WRIGHTS BY THE SEA / THE LOCAL GUIDE
Make a day of it: visit the island, walk through native forest or explore the coast. Start with the map and find an outing to suit your stay.
387–389 Kapiti Road
Paraparaumu Beach
GET TO KNOW THE AREA
The Kāpiti Coast lies north of Wellington, along the lower North Island. Explore Paekākāriki, Raumati, Paraparaumu, Waikanae, Te Horo and Ōtaki, each with its own stretch of coast and places to stop.
Wrights by the Sea is in Paraparaumu Beach, on Kapiti Road. From here, plan an island visit, a round of golf, a day in the forest or an afternoon in the village.
EXPLORE THE AREA
01 / ON THE WATER
Take the boat from Paraparaumu Beach to an island of native forest and rare birds. Join a guided walk with Kāpiti Island Nature Tours, or look into an overnight stay at their lodge.
Book with an authorised operator. Sailings depend on sea and weather conditions.
Departures: Kāpiti Boating Club, Paraparaumu BeachPlan an island visit02 / IN THE FOREST
Follow the paths through native forest at Ngā Manu in Waikanae. Visit the native bird aviaries and nocturnal house, or see the forest from above at Piki’s Perch.
Check the reserve’s website for visitor information, guided experiences and current opening times.
74 Ngā Manu Reserve Road, WaikanaeVisit Ngā Manu03 / A RAINY-DAY DISCOVERY
Spend an afternoon among classic cars, motorcycles and motoring history. The Southward collection also includes aircraft, with a café, shop and grounds to explore around the museum.
See the museum’s visitor information for current tickets and opening times.
250 Otaihanga Road, ParaparaumuExplore the collection04 / ON THE LINKS
Designed by Alex Russell, this links course is close to the motel on Kapiti Road. The coastal wind and natural contours are part of the challenge.
Arrange a visitor tee time with the golf club before you arrive.
376 Kapiti Road, Paraparaumu BeachArrange a round05 / AROUND THE VILLAGE
Browse local produce, flowers and artisan food at the Saturday market on Maclean Street. Afterwards, head to Marine Parade for a coffee or a walk by the beach.
The market is held on Saturday mornings. Check the local listing before making a special trip.
Maclean Street, Paraparaumu BeachSee the market guide06 / IN TOWN
Head to Coastlands in Paraparaumu for shopping, a meal or everyday essentials.
Use the centre’s directory to check stores, food options and current hours.
Coastlands Parade, ParaparaumuBrowse the centre07 / ABOVE THE COAST
Walk high above the coast between Paekākāriki and Pukerua Bay, with open views towards Kāpiti Island. Plan a one-way walk with a train journey back.
Steep, narrow and exposed, with many steps. Check Te Araroa’s current track conditions and suitability before setting out. Directions start at Paekākāriki station.
Start planning at Paekākāriki railway stationRead the track guide08 / A SWIM AND A SLIDE
Go for a swim, take a turn on the hydroslide or spend time in the toddler pool at Coastlands Aquatic Centre. The indoor centre also has a lane pool, a programmes pool and an on-site café.
Check current pool hours and activities before visiting. The hydroslide can be opened on request; age and supervision rules apply.
10 Brett Ambler Way, ParaparaumuPlan a swim