Leave Wellington behind for a weekend of beach walks, village cafés and an island on the horizon. In Paraparaumu Beach, you can keep your plans simple: one outing, a good lunch and time by the water.
There is plenty to explore from Paraparaumu Beach. The village, coastline and golf course are close together, while island visits and forest walks give you plenty to explore further afield. At Wrights by the Sea, the beach is 200 metres away.
Arrive with a little time to spare
Allow around an hour from Wellington by car, depending on traffic and where you start. You can also take the Kāpiti Line to Paraparaumu and continue to the beach by local bus or taxi. Check current timetables before travelling, particularly at weekends.
After checking in, take a short walk towards the village. Get your bearings, find somewhere for dinner and ease into the weekend. The island is a striking presence on the horizon whatever the season; a clear evening can bring a beautiful sunset across the water.
Plan a day out
An island visit is a memorable centrepiece for a weekend. Kāpiti Island is a protected nature reserve, reached with an authorised tour operator. Arrange your trip ahead of time and allow some flexibility: departures depend on the weather and sea conditions.
For a day on the mainland, consider the native bush and wildlife at Ngā Manu Nature Reserve, or the walking and cycling routes around Queen Elizabeth Park. A round at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club is another option; contact the club for visitor bookings and availability.
You do not need to fit everything into one visit. One outing, followed by a long lunch or a walk by the water, can be enough.
Make time for the village
Paraparaumu Beach has cafés, restaurants and shops to explore. On a market morning, the village is a good place to pick up something local and enjoy a slower start. Market days, opening hours and menus can change, so check with the venue when planning around a particular stop.
Our coast and dining guides bring together places around Paraparaumu and the surrounding villages. They are a starting point for your own day out, whether you are travelling with children, meeting friends or visiting on your own.
Choose your accommodation
Wrights by the Sea has studios, family units and one bedroom apartments. Compare the bed arrangements, cooking facilities and outdoor space before choosing. If stairs, a particular floor or a specific room matter to your stay, speak with us before booking so we can help with the right arrangement.
Book through our direct booking page to see current availability and the conditions attached to your chosen rate. Contact us if you need help choosing a room.
