’ holiday programmes that make life easy for both kids and parents.