Avenue Bed and Breakfast guidebook
Awesome things to visit on the Kapiti Coast....
The Kapiti Coast has so much to offer
World class Museum and venue for many events throughout the year.
66 locals recommend
Southward Car Museum
Otaihanga RoadWorld class Museum and venue for many events throughout the year.
A day-trip to visit the island is by permit only (can be arranged and purchased online) in order to preserve the natural habitat of the many unique bird species that live on the island. The north end of the island is privately owned and an overnight stay can be arranged where visitors are taken on a guided night walk to here the Kiwi in their natural environment.
Kapiti Island Marine Reserve
A day-trip to visit the island is by permit only (can be arranged and purchased online) in order to preserve the natural habitat of the many unique bird species that live on the island. The north end of the island is privately owned and an overnight stay can be arranged where visitors are taken on a guided night walk to here the Kiwi in their natural environment.
Museum Of Aviation
227 Kapiti RdThe Kapiti Coast Museum in Waikanae (10 minutes north) is an awesome place to visit to learn about the history of the Kapiti Coast.
Kapiti Coast Museum
9 Elizabeth StThe Kapiti Coast Museum in Waikanae (10 minutes north) is an awesome place to visit to learn about the history of the Kapiti Coast.
Learn about the history of the steam railway in NZ. Working steam engines and a restored signal box are just some of the things to see here. (Paekakariki is just 10 minutes south)
8 locals recommend
Steam Incorporated
219 State Hwy 1Learn about the history of the steam railway in NZ. Working steam engines and a restored signal box are just some of the things to see here. (Paekakariki is just 10 minutes south)
The Kapiti Coast is home to a vast array of artists; painting, drawing, sculpting, pottery, jewelry making, flax weaving, mosaics, glass blowing, stained glass, wood turning..... you name it, we have it. Mahara Gallery is just one of the many places where the locals display and sell their works.
14 locals recommend
Mahara Gallery
20 Mahara PlaceThe Kapiti Coast is home to a vast array of artists; painting, drawing, sculpting, pottery, jewelry making, flax weaving, mosaics, glass blowing, stained glass, wood turning..... you name it, we have it. Mahara Gallery is just one of the many places where the locals display and sell their works.
Big Mac Slabs Creative Centre is an awesome place to visit. Not only do they have outdoor furniture, but a vast selection of quality crafts of all genres all made by local people. If you're looking for a gift or souvenir - this is the place to go!
Big Mac Slabs Creative Centre
289 Mazengarb RdBig Mac Slabs Creative Centre is an awesome place to visit. Not only do they have outdoor furniture, but a vast selection of quality crafts of all genres all made by local people. If you're looking for a gift or souvenir - this is the place to go!
The recently opened Aquatic Centre including hot tub, spa, lane pool and water slide, caters for all age groups and has a café on site.
12 locals recommend
Coastlands Aquatic Centre
10 Brett Ambler WayThe recently opened Aquatic Centre including hot tub, spa, lane pool and water slide, caters for all age groups and has a café on site.
The public domain at Otaihanga is a 15 min walk or 5 min drive from our house. The large tree lined park is great for club gatherings and picnics. The domain is also the gateway to the boardwalk and the Waikanae river trail. A swing bridge spanning the river will take you across to Waikanae Beach.
8 locals recommend
Otaihanga Domain
Makora RoadThe public domain at Otaihanga is a 15 min walk or 5 min drive from our house. The large tree lined park is great for club gatherings and picnics. The domain is also the gateway to the boardwalk and the Waikanae river trail. A swing bridge spanning the river will take you across to Waikanae Beach.
Sightseeing
Kapiti Island dominates the view from of Paraparaumu Beach. Photography is a pastime of many locals and the sunsets can be spectacular. The beach is safe for swimming and walking.
17 locals recommend
Paraparaumu Beach
Kapiti Island dominates the view from of Paraparaumu Beach. Photography is a pastime of many locals and the sunsets can be spectacular. The beach is safe for swimming and walking.
Paekakariki Hill Road Lookout
The views from this lookout are stunning on a clear day.
Wellington City - only an hour away!
Te Papa - our national Museum has a huge range of both static and interactive displays suitable for all ages. The content changes regularly and many of the activities are free.
142 locals recommend
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
55 Cable StTe Papa - our national Museum has a huge range of both static and interactive displays suitable for all ages. The content changes regularly and many of the activities are free.
Wellington's iconic Cable Car departs every ten minutes from Lambton Quay (shopping area) to Upland Road (Botanical Gardens and Observatory) A unique and pleasant way to travel
142 locals recommend
Wellington Cable Car
280 Lambton QuayWellington's iconic Cable Car departs every ten minutes from Lambton Quay (shopping area) to Upland Road (Botanical Gardens and Observatory) A unique and pleasant way to travel
The iconic Westpac Stadium, known locally as the 'cake tin', hosts sporting events, music concerts and shows through out the year. Catch the train from Paraparaumu to save the parking hassles, and the stadium is just a short walk from the north end of the platform!
