Kāpiti Coast
A family sits on Raumati beach on the sand under an umbrella. Kapiti Island is in the background.

Welcome to Kāpiti, Wellington's coastal escape. Here the sun shines brighter, sunsets are unrivalled, all just a quick skip from the hustle and hurry of the city. Whether you’re hitting the trails, chilling with a flat white, or just enjoying the sand between your toes, this 40km slice of heaven is waiting for your footprints.

Discover more of Kāpiti Coast

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Drone shot above Tunapo Escape, in Paekakākāriki at sunset, with Kapiti Island in the background.

Discover the charms of the Kāpiti Coast

The Kāpiti Coast stretches across 40km of curved coastline, from Paekākāriki to Ōtaki. Charming towns and sunny beaches entice those wanting to escape the city.

An exterior shot of the Holtoms art gallery in paekākāriki, a gorgeous old pink building with orange trim.

Paekākāriki: Where nature beckons, art flourishes and coastal vibes converge

Just up the Coast from the city, Paekākāriki is famous for its beaches and stunning views from the Escarpment Track.

People sitting outside the Kāpiti Raumati shops, with flowers, veggies and vintage chairs outside.

Raumati: Discover boutique treasures and coastal village charm

Raumati is summertime in a township. The stretch of Kāpiti Coast is vibrant, charming, and ready to welcome anyone looking for something unexpected.

People walking along the sand dune path onto Paraparaumu beach at sunset, Kapiti island seen offshore.

Paraparaumu: The heart of the Coast

Get to know the Kāpiti Coast through its biggest township, Paraparaumu. There’s plenty of shopping and places to eat, as well as outdoor activities.

People walking along the sand dune path onto Paraparaumu beach, Kapiti island seen offshore.

Waikanae: A delightful beachside community

The pairing of Waikanae and its satellite settlement Waikanae Beach make for another idyllic Kāpiti Coast setting.

A drone shot of where the Ōtaki river meets the ocean, at sunset with Kapiti island in the distance.

Ōtaki: A small town with a long history and strong Māori identity

Ōtaki attractions include Rangiātea Church, the Ōtaki Forks, and Tararua Forest Park. It's home to Te Wānanga o Raukawa University and Māoriland Film Festival.

Top things to do in Kāpiti Coast

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An adult and two children stand, looking at a red vintage convertible Ferrari in the Southward Car Museum in Otaihanga, Paraparaumu.

Top things to see and do in Kāpiti

Discover the top things to see and do on the Kāpiti Coast. From nature experiences to scenic flights, and the largest private car collection in Australasia.

Two people sit in tall grass and admire a scenic vista with Kapiti Island in the background.

24 hours in the Kāpiti Coast

If you only have a day to spend in the Kāpiti Coast then you’ll need to get cracking. The sunny coast has a great selection of things to see, do, and eat.

Four adults sit together at a table on the patio at Long Beach Tavern, located in Waikanae Beach, New Zealand.

Grab a drink up the Coast

Enjoy craft beer and cocktails on the Kāpiti Coast, paired perfectly with stunning sea views for a memorable experience.

The interior of Raumati social club, customers sitting at tables and the bar staff making drinks behind the bar. A shelf of wine and spirit bottles is seen behind the bar.

Soul-warming food on the Kāpiti Coast

The Kāpiti Coast is full of cosy restaurants, cafés, bars, breweries, and bakeries. You can find delicious food and soul-warming meals up and down the Coast.

A family walks through kapiti island with green bush and blue water surrounding them.

Kapiti Island

Kapiti Island is a 20-minute ferry from Paraparaumu Beach. A dominant feature of the Kapiti coastline, the reserve is home to many endangered species.

Tunapo escape high on the hills of Paekākāriki, overlooking Pukerua bay.

Glamping and Boutique coastal getaways in the Kāpiti Coast

Experience Kāpiti Coast Glamping & Boutique Accommodation on NZ’s North Island. Discover Luxury Glamping Spots Perfect for Relaxing Escapes Near Wellington.

Kāpiti Coast trails

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Two people walking along a swing bridge between two hillsides on the Escarpment track above the Kāpiti Coast.

Top trails on the Kāpiti Coast

Escape the city and explore the best trails on the Kāpiti Coast. From the Waikanae River to the rugged Escarpment Track, find your next outdoor adventure here.

Two people walking down wooden steps on the Escarpment Track. The coastal road in the background has many cars on it, and nearby are large rocky outcrops on the shoreline.

Escarpment Track

The Escarpment Track runs from Paekakariki to Pukerua Bay. An intermediate-level walk. One of Wellington's best walking experiences with views to Kapiti Island.

Four people ride bicycles on a path in Queen Elizabeth Regional Park in the Paraparaumu, New Zealand surrounded by nature.

Coast 35

Coast35 is a new trail connecting Paekākāriki and Ōtaki. The wide, off-road sealed pathway is suitable for walking, running, cycling, and horse riding.

A drone shot of where the Ōtaki river meets the ocean, at sunset with Kapiti island in the distance.

Ōtaki River Trail

Follow the banks of the Ōtaki River on this popular walking and biking trail, with views of the coastline, river, and the Tararua Range.

A drone shot of three people walking on the Waikanae Estuary Track.

Waikanae Link Track

The Waikanae Link track is an easy walk through the Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve. It is home to over 60 species of native birds and plant life.

The beach at Queen Elizabeth Regional Park in the Kāpiti Coast with a view of Kapiti Island.

Coastal Track

Queen Elizabeth ParkCoastal Track on the Kāpiti Coast is an easy trail through sand dunes. Take in the sea views, enjoy bird watching or find a spot to rest, play, and swim.