Blessed with beaches, landscape
and a microclimate unlike any other in the Wellington Region,
the Kapiti Coast has become one of the most desirable locations
in New Zealand to live. Uniquely sheltered from prevailing
winds, between the massive Tararua ranges and Kapiti Island,
the Kapiti region often experiences temperatures that are
1 - 2 degrees warmer than Wellington City.
Just 40 minutes from New Zealand’s Capital City, Wellington,
the spectacular Kapiti Coast has become an excellent destination
for families, retirees, and anyone wishing to get the most
from the this friendly coastal environment.
Sandy beaches span the entire length of the coast, with
beach and village shops dotted along the way. Each of the
regions towns are accentuated by their own very individual
character.
Kapiti’s most iconic images can be seen frequently
as the sun goes and touches the edge of Kapiti Island and
the ocean. These spellbinding sunsets have become the inspiration
for many local artists and admirers of living art.
Visitors and residents of Kapiti are spoilt for choice with
a wealth of things to do and places to visit. Activities
cater for the most fearless and the faint hearted, providing
excellent resources to meet and mix with likeminded people.
Waikanae
Once just a place for holidays or retirement, Waikanae is now a solid community
with over 4,500 perminant homes. Its beautiful homes and gardens still attract
many people to retire to the town and holiday homes still feature along the
beachfront, but there are now also many young families here.
Waikanae Beach
Safe surf and wide sweeping sand are perfect for lazy days on the beach. Or
for a great family day out, the Waikanae Outdoor pools offer something for
everyone. The Waikanae river running to the south of the town, is a landmark
for the locals, providing swimming holes, walkways and popular whitebait
spots.
Paekakariki
Known for its artists, crafts people and coastline, paekakariki is an interesting
place for both residents and visitors. The tiny community creates a charming
village atmosphere with cafes, the one eye art gallery, the steam museum
plus the sea right outside the door for many residents.
Paekakariki provides any number of activities from fishing, boating and swimming,
to walks and picnics in queen Elizabeth park with its wetlands and spectacular
dune formations.
Just 10minutes drive to Paraparaumu, Paekakariki is only a short distance from
Porirua, Wellington and the Hutt Valley, with many residents commuting to work
by car or train. The Paekakariki hill road provides a scenic alternative to
state highway one, steeply climbing to reveal spectacular views along the Kapiti
Coast.
Paraparaumu
Originally a seaside town for Wellingtonian weekenders, the town has developed
steadily to a population of approximately 42,000 (2001 Census), 32% of whom
commute to the city
Famous for its fabulous natural beach promenade, some great
cafes, an internationally known golf course, some of New
Zealand's top retirement village complexes, its local airline – air2there
which can link residents to the major cities of New Zealand
quickly and efficiently, the town has plenty to offer. Other
resources include: coastlands shopping centre, southwards
car museum, and superb lawn bowls clubs with their own in
house New Zealand Champions!
Raumati
The two small communities of Raumati South and Raumati Beach lie off state
highway one, just a few minutes drive south of the regions main centre, Paraparaumu.
Raumati has a long, driftwood-strewn beach with unobstructed views to Kapiti
island. An indoor swimming pool next to the beach and an attractive park with
a childrens playground and miniature railway make this a popular place for
families.
The village shopping centre has art, craft and second hand
outlets and great cafes. The village is undergoing a major
redesign expected to be completed within this decade and
will comprise boutique style cinemas, designer shopping,
cafes, and wineries.
There are very good primary schools in Raumati Beach and
Raumati South and several excellent kindergartens and childcare
centres. Kapiti college caters for the area of secondary
education.
Otaihanga
This small, quiet rural feeling village is only a ten minute drive to coastlands
shopping mall and the train station. Numerous walkways and cycle tracks link
Otiahanga to both Paraparaumu and Waikanae with ease.
The domain at Otiahanga offers a great recreation area for families that enjoy
the outdoors with access to the Waikanae river for white baiting, kayaking,
walks and cycling, The bus service runs from Otaihanga, which falls in the
school zones for Paraparaumu college. |