56 locals recommend
Westpac Stadium
105 Waterloo QuayThe iconic Westpac Stadium, known locally as the 'cake tin', hosts sporting events, music concerts and shows through out the year. Catch the train from Paraparaumu to save the parking hassles, and the stadium is just a short walk from the north end of the platform!
The Interisland Ferry and the Blue Bridge Ferry both depart from Wellington at 4 hour intervals, destination; Picton in the Marlboough Sounds, South Island. The Ferry terminals are a 45 minute drive from Paraparaumu.
42 locals recommend
Wellington Interislander Ferry Terminal station
1 Aotea QuayThe Interisland Ferry and the Blue Bridge Ferry both depart from Wellington at 4 hour intervals, destination; Picton in the Marlboough Sounds, South Island. The Ferry terminals are a 45 minute drive from Paraparaumu.
Both domestic and international terminals are located at the South end of Wellington. An hour away - but allow more time in rush hour traffic.
55 locals recommend
Wellington International Airport
Stewart Duff DriveBoth domestic and international terminals are located at the South end of Wellington. An hour away - but allow more time in rush hour traffic.
Cuba Street
151 Cuba St
Lambton Quay
Lambton QuayFood scene
Paraparaumu beach has many cafes, restaurants to suit most tastes and budgets.
Our 'local' is the Jolly Pub and Kitchen, just a short walk around the corner! The food, staff and atmosphere are lovely.
Alternatively, there are cafes and restaurants at Paraparaumu Beach, Raumati Beach, Kapiti Road, Paekakariki and Waikanae and Waikanae Beach. A wide variety of tastes, styles and budgets are catered for on the Kapiti Coast!
Jolly Pub
93 Mazengarb RdOur 'local' is the Jolly Pub and Kitchen, just a short walk around the corner! The food, staff and atmosphere are lovely.
Alternatively, there are cafes and restaurants at Paraparaumu Beach, Raumati Beach, Kapiti Road, Paekakariki and Waikanae and Waikanae Beach. A wide variety of tastes, styles and budgets are catered for on the Kapiti Coast!
Tables line the street opposite the beach. The food, view and atmosphere are all fantastic!
17 locals recommend
Paraparaumu Beach
Tables line the street opposite the beach. The food, view and atmosphere are all fantastic!
Walking, Cycling & Swimming
Bush walking and cycling are popular activities in NZ. We have many tracks nearby to suit all levels of fitness.
The Escarpment walkway follows the main highway between Paekakariki and Pukerua Bay. Starting at road level the narrow track climbs slowly up to where (on a fine day) spectacular views of Kapiti Island and the northern end of the South Island can be enjoyed. Walk there and back in 4 hours, or take the train one way.
59 locals recommend
Escarpment Walkaway
State Highway 1The Escarpment walkway follows the main highway between Paekakariki and Pukerua Bay. Starting at road level the narrow track climbs slowly up to where (on a fine day) spectacular views of Kapiti Island and the northern end of the South Island can be enjoyed. Walk there and back in 4 hours, or take the train one way.
The park has several signposted tracks. Take the coastal route where you can admire Kapiti Island, or one of the inland routes through farmland, past the Model Aeroplane club rooms, and over the tram tracks. QE2 park is accessible from several points in Raumati South, McKays Crossing and Paekakariki. The wide sealed tracks are great for both walking and cycling
43 locals recommend
Queen Elizabeth Park
The park has several signposted tracks. Take the coastal route where you can admire Kapiti Island, or one of the inland routes through farmland, past the Model Aeroplane club rooms, and over the tram tracks. QE2 park is accessible from several points in Raumati South, McKays Crossing and Paekakariki. The wide sealed tracks are great for both walking and cycling
The Waikanae River trail is an easy, flat walking or cycling track. 3 bridges cross the river enabling you to choose the length of your walk. It's a popular track which is accessible from may points along the way. Otaihanga Domain is a good starting place with plenty of parking.
12 locals recommend
Waikanae River
The Waikanae River trail is an easy, flat walking or cycling track. 3 bridges cross the river enabling you to choose the length of your walk. It's a popular track which is accessible from may points along the way. Otaihanga Domain is a good starting place with plenty of parking.
The boardwalk snakes through the Waikanae River Estuary which is home to many birds. It is a pleasant, flat walk accessible from several streets at the north end of Paraparaumu Beach.
14 locals recommend
Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve
The boardwalk snakes through the Waikanae River Estuary which is home to many birds. It is a pleasant, flat walk accessible from several streets at the north end of Paraparaumu Beach.
For serious trampers/hikers, Otaki forks is the gateway to the Tararua Ranges where tracks and trails traverse the hills north and south. Always take emergency supplies, and check the weather before setting off.
16 locals recommend
Otaki Forks
Otaki Gorge RoadFor serious trampers/hikers, Otaki forks is the gateway to the Tararua Ranges where tracks and trails traverse the hills north and south. Always take emergency supplies, and check the weather before setting off.
City advice
Customs and culture
Ask you hosts for help, advice, directions or recommendations - we're happy to help.
We've lived on the Kapiti Coast for over 30 years and we have traveled in other countries too. We'd love your experience here to be the best it can be and we'll do whatever we can to help you make the most of your trip.